Sheppard Mullin Mourns the Loss of Partner John Pennington


LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - December 10, 2007) - John Pennington, a Business Trial partner who had been with Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP his entire career, passed away December 7, of lung failure. He was 55.

"Our firm is deeply saddened. He was a distinguished trial lawyer with a keen intellect, and a person of enormous integrity. In recognition of his character, practicality and good judgment, John was called upon by his partners to serve the firm in a number of managerial capacities. He showed his devotion to the firm by accepting, and excelling in, those assignments," said Bob Williams, partner of the firm. "John was also a caring person, who took an authentic interest in the people around him. He was a steadfast husband and father. Those who knew him best will remember him most for his flashing sense of humor. John's passing leaves a terrible void for all of us at Sheppard Mullin."

Born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1952, Pennington received his B.S. from University of Oregon in 1974. He received his J.D. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1977.

Pennington joined Sheppard Mullin in 1977. He specialized in business litigation and had overall case management responsibility for hundreds of lawsuits. Pennington represented businesses in a variety of industries including financial institutions, service organizations, communications providers and businesses involved in real estate, securities, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing.

Pennington's practice focused on contract claims, business torts, consumer fraud claims, lender liability, defense of class actions, unfair competition, statutory liability, complex business disputes and fiduciary duty cases. He had jury and non-jury trial experience in federal and state courts, and won an $18 million verdict, affirmed on appeal. He argued appeals before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Court of Appeal jury.

About Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard Mullin is a full service AmLaw 100 firm with more than 520 attorneys in 10 offices located throughout California and in New York, Washington, D.C. and Shanghai. The firm's California offices are located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Century City, Orange County, Del Mar Heights and San Diego. 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: Bob Williams (213) 617-4169 Ralph Richardson (213) 617-5542