Press Release

January 03, 2019 (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – Representing the firm's ongoing commitment to diversity at the leadership level, Hanson Bridgett has promoted a class of six partners, five of whom are women, and two of whom are Latina. Additionally, the firm has appointed Kristina Lawson as the chair of the newly merged Real Estate and Environment section, making her one of three female section leaders out of seven in total. All elevations are effective January 1, 2019.

With a workforce that reflects the needs and interests of its clients, Hanson Bridgett believes that a work environment that provides wide opportunity for people with varied backgrounds is essential. Encouraging and supporting women attorneys, 38% of both the firm’s equity and total partners are women. Additionally for the past eight years, Hanson Bridgett was named one of the “50 Best Law Firms for Women” by Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers.

“Having a diverse group of leaders within the firm is key to fostering a culture and workforce that reflects the needs and interests of our clients, attorneys and staff,” said Managing Partner Andrew Giacomini . “We believe this new group of talented partners are well deserving of this promotion, as is Kristina, who has made a huge impact on our clients since joining the firm in 2017. We are incredibly proud to have such strong and dedicated lawyers at our firm.”

Joining Hanson Bridgett in 2017, Kristina Lawson focuses her practice on complex entitlement, land use, environmental and municipal matters. She is a respected advisor and authority on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance and strategy. Kristina also advises clients on public policy and government relations strategy. She previously served as mayor and council member of the city of Walnut Creek from 2010 to 2014.

Michelle Akerman joined Hanson Bridgett in 2017 in the Construction Group. She focuses her practice on construction litigation. Michelle represents owners, lenders, general contractors and subcontractors in a wide variety of construction-related disputes.

Jillian Donovan joined Hanson Bridgett in 2013 in the Health Care Group. Her practice focuses on civil and regulatory litigation for health care industry clients and providers of long-term care services. Jillian also handles advice and counsel for disputes with government agencies and manages the response to investigations conducted by these agencies.

Jennifer Martinez joined Hanson Bridgett in 2013 in the Labor & Employment Group. She represents private and public employers in federal and state court litigation and before administrative agencies regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, wrongful termination, and numerous other types of employment law matters. In addition to her litigation practice, Jennifer counsels employers on a wide variety of employment issues, such as hiring practices, employment policies, disability accommodations and leave administration, and handles sensitive harassment and whistleblower investigations.

Liz Masson joined Hanson Bridgett in 2014 in the Employee Benefits Group. She represents public and private employee benefit plan sponsors and fiduciaries in all aspects of compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Affordable Act, COBRA, HIPAA, and various federal and state labor and employment laws. Liz also has extensive experience working with governmental and private employers, including public sector retirement systems and active employee and retiree health plan sponsors.

Brian Schnarr joined Hanson Bridgett in 2017 in the Construction Group. His practice focuses on litigating various matters including construction and product defect, toxic tort, business and contract disputes, corporate fraud and trade secret misappropriation. Brian is well-versed in handling each step of the civil litigation process from consultation to trial.

Anita Zerounian joined Hanson Bridgett in 2005 in the Real Estate Group. Anita focuses primarily on representing clients in the senior care and health care sector, including senior housing and long-term care industries focused on complex commercial real estate transactions, including purchase, sale, leasing, management, and equity and debt financing transactions. Anita has extensive experience as counsel in HUD-insured loans in the senior housing industry.