Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP » News

ECJ Attorneys Assist Client in $4M Settlement

bfranzman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:41:52 +0000

ECJ is general counsel to James H. Donell, Permanent Receiver (“Receiver”) in the case entitled Securities and Exchange Commission v. NewPoint Financial Services, Inc., et al. The SEC filed suit in January , 2010, and on January 8, 2010, the Honorable Dean D. Pregerson, United States District Judge for the United States District Court, Central District Court of California, appointed James H. Donell as Temporary Receiver in the matter. The Receiver’s appointment was made permanent by the court in its February 17, 2010 order. Since his appointment the Receiver has been in the process of locating assets to recover for the benefit of investors that claim to have been defrauded by NewPoint Financial Services, Inc. and other entities, through their principal John Farahi. Pursuant to a claims procedure established by the court claims totaling approximately $20,000,000 have been submitted to the Receiver.

As mentioned in the Law360 article, “NewPoint Receiver To Get $4M In BofA Settlement,” published on January 31, 2012, the Receiver obtained approval from the court to settle a dispute with Bank of America (“Bank”) that will result in the Receiver recovering $3,850,000. Those funds will be available for distribution to the investors and other parties that submitted claims to the Receiver. The Receiver through ECJ attorneys Byron Z. Moldo and Faye C. Rasch filed suit against Bank to recover an alleged fraudulent transfer of funds totaling approximately $2,800,000, and for declaratory relief with respect to funds in a bank account totaling $4,000,000. Following extended settlement negotiations with Bank, their counsel and accountants, the Receiver and Bank agreed to resolve the matter, subject to the approval of the court. The settlement with the Bank was approved by the court on January 30, 2012.

ECJ Participates in Solar Panel Installation

bfranzman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:37:59 +0000

On Saturday, January 28th, a group of eight Ervin Cohen & Jessup attorneys and staff assisted GRID Alternatives with the installation of 15 solar panel modules on the roof of the Cardenas family home. Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP selected GRID Alternatives as its 2011 holiday charity, making a donation on behalf of its clients and friends to sponsor an installation and volunteering to assist with the installation hands-on. Saturday’s installation will allow the Cardenas family to save nearly 87% on its energy costs.

GRID Alternatives‘ mission is to empower communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training. GRID Alternatives believes making energy choices that are good for the environment can go hand-in-hand with improving the lives of those living in low-income communities. GRID Alternatives works collaboratively with communities and local organizations to identify specific needs and to develop renewable energy solutions that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

12 ECJ Attorneys Named to Southern California Super Lawyers 2012!

bfranzman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:04:40 +0000

ECJ congratulates its 12 attorneys selected for inclusion in 2012 Southern California Super Lawyers!

Colleen D. Calkins – Estate Planning & Probate
Howard I. Camhi – Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
Reeve E. Chudd – Estate Planning & Probate
Peter A. Davidson – Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
Patrick A. Fraioli, Jr. – Business Litigation
Jeffrey R. Glassman – Business/Corporate
Bertram K. Massing – Mergers & Acquisitions
Byron Z. Moldo – Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
Todd R. Reinstein – Tax
Kelly O. Scott – Employment & Labor
Lee I. Silver – Real Estate
Melvin S. Spears – Tax

Peter Davidson to Speak at LACBA Receiverships Program

bfranzman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:40:04 +0000

Peter Davidson, partner in ECJ’s Bankruptcy, Receivership, and Reorganization Department, is scheduled to speak at the “Lessons from the Trenches: Making Receiverships More Efficient for Judges, Lenders, Borrowers, and Receivers” program presented by the Remedies Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association on February 2, 2012.

Davidson has represented receivers, plaintiffs and defendants in receivership actions in state and federal court and trustees, creditors’ committees, secured creditors and debtors in the bankruptcy court since 1977.

This program will be an open forum to discuss the ever-changing landscape of receiverships and receivership law with some of today’s top experts and experienced practitioners. Learn how to avoid receiver conflicts, abuses, and repeated court appearances.

Topics to be covered include avoiding unnecessary expenses, minimizing court time and maximizing your loan recovery, exploring what a court of equity can achieve under the guidance of the judge, and what conflicts receivers need to avoid to remain a neutral officer of the court.

ECJ Donates Stuffed Animals & Volunteers to United in Harmony Holiday Party

bfranzman — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:36:34 +0000

Again this year, Ervin Cohen & Jessup’s attorneys and staff donated 200 stuffed animals to United in Harmony for their annual Holiday Party. Several ECJ volunteers also assisted at the party, which was held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011. ECJ volunteers were thrilled to see the joy on the children’s faces throughout the day and particularly when they received their new stuffed animal to cuddle with during the party and take home with them at the end of the day. Way to go, ECJ!

United in Harmony’s mission is to provide homeless and impoverished children with hope and opportunities to develop positive self-esteem through interactions with teenage and adult role models. Established in 1989, United in Harmony is a non-profit organization that is supported by monetary and in-kind donations. United in Harmony provides a variety of enriching programs to children ages 7-13 years old from over 12 shelters in Los Angeles County.

Karina Sterman Receives AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell

bfranzman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:58:15 +0000

Karina B. Sterman has received an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell! AV Preeminent is the highest rating available from Martindale-Hubbell and is based on evaluations provided by other members of the Bar and the Judiciary in the areas of General Ethical Standards and Legal Ability. Congratulations, Karina!

ECJ Teams up for Movember

bfranzman — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:46:47 +0000

Several Ervin Cohen & Jessup attorneys, staff members, and spouses teamed up to support Movember by growing a moustache during the month of November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues. For more information on Movember and the charities is supports, please click here. Nice job, Team ECJ!

Enjoy the photos!

ECJ’s Robert Waxman Named 2011 Top Attorney

bfranzman — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:51:55 +0000

ECJ congratulates partner, Robert M. Waxman, who was named a 2011 Top Attorney in civil litigation by Pasadena Magazine.

ECJ’s Jeffrey Glassman Published in Los Angeles Daily Journal

bfranzman — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:06:16 +0000

Jeffrey R. Glassman, a partner in ECJ’s Business and Corporate Law Department, has authored an article entitled “Too Much Lawyering Hurts Technology Companies,” published in the November 1, 2011 edition of the Los Angeles Daily Journal. Jeff’s article describes the pitfalls associated with excessive lawyering and the need for outside counsel to provide new media and technology clients with strategic counseling rooted in the Steve Jobs mantra of “focus and simplicity.”

Two ECJ Attorneys to Speak at Inaugural Tax Institute

bfranzman — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:39:09 +0000

ECJ’s Todd Reinstein and Jeffrey Merriam-Rehwald are scheduled to speak at the October 28th Inaugural Tax Institute sponsored by the Department of Accounting at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. The program will provide a review of important income tax developments, including legislation, tax cases, & new regulations. The presentation by Reinstein and Merriam-Rehwald, “Estate and Gift Tax Update,” will begin at 1:45 p.m. The event will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona.

Download PDF or click on the “Inaugural Tax Institute” link above for additional information.