O’Melveny Announces New Transactions Practice Group Leaders

June 10, 2011  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Piper Hall
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
202.220.5022
202-870-1800 (cell)
phall@omm.com

Sonja Steptoe
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
213.430.6384
323.578.1586 (cell)
ssteptoe@omm.com


LOS ANGELES, CA ─ June 10, 2011 ─ O’Melveny & Myers LLP has announced that four of its transactions lawyers will assume firmwide leadership roles, effective immediately. Steve Tonsfeldt has been named the Leader of the Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group, C. Brophy Christensen and Eric Reimer have been named Co-Heads of the Corporate Finance/Capital Markets Practice Group, and Robert Rizzi has been named Leader of the Tax Practice Group.

“These new appointments, which include leadership roles for our two largest transactions practice groups, give us the opportunity to inject some fresh perspectives as we build our transactions platform going forward,” said A.B. Culvahouse, Jr., Chair of O’Melveny. “We are especially excited that these appointments include a partner who has exemplified our values for 17 years, as well as a new generation of leaders who have proven themselves to be adept at reaching across our different offices and practices to build growth firmwide.”

Over the past several years, Tonsfeldt has led lawyer teams in acquisitions with an aggregate value of well over US$100 billion involving leading technology, healthcare, and biotechnology companies. He will draw on his knowledge of the strategic M&A landscape to help shape the direction of the Firm’s M&A practice. Likewise he brings to his new position the leadership experience he gained while serving in various management roles throughout his career. He most recently served as Hiring Partner and Transactions Practice Leader in O’Melveny’s Silicon Valley office.

Christensen brings experience in all aspects of Corporate Finance to his new role, having advised issuers, investors, and institutions in complex capital markets transactions involving businesses in a variety of industries. His understanding of financial markets trends and the needs of the key participants in corporate financial transactions will inform not only his oversight of the practice group but also decisions about the Transactions Department’s strategic direction. Christensen also has served the San Francisco office as a member of the Employment and the Strategic Planning/Business Development Committees, and as the leader of the build out of the Firm’s new LEED-certified space in San Francisco.

Reimer’s leadership experience, which includes chairmanship of practice groups at two other AmLaw 100 firms prior to joining O’Melveny, will serve him well in his stewardship of the Corporate Finance/Capital Markets Group. Since joining O’Melveny last October, Reimer has shuttled between the Firm’s New York and Los Angeles offices, collaborating with bankruptcy colleagues on blended finance and restructuring deals for O’Melveny’s clients. His insights will guide the Firm’s integrated efforts across practices, departments, and offices.

This appointment marks Rizzi's second tenure as Leader of the Tax Practice Group. Since joining O'Melveny's Tax Department 17 years ago, Rizzi’s commitment to the Firm and its values has been as unwavering as his service to the clients who rely on him for tax advice regarding major mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, complex securities offerings, and workouts. Rizzi, a founding member of O’Melveny’s Silicon Valley office in 2001, has provided dedicated leadership and service to the Firm’s Values Award, Community Legal Services, Partner Compensation, and Innovation Committees.

About O’Melveny & Myers LLP
With approximately 900 lawyers in 14 offices worldwide, O’Melveny & Myers LLP helps industry leaders across a broad array of sectors manage the complex challenges of succeeding in the global economy. We are a values-driven law firm, guided by the principles of excellence, leadership, and citizenship. Our commitment to these values is reflected in our dedication to improving access to justice through pro bono work and championing initiatives that increase the diversity of the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.omm.com.