WALNUT CREEK, CALIF., March 27, 2008 – Archer Norris, a leading California law firm with more than 80 lawyers in four California offices, has significantly expanded its presence in Southern California, adding three attorneys and moving to a new office in Newport Beach. Joining the firm are: Of Counsel Louis R. Chao, a construction litigation attorney based in Los Angeles; Of Counsel Stephanie K. Kitzes, a business transactional lawyer; and Daniel J. McKenzie, a litigation associate, both based in Newport Beach. The new office is located at 4695 MacArthur Court in Newport Beach.

“We are on the fast track in Southern California,” comments Archer Norris partner Richard W. Vanis, Jr. “Providing quality legal services to the Los Angeles and Newport Beach markets is a priority for Archer Norris, and we are pleased to add these talented lawyers to our team.”

Louis Chao has extensive experience in handling complex construction actions involving a broad range of issues. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1995 after graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law. Chao received his B.A. with honors from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1988. He is a member of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Stephanie Kitzes focuses her practice on business and estate planning, offering her clients the benefit of her prior experience as in-house general counsel in a wide range of business, human resources, and commercial transactions. Prior to joining Archer Norris, she was a partner with a well respected mid-size California law firm where her practice was focused primarily on design professional firms. Kitzes received her J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1996 and graduated with honors from California State University Fullerton (B.A. 1993). She is a member of the Orange County Bar Association and the Business Section of the California Bar Association.

Daniel McKenzie is primarily engaged in civil litigation, with particular emphasis on all aspects of catastrophic injury cases. McKenzie received his J.D. in 2006 from the University of California Los Angeles School of Law and his B.S. from Santa Clara University, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. 

About Archer Norris

Archer Norris, a Professional Law Corporation, is one of the largest law firms headquartered in Contra Costa County, with offices in Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Newport Beach and Los Angeles, Calif. The firm counsels clients in complex litigation, insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, health care, environmental, real estate transactions and discretionary approvals.

For further information:
Jann Dudley, Marketing Director
Telephone:   (925) 930-6600 
WWW.ARCHERNORRIS.COM
Email Jann Dudley