Our LA firm in the spotlight this month- Reed Smith. A global firm bringing serious legal firepower to the West Coast. Here's what makes them one of the most exciting players in LA’s legal scene.
Founded in Pittsburgh in 1877, Reed Smith has evolved from advising industrial pioneers to becoming a global legal powerhouse, with over 1,600 attorneys across 30+ offices worldwide. The firm's expansion into California began in 2003, establishing a strong, lasting presence on the West Coast.
Today, Reed Smith’s Los Angeles office, located in the heart of the Financial District, is home to 63 attorneys and 47 staff members. The team delivers full-service legal support across industries such as financial services, energy, real estate, manufacturing, technology, biotech, labor, intellectual property, and more. Notably, the office has developed a stellar reputation for its appellate practice, handling cases at every judicial level, including discretionary high court review.
With additional offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Century City, and Orange County, Reed Smith continues to invest heavily in its California footprint.
Reed Smith’s Los Angeles Growth Timeline
2003: Establishing a West Coast Presence Reed Smith launches its Los Angeles office, signaling long-term commitment to the California market.
2008: Silicon Valley Expansion The firm opens in Silicon Valley to better serve technology and venture capital clients.
2010–2017: Deepening Expertise Los Angeles operations expand across litigation, entertainment, and media practices, attracting high-profile clients and top-tier lateral hires.
2018: Pro Bono Recognition Reed Smith’s LA and Century City offices are recognized for outstanding contributions to pro bono initiatives.
2023: Expansion into Orange County The firm opens its fifth California office in Orange County, reinforcing its full-state coverage.
2024: Industry Accolades and Financial Milestones
- Two LA entertainment lawyers featured in Variety's Dealmakers Impact Report 2024
- Named to The Times' Best Law Firms 2024
- Surpasses $1.5 billion in annual global revenue
February 2025: The LA office relocates to City National Plaza, a 41,000+ sq ft, state-of-the-art space built for growth, collaboration, and modern client service.
“Our clients are turning to us for complex, high-value work, and we’ve expanded the range of services we provide to meet their evolving business needs,” said Casey Ryan, Reed Smith's global managing partner. “We are building on the success of 2024 and have continued the momentum, recently opening offices in Atlanta and Denver. The power of our global platform, best-in-class client service and industry focus continue to be among our greatest strengths.”
Recent Partner Appointments and Leadership Updates
Jennifer C. Terry – Managing Partner, Los Angeles Appointed in February 2024, Jennifer Terry leads the LA office, drawing on her deep Labor & Employment litigation expertise and leadership within the local legal community.
Daniel H. Ahn – Partner, Regulatory & Investigations Joining in 2024, Daniel brings significant DOJ trial experience, specializing in corporate investigations, sanctions, and financial fraud, particularly for Korean-based clients.
2024 Partner Promotions Multiple LA-based lawyers promoted across Corporate, Litigation, and Labor & Employment practices, highlighting internal growth and depth of talent.
The additions of the new Atlanta and Denver teams are building off that transactional momentum, and the firm has added more than 20 private equity and finance partners already in 2025, strategically positioning itself to take on greater deal flow and new client engagements. Overall, the firm has added 72 lawyers globally, including 28 partners, in the first two months of 2025. It also promoted 24 lawyers to partner and 31 to counsel. - Reed Smith
Key Practice Areas
- Corporate & M&A
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Real Estate
- Labor & Employment
- Intellectual Property
- Finance & Banking
- Regulatory & Investigations
- Private Equity
- Emerging Technologies
- Appellate Practice
Industry Sectors
- Entertainment & Media
- Finance & Banking
- Technology & Startups
- Automotive
- Education
- Life Sciences & Healthcare
- Real Estate
- Energy & Natural Resources
Notable Clients
- Deutsche Bank – Advised on the sale of a $1 billion shipping loan portfolio
- Nintendo – Successfully defended against patent litigation
- Toyota Motor Credit Corporation – Secured $15 billion in syndicated financing
- Carnegie Mellon University – Provided litigation and strategic counsel
- Major Film Studios and Media Companies – Ongoing representation across digital and traditional platforms
Recent accolades also include recognition in Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers 2025 list, further cementing Reed Smith’s status as a major player in the entertainment legal sector.
Firm Culture & Recruitment
What Sets Reed Smith Apart?
Reed Smith embraces a hybrid work model, with attorneys expected in-office three days a week. Most lawyers, including associates, have dedicated offices. At the new City National Plaza office, partners and associates occupy the same office sizes, fostering a more collaborative and inclusive environment.
With one unified partnership across 30+ offices, Reed Smith encourages cross-office teamwork, global collaboration and international client development.
Recruitment at Reed Smith
Reed Smith's hiring approach values a combination of academic achievement, strong work experience, and geographic proximity to the hiring office. Recent hires have joined from leading firms such as Polsinelli, Fisher Phillips, Skadden, and Akerman.
The recruitment process typically includes:
- Two to three formal interview rounds
- Informal meetings to assess cultural fit
Culture and Associate Experience
The culture at Reed Smith is consistently described as supportive, approachable, and respectful. Associates and partners alike prioritize work-life balance, making it possible for lawyers to thrive professionally without sacrificing personal time.
Associates are assigned both associate and partner mentors to ensure ongoing professional development, alongside robust formal training programs. Laterals are quickly integrated and given meaningful work opportunities.
As one associate shared: "The firm's culture is one of its best features. The attorneys are generally wholesome and respect work-life balance."
At Reed Smith, DEI efforts are woven into the fabric of daily life and future growth.
Final Thoughts: Reed Smith’s Growing Impact in Los Angeles
Reed Smith has firmly established itself as one of Los Angeles' future-facing law firms — combining global strength with local expertise and a culture that prioritizes people, innovation, and impact.
As the firm continues to expand its reach across California and globally, its Los Angeles office remains a key destination for lawyers seeking high-quality work, genuine collaboration, and long-term career success.
.png)
.png)
.jpg)