Greenberg Traurig, LLP has expanded its Corporate Practice in Southern California by appointing Joe Awad as a shareholder in its Orange County and Los Angeles offices. Awad, who previously served as vice president and general counsel at The Gores Group, a Beverly Hills-based investment firm, brings over two decades of experience in private equity and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
During his tenure at The Gores Group, Awad was instrumental in negotiating and executing acquisitions, divestitures, debt financings, and overseeing corporate governance for the firm and its portfolio companies. His expertise spans various industries, including technology, engineering, automotive, and manufacturing.
Mark J. Kelson, co-chair of Greenberg Traurig’s global Corporate Practice, emphasized the strategic significance of this addition, stating, “Joe has deep private equity experience, and we continue to strengthen our already robust private equity team by adding stand-out attorneys like him to our Southern California Corporate Practice.”
Awad’s appointment aligns with Greenberg Traurig’s ongoing efforts to bolster its presence in the region. Recent strategic hires include litigation shareholders S. Todd Neal and Zagros S. Bassirian in the San Diego office, both formerly of Procopio. Neal, with over 35 cases tried to verdict, focuses on commercial litigation and defense of government actions, while Bassirian specializes in general business litigation, including trade secret misappropriation and partnership disputes.
Additionally, the firm has expanded its Private Wealth Services Practice in the Western region by bringing on Jennifer M.K. Willis as Of Counsel in the Las Vegas office. Willis specializes in estate planning, trust and probate administration, and related litigation, offering guidance to high-net-worth individuals on asset transfer and management.
These strategic appointments underscore Greenberg Traurig’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings and strengthening its foothold in the Southern California legal market.