Ballard Spahr attorneys David A. Barksdale and Naomi Young will become Co-Managing Partners of the firm’s Los Angeles office on July 1, firm Chair-elect Mark S. Stewart announced today.
Mr. Barksdale is a partner in the Real Estate Department and co-partner-in-charge of the Distressed Real Estate Initiative. He focuses his practice on distressed real estate; real estate development, finance, and construction; and secured finance, advising both lenders and borrowers on workouts and financial restructuring.
Ms. Young is a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department and a member of its Labor and Employment Group. She represents employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters, including individual and class-based employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, and wage-and-hour litigation.
Mr. Barksdale and Ms. Young will succeed Los Angeles Managing Partner David C. Sampson, who will become senior counsel at the firm.
“With the economic recovery under way and as our clients position themselves to capitalize on both existing and new opportunities, Naomi and I look forward to building on the strong foundation Dave Sampson has established in our Los Angeles office,” Mr. Barksdale said.
“We have some of the finest lawyers in California,” Ms. Young added, “and I am pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with Dave and our colleagues to continue to grow the office and broaden our presence in Southern California and the West.”
Mr. Sampson will continue his practice in resort and timeshare development. He also works with clients on a variety of general real estate transactions, including commercial and industrial real estate, land use, and construction contracts.
“After three years of economic downturn, my clients are finally getting active again, so I need this time to focus on my practice,” Mr. Sampson said. “I am pleased to turn the reins over to my very able partners, David Barksdale and Naomi Young. They will do an excellent job.”