December 15, 2006

Mello and Smith Join Hanson Bridgett Partnership

San Francisco (December 15, 2006) – Hanson Bridgett LLP is pleased to announce the election of Paul B. Mello and Scott C. Smith to the partnership, effective January 1, 2007.

"Paul and Scott exemplify the level of service and expertise that clients expect from Hanson Bridgett," said Managing Partner Andrew Giacomini. "On behalf of our partners and the entire firm, I welcome Paul and Scott to the partnership and congratulate them on their achievement."

Paul B. Mello is a member of the firm's Labor and Employment Section and is based in San Francisco. He represents employers and management in wrongful termination, sexual harassment and employment discrimination litigation. Mello has substantial experience in internal complaint investigations, administrative investigations, mediation, arbitration, trial, and post-trial issues. His practice also includes counseling employers and management in litigation prevention and compliance issues including leave of absence, accommodation of disabilities, wage and hour, employee discipline and termination, internal investigations, and personnel policy issues. Prior to joining Hanson Bridgett, Mello practiced employment law with Pillsbury Winthrop. Mello earned a J.D. (1995) and a B.A. (1991) from University of California, Davis.

Scott C. Smith is a member of the firm's Business Section and is based in San Francisco. Smith's practice emphasizes corporate, tax and real estate law. He works with private and public companies on equity financings, debt transactions, securities matters, mergers and acquisitions and general business matters. Scott also represents emerging companies in connection with entity formation issues, licensing and other technology related matters. Before joining Hanson Bridgett, Smith practiced corporate, tax and real estate law with Bingham McCutchen. Smith received an LL.M. (1996) and a J.D. (1995) from University of Houston, an M.A. (1994) in International Relations from University of Southern California and a B.A. (1990) from California State University, Fresno.

Hanson Bridgett is also pleased to announce that advancing to Senior Counsel were Lorianne G. Conklin (Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D. 1997, with honors; University of Kansas, B.A. 1993); Catherine Dwyer (University of California, Hastings College of the Law, J.D. 1998, University of California at Berkeley, B.A. 1994), Jahmal T. Davis (University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, J.D. 1997, Tennessee State University, B.B.A. 1993, with Honors), Jennifer R. Fink (University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2001; University of California at Santa Barbara, B.A., Law and Society, 1997), Anne S. Johnson (Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, J.D. 1998; Vassar College, B.A. 1992, cum laude), Christina M. Nugent (University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D. 1998, with Great Distinction; Boise State University, B.S. 1995, cum laude), and Allison C. Schutte (University of California, Hastings College of Law, J.D. 2000, cum laude, Order of the Coif; Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, M.P.P. 1997; Dartmouth College, A.B. 1991).

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