(LAWFUEL) – Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP recently approved a new, long-term strategic plan that will direct the firm’s growth and focus through 2020. To implement the new plan, the firm has named Kurt L. Kicklighter as successor to Robert J. Bell, the firm’s managing partner.
Kicklighter, who was unanimously elected by the firm’s partners, will assume the position in January 2009, after being prepared by Bell during the coming months. He will serve a five-year term.
“It has been a wonderful experience for me to serve as the managing partner the past five years,” Bell said. “The firm has experienced record growth throughout California and has expanded its reputation nationwide. Under Kurt’s capable leadership and direction, it will continue to develop and flourish.”
Kicklighter is a leading attorney in Luce Forward’s business practice group who specializes in representing financial institutions, as well as other public and private companies, in mergers and acquisitions, securities and venture financing. Some of his major legal accomplishments include forming the first nationally chartered Community Development Bank, conducting the first Community Development Initial Public Offering, and financing many new banks and other financial services companies.
Since joining Luce Forward as a partner in 2000, Kicklighter has been an integral part of the firm and its infrastructure. He recently served as practice group leader for Luce Forward’s business practice group, and has also been involved in the firm’s technology committee, audit response letter committee, opinion letter committee and strategic planning committee.
Kicklighter received his Juris Doctor from the Columbia University School of Law, his Master of Laws degree in taxation from the University of San Diego, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of California Berkeley.
“I am thrilled to be chosen to direct the implementation of our strategic plan at this critical time when there is so much potential for firm-wide growth,” Kicklighter said. “We’re hoping to attract partners and like groups of attorneys who share our focus and values, and who will be instrumental in further strengthening our practice groups and cementing Luce Forward as a California law firm with a nationwide reputation.”
As part of the strategic plan, Luce Forward has also added a fifth person to its Executive Committee. The Executive Committee, which currently consists of Robert Bell, Charles Danaher, David Hymer and John Leslie, has the authority and responsibility to manage the business of the firm’s partnership. Luce Forward has chosen Michael A. Isaacs, a partner in the San Francisco office and previous member of the Executive Committee, to fill the open position, effective immediately.
“Mike is an outstanding addition to our Executive Committee and is highly regarded by his colleagues,” Bell said. “His insight, particularly related to our offices in Orange County, Los Angles and San Francisco, will be beneficial as we move forward.”
In addition to his place on the Executive Committee, Isaacs will continue to lead Luce Forward’s commercial, finance and insolvency practice group. A skilled attorney with more than 25 years of experience, Isaacs represents clients in a broad range of bankruptcy, insolvency and workout situations. He received his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of California Berkeley.
Founded in 1873, Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP is a full-service California law firm with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel Valley/Del Mar, Orange County and Rancho Santa Fe. For more information, visit www.luce.com.
