Los Angeles, CA — May 11, 2009 — International law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP announced the continued expansion of its Los Angeles office with the addition of attorneys in the Corporate and Securities, Environmental and Land Development Practice groups.
Allan J. Abshez joins as shareholder in the Environmental and Land Development Practice groups where he will continue to work with Elizabeth Camacho, who joins as of counsel. Abshez and Camacho have worked as a team for years at Irell & Manella LLP. At Greenberg Traurig they will continue to work together and with the firm’s deep real estate, land development and environmental practices. Cedric T. Chou joins as a shareholder in the Corporate and Securities Practice. Chou was previously a principal and general counsel with NewCap Partners in the investment banking firm’s Shanghai office. Prior to that, he worked with two major U.S.-based firms.
“These additions represent a strategic expansion of our Los Angeles office by continuing to bring in leaders in fields relevant and important to our communities and clients, including environmental, land development and corporate law,” said Jeff Scott, co-chairman of the Los Angeles office and its Litigation Practice Group.
Abshez, Camacho and Chou join on the heels of other recent strategic additions to the office: shareholder Michael Goldstein and of counsel Nathan Schultz in the Business Reorganization and Bankruptcy Practice; shareholder Sanford C. Presant who now serves as Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Funds Group; and Corporate Entertainment shareholder Jack McBride.
Abshez has extensive land use and environmental experience with a background in high profile development projects throughout California. His practice is concentrated in the areas of land use development law and related litigation. Abshez has represented private and public clients in connection with major development projects across virtually every use sector. He holds a J.D. from University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall).
Camacho focuses on a wide range of aspects of land development and real estate, including litigation of matters in that area. She also holds a J.D. from University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall).
Chou focuses on corporate, joint venture, corporate finance and cross-border matters, and also assists strategically in international dispute resolution and white collar investigations. His experience practicing in five cities on both sides of the Pacific Ocean allows Chou to add value to his clients by bringing a bi-cultural understanding of international transactions including Greater China-specific issues. Chou received his J.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law.