Troutman Sanders LLP announced today that Edward Kim and Peter Villar have joined the firm as partners in Orange County. They are joined by associate Tania Rice. All three will work in the firm’s Business Litigation practice. They practiced together previously at Bingham McCutchen.

Kim represents clients in complex business and securities litigation matters, including securities class actions, shareholder derivative claims, as well as mergers and acquisitions related litigation, and partnership disputes. He also represents broker dealers and other financial institutions in securities fraud cases and other disputes involving the distribution and sale of securities, including numerous FINRA arbitrations.

Villar has extensive experience representing companies, banks and other financial institutions, as well as brokerage and accounting firms, in complex litigation before state and federal courts, and government regulators, including FINRA, the SEC and NYSE.

“We are very excited to welcome Edward, Peter and Tania to our office,” said Larry Cerutti, managing partner in Orange County. “Expanding the litigation practice in Orange County is a key part of our overall growth strategy, and having two partners and an associate with such deep experience in key areas that align with our practice and provide great value to our clients is a great fit for us.”

The move reunites Kim and Villar with Troutman Sanders business litigation partner Paul Gale. The trio last practiced law together at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth in 2006. “I am thrilled that Ed and Peter have chosen to relocate to Troutman Sanders,” said Gale. “They are terrific litigators and adhere to the highest standard of professionalism that is the hallmark of our firm.”

“We could not be happier bringing our practices to Troutman Sanders,” said Kim. “We know Paul well and are very familiar with Troutman Sanders’ culture and commitment to client service. The firm will provide the ideal platform for continuing to grow our practices.”

Kim is a graduate of Loyola Law School and Villar received his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. Rice received her law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.

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