Sidley Austin Strengthens Southern California Presence with Key Litigation Hire from McDermott

Sidley Austin is strategically augmenting its Southern California presence with a pivotal new hire. Jon Dean, the head of McDermott Will & Emery’s litigation group in Los Angeles, will be joining Sidley as a partner in their commercial litigation and disputes practice. According to Dean, joining a firm with the depth and talent of Sidley was an attractive opportunity.

Dean brings extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, covering areas such as patent and trade secrets, antitrust, and securities. He is noted for his successful defense of Airbnb Inc. in a noteworthy case involving the California Coastal Act. His distinguished career also includes representing clients in Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations.

Yvette Ostolaza, chair of Sidley’s management committee, highlighted that litigation is a vital component of the firm’s growth strategy, especially in California. Dean’s established reputation and nearly 30 years of connections within Los Angeles position him as an invaluable addition to the team. Sidley’s recent expansion also includes a new office in San Diego and key hires from Cooley and Goodwin, further solidifying their regional footprint.

Looking ahead, Sidley aims to broaden its expertise across various sectors, including media, life sciences, and financial institutions. The firm is also pursuing international growth, notably in London and in pivotal markets like the Middle East and Singapore, a strategic hub for Asia-based legal operations.

For more detailed information, see the full article on Bloomberg Law.