Wilson Elser Expands Los Angeles Office with Six New Attorneys, Two as Partners

Wilson Elser Expands Its Legal Footprint in Los Angeles

Wilson Elser, a prominent national law firm, continues its strategic growth by welcoming a new six-member lateral attorney group to its Los Angeles office. This update, announced on November 4, 2025, includes two new partners, Hillary Booth and Joshua Levine. The expansion marks an essential milestone as the firm responds to increasing client demands for its defense services in California's vibrant legal market.

New Additions to the Team

The newly appointed attorneys bring a wealth of experience across various legal sectors. Booth and Levine, now partners, will be instrumental in enhancing Wilson Elser's already robust capabilities. Joining them are Paul Rasmussen and Benjamin Caplan, who assume the role of of counsel, with Ludmilla Hovsepian and Cheyenne Yousefia stepping in as associates. Together, this team is well-equipped to tackle complex cases, focusing on areas such as utilities, transportation employment issues, environmental matters, toxic torts—specifically silicosis—and broader general liability and property disputes.

The expansion of the Los Angeles office aligns with Wilson Elser's ongoing efforts to enhance its service offerings. According to Daniel J. McMahon, the Chair of the firm, the influx of this lateral team underscores the firm’s commitment to meeting the rising client needs for superior legal defense.

A Growth Story Driven by Demand

The Southern California legal landscape has seen significant growth, particularly in the Los Angeles area. With nearly 70 new attorneys added since 2023, the firm's regional strategy has primarily revolved around responding to clients’ increasing interest in advanced defense and trial capabilities. Ian Stewart, Regional Managing Partner for the Los Angeles and Orange County offices, emphasized that this growth is not merely numerical but a direct response to client demand.

Stewart remarked, "Our growth in the LA area in recent years was driven in large part by client demand for our leading-edge defense and trial capabilities." This strategic addition of prominent attorneys reflects Wilson Elser’s proactive approach in addressing the competitive nature of legal services in California.

Hillary Booth's Perspective on Joining Wilson Elser

Hillary Booth, expressing her enthusiasm about joining the firm, noted how beneficial it is to align with partners she respects and admires. She highlighted the advantages of tapping into Wilson Elser's extensive resources and established reputation within national transportation and employment law sectors. Booth stated, "Moving here offered me the chance to leverage the support system and resources at a firm with large national transportation and employment law practices. It was the right time in my career to focus on client service versus running a business. My clients are excited about our team joining Wilson Elser."

Looking Ahead

As Wilson Elser strengthens its Los Angeles branch, it continues to show commitment to excellence in client service and expertise. The firm's strategy reflects a broader industry trend where law firms are prioritizing growth through lateral hiring to better serve their clients. This new chapter for Wilson Elser in California not only marks a significant move for the firm but also sets the stage for enhanced legal service delivery in a region marked by complexity and rapid change.

With an impressive roster of over 1,300 attorneys, Wilson Elser is positioned to manage approximately 100,000 defense and coverage matters at any given time, showcasing their capability to navigate difficult legal challenges across various jurisdictions. For more insights about the firm's expansive offices and services, interested parties can visit the official website at www.wilsonelser.com.