Duane Morris taps appellate veteran Benjamin Shatz to lead West Coast practice

After 21 years at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP, Benjamin G. Shatz joined Duane Morris LLP on Monday as a partner, where the California-certified appellate specialist will lead the firm's West Coast appellate practice.

Shatz's practice spans hundreds of civil appeals, writs and petitions before the U.S. Supreme Court, the federal circuit courts, the California Supreme Court, the California Courts of Appeal and appellate tribunals nationwide.

Stephan H. Sutro, co-chair of Duane Morris' trial practice group, said the firm is fortunate to have Shatz.

"His pedigree speaks for itself. Duane Morris is in growth mode in California. Our trial group is our largest--over 40% of the firm's lawyers, with 12 divisions and countless trials every year. Having a high-quality appellate group is paramount," Sutro said. "Sometimes things go wrong at trial. We pick up cases from other firms after adverse verdicts and want preeminent people in key positions to handle those. Ben sells himself and tons of justices and practitioners respect him."

Shatz is in his second term serving on the Judicial Council Appellate Advisory Committee. He also is a member of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers. His practice encompasses complex commercial disputes, class actions, real estate and land use, employment, banking, insurance, product liability, entertainment, copyright, professional liability, wrongful death, punitive damages, unfair competition and anti-SLAPP matters.

Los Angeles office managing partner Cyndie Chang said Shatz's practice is a strong fit for the firm.

"Here in Los Angeles, our clients are frequently involved in complex, high-risk litigation where an integrated trial and appellate strategy is essential," Chang said. "Ben's track record and reputation further strengthen our ability to offer that holistic approach."

Shatz said the firm's culture drove his decision to change firms.

"Duane Morris has built an impressive appellate practice with a national footprint," Shatz said. "I was drawn to the firm's collaborative culture, its commitment to excellence in written and oral advocacy, and its focus on partnering with clients to shape favorable outcomes--at trial, on appeal and in the strategic decisions at every stage of litigation."