Walnut Creek, CALIF., December 4, 2008 – Archer Norris announces the recent addition of lateral associates Jeanne C. Shih (Walnut Creek) and Milton E. Foster III (Los Angeles). Jeanne enhances the firm’s thriving asbestos and toxic torts practice and Milton bolsters its litigation group. They are joined by new associates Erin M. Gallagher, Alissa R. Pleau-Fuller, Kirstin L. Wallace (Walnut Creek),Daniel A. Everakes (Los Angeles), and Alex M. Outwater (Newport Beach).
“Jeanne and Milt bring solid experience and accomplishments to Archer Norris which will enhance our core litigation practice across several industries,” said Gene Blackard, managing partner of Archer Norris. “We are also pleased to congratulate our five new associates – Dan, Erin, Lisa, Kirstin and Alex – on their recent admission to the California State Bar. In times of economic uncertainty, we remain unrelenting in our goals and committed to our vision. These new lawyers provide the strategic practice growth we need to deliver cost-effective and timely legal services to our clients and face the future head-on.”
Shih is a litigation associate specializing in toxic tort and asbestos litigation. She has significant experience in defending products manufacturers and suppliers, contractors and premises owners. Shih has effectively managed numerous cases from the initial stages through trial preparation. Her practice also includes general litigation and insurance defense. A member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, Shih received her J.D. from UCLA School of Law (2000) and her B.A. from University of California at Berkeley, honors (1996).
Foster adds his own unique perspective to the practice of law. His engineering background brings a technical and analytical approach to legal issues. He provides litigation and employment law representation to businesses, public entities, and individuals. A member of the Defense Research Institute, Foster received his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law (2006) and his B.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles (2000).
Everakes focuses on insurance and construction litigation in the firm’s Los Angeles office. He received his J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law (2008) and his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego (2000).
Gallagher works with the insurance and appellate practice groups at Archer Norris. She joined Archer Norris after participating in the summer associate program in 2007. Gallagher received her J.D. from University of California, Davis School of Law (2008) and her B.A., cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles (2004).
Outwater works with the insurance coverage and construction practice groups in the firm's Newport Beach office. Alex clerked for Archer Norris during his third year of law school. He received his J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law (2008), and his B.A. from University of California, Santa Barbara (1999). He was a regional qualifier for the 2007-2008 ABA Law Student Division's Negotiation Competition.
Pleau-Fuller is an associate in the firm’s litigation and insurance litigation practices. She received her J.D., with distinction, from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (2008). Pleau-Fuller holds an M.B.A. from California State University, Sacramento (2004) and a B.A. from the University of California, Davis (2000).
Wallace is a member of Archer Norris’ On-Call Trial team. She clerked with the Trial Team during her last two years of law school. With a background in the sciences, Wallace contributes experience related to complex medical and scientific problems. She received her J.D. from John F. Kennedy University School of Law (2008) and her B.A. from Indiana University (2003).
About Archer Norris
Archer Norris, a Professional Law Corporation, is headquartered in Walnut Creek, with more than 80 attorneys and offices in Newport Beach, Los Angeles and Sacramento, California. The firm counsels clients in complex litigation, insurance coverage, bad faith litigation, business, health care, public entity, environmental, and real estate transactions. For more information about the firm, contact Jann Dudley at 925.952.5406 or visit the Archer Norris website at www.archernorris.com.