In further support of its client-driven business focus, the national law firm LeClairRyan has announced the addition of five attorneys who will expand upon the firm’s already substantial capabilities in intellectual property and litigation matters. This move also bolsters LeClairRyan’s capabilities in Los Angeles, while creating opportunities for clients of the firm nationally.

Attorneys joining the firm as shareholders are James C. Potepan and Thomas M. O’Leary. Also joining the firm as partners are Courtney E. Curtis, James C. Hildebrand and Brian C. Vanderhoof. All were previously with Ropers Majeski Kohn Bentley.

The firm now has 29 employees in Los Angeles, which includes 17 lawyers. LeClairRyan’s California presence further includes 39 attorneys and staff in its San Francisco, Calif. office.

The attorneys joining LeClairRyan in Los Angeles bring significant experience in sophisticated intellectual property litigation matters including copyright, trademark, trade secret, right of publicity, licensing and unfair competition. They routinely provide counsel to clients in a broad range of industries such as consumer products, publishing, entertainment, education and technology.

“We are very excited to join an entrepreneurial, growing law firm that has offices across the country,” says Potepan. “This move will enable us to provide our clients with a great depth of service and access to a wide array of talent in a variety of areas ranging from corporate services to complex commercial litigation. We look forward to working with our new colleagues in seeking professional growth opportunities for the firm and the advancement of our clients’ business objectives.”

“Our focus on adding exceptional talent to enhance our firm’s growing capabilities is driven by a single goal: to meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients,” says LeClairRyan CEO David C. Freinberg. “With the addition of Jim, Tom and their team of highly experienced attorneys, we are able to provide our clients with even more exceptional intellectual property and litigation capabilities in the Los Angeles marketplace. We are very pleased to have this team join us, ensuring that LeClairRyan continues to provide the type of representation that will enhance our clients’ businesses.”

LeClairRyan’s intellectual property practice provides a full range of services from patent prosecution and litigation to trademark registration and licensing and is comprised of more than 50 attorneys, patent agents, Ph.D. technical specialists and professional staff resident in California, New York, New Jersey and Virginia.

www.leclairryan.com