US firm Akin Gump has strengthened its West Coast litigation capabilities by adding Neal R. Marder, a specialist in business and commercial litigation, as a partner in its Los Angeles office.

Washington, DC-based law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has given itself something to smile about after four of its IP partners decamped to Vinson & Elkins, prompting it to close its Austin office, with the hire of Neal Marder. He will join the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner, bringing expertise in class and mass actions as well as complex business and commercial litigation.

“Neal not only enhances the services we offer to our clients in California and across the country, but also adds to the growing cross-border work we do on behalf of those with business dealings in Asia,” Kim Koopersmith, the firm’s chairman, said in a statement. “His experience and proven ability to deliver great results will augment our strong West Coast litigation team, and I am delighted to welcome him to Akin Gump.”

Prior to joining Akin Gump, Marder spent 16 years as chair of the consumer class actions practice at Winston & Strawn in Los Angeles.

Marder has a significant trial experience before federal and state courts, acting for corporate directors and public and private companies in matters involving commercial disputes and consumer torts, securities fraud, white-collar crime, intellectual property, antitrust, unfair competition, breach of fiduciary duty claims and the proceedings brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act. A recent example of his trial success is a $42.5 million jury verdict which he obtained last year in a federal lawsuit against a Chinese manufacturer of air conditioners and household appliances.

In addition to his domestic practice throughout California, he represents and litigates against foreign companies, auditors and individuals in securities fraud, shareholder derivatives and other litigation matters. He also helps clients under investigation by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); expertise which is increasingly becoming a must in litigation practice, particularly as SEC enforcement is as fierce as ever.

Stephen Baldini, head of Akin Gump’s litigation practice, commented: “We are tapping Neal for his extensive experience as a highly successful trial lawyer and consumer class action litigator and because we believe he will help grow and solidify our litigation practice on the West Coast. His practice adds significantly to our current strengths, and that, coupled with his excellent track record and leadership skills, will help us continue to enhance our global litigation practice.”

Marder added: “Akin Gump’s litigation team is one of the strongest in the country, with a global platform to match, and I am very excited to be a part of it. Along with its cross-border practice, which complements exceedingly well the work I do on behalf of international clients, I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed. I look forward to working with my many new colleagues across the firm and helping Akin Gump grow its West Coast litigation practice.”