Labor and Employment Partner Jonathan Stoler Joins Sheppard Mullin New York

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - April 28, 2008) - Jonathan Stoler has joined the New York office of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP as a partner in the firm's Labor and Employment practice group, which was recognized by the Legal 500 in 2007 as among the best in the United States. Stoler will serve as head of the firm's labor and employment practice in New York. He most recently practiced as a partner in the New York office of Heller Ehrman, where he co-chaired the office's hiring committee.

Stoler is an accomplished litigator and counselor whose practice encompasses a wide range of labor and employment matters, including the defense of single plaintiff and class action discrimination, wrongful discharge and wage/hour claims, in addition to employment contract, non-competition, whistleblower, sexual harassment and related claims. He regularly represents clients in labor and employment litigations in federal and state courts, in arbitrations before the American Arbitration Association and the Financial Industry Regulation Authority, and in proceedings before various administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor and state agencies throughout the United States. Stoler also represents clients in collective bargaining negotiations, labor arbitrations and all stages of the labor election process, including election campaigns and hearings before the National Labor Relations Board.

Stoler regularly counsels both domestic and international clients regarding the preparation and administration of personnel policies and provides advice to clients regarding reductions-in-force, discipline and discharge, employee disability and leaves of absence issues. Stoler also advises management on union avoidance strategies, the labor aspects of mergers and acquisitions and the extraterritorial application of U.S. laws.

In 2007, Stoler was individually recognized by the Legal 500 as among the best labor lawyers in the U.S.

"With Jonathan joining us and leading the New York employment practice, we continue to grow signature groups like Labor and Employment and expand national capabilities to better serve client needs on both coasts. Our New York office continues to grow in breadth and depth, and Jonathan's strong employment litigation background is an excellent addition," said Guy Halgren, chairman of the firm.

Commented Stoler, "I am excited to grow the firm's New York employment practice and add to the firm's already formidable capabilities on the East Coast. With a national reputation as a preeminent Labor and Employment group, Sheppard Mullin offers a strong platform for my practice."

Stoler received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1995 and a B.A. from SUNY Buffalo in 1991.

Sheppard Mullin has more than 40 attorneys based in its New York office. The firm's Labor and Employment practice group includes close to 70 attorneys firmwide.

About Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard Mullin is a full service AmLaw 100 firm with more than 520 attorneys in 11 offices located throughout California and in New York, Washington, D.C. and Shanghai. The firm's California offices are located in Los Angeles, Century City, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Orange County, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Del Mar Heights. Founded in 1927 on the principle that the firm would succeed only if its attorneys delivered prompt, high quality and cost-effective legal services, Sheppard Mullin provides legal counsel to U.S. and international clients. Companies turn to Sheppard Mullin to handle a full range of corporate and technology matters, high stakes litigation and complex financial transactions. In the U.S., the firm's clients include more than half of the Fortune 100 companies. For more information, please visit www.sheppardmullin.com.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Jonathan Stoler 212) 332-3857 Ralph Richardson (213) 617-5542