Ervin Cohen & Jessup Names Barry MacNaughton As Managing Partner

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Beverly Hills-based law firm Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP today announced that Barry J. MacNaughton, a Partner in the Firm's Litigation, Construction and Environmental Law practices, has been appointed as Managing Partner. Under a new management model, the Firm will transition from a committee-driven leadership team handling the day-to-day operations to a chief executive officer. 

"This change in management structure represents an evolution in our approach to providing excellent client service," said MacNaughton. "The business landscape is in a period of rapid change. To remain competitive and to properly meet the needs of our clients, it is critical that we continue to evolve in terms of process efficiency, cost effectiveness and value added services centered around specific industries. We believe our new management structure will alleviate attorney administrative responsibilities, allowing the Firm's attorneys to focus more of their time and talents on not just furthering our clients' needs but anticipating those needs as well. "

In his new role, MacNaughton will continue to practice law, emphasizing matters related to real estate, construction, manufacturing, distribution and technology. His litigation experience includes real property disputes, construction claims, contract matters, environmental issues, trade secret and unfair competition actions and corporate governance issues. He emphasizes problem solving and litigation avoidance and has shown significant trial success.

"Ervin Cohen & Jessup has long played a key role within the Los Angeles business community and beyond," said firm client Jim Schladen, president of Arcadia, Inc., a manufacturer of architectural building products. "Barry is a proven leader with the skills and business acumen to propel the firm into the future."

"A big part of my focus as Managing Partner will be to continue to grow the Firm's presence regionally, nationally and internationally, starting with continuing  our reputation for excellent work and client service in our litigation, real estate, corporate, bankruptcy and receivership, tax, estate planning, and health care practices, while expanding our reach and reputation in the growing areas of technology, digital media, privacy and data security, entertainment, and international investment," continued MacNaughton.

MacNaughton is the first Managing Partner in the Firm's 62-year history. The adoption of a new management structure culminates changes that the Firm's Executive Committee began making several years ago. "In any professional services business, the only constants are client service and change," said Patrick A. Fraioli, Jr., who chairs the Firm's Privacy and Data Security Practice and was a member of the Firm's Executive Committee. "The last few years, our Executive Committee realized that we needed more centralized management to achieve our vision of growth. Barry has been a leader in driving that change, and his unique skill set makes him the ideal person to be our Managing Partner and move the firm forward."

MacNaughton earned his undergraduate degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. He joined Ervin Cohen & Jessup in 1982, and served on the Firm's Executive Committee since 2009.

MacNaughton will continue to be a member of the Firm's managing board along with fellow Partners Randall Leff, Gary Michel, and Byron Moldo.

For more information, visit ECJLaw.com.

SOURCE Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP