News Details
Manning Kass Announces the Promotion of Three Attorneys to Equity Partner
February 5, 2026LOS ANGELES, February 5, 2026 — Manning Kass, a nationally-recognized litigation firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Karen Liao, David Ruiz, and Christopher Datomi to Equity Partner, effective February 1, 2026.
“The promotion to Equity Partner is a significant milestone that reflects not only exceptional legal skill, but also a deep commitment to the firm’s values, culture, and long-term growth,” said Dennis Kass. “Karen, David, and Chris exemplify the leadership, collaboration, and dedication to excellence that define our firm, and we are proud to welcome them into the equity partnership.”
These promotions recognize the depth of experience, leadership, and contributions each attorney has made to the firm and its clients.
Karen Liao is a member of the firm’s Business Litigation, Restaurant, Retail, and Hospitality, Premises Liability, and Sports, Recreation, and Attractions Law teams. Ms. Liao is an experienced trial attorney whose practice focuses on the defense of businesses, including health clubs, sports clubs, attractions, retailers, and theaters. In litigation, Ms. Liao has specialized expertise in cases involving releases of liability and primary assumption of risk. Drawing from experience in representing both Plaintiffs and Defendants, she brings a strategic and well-rounded approach to client advocacy. Ms. Liao also serves on the firm’s Mentoring and Training Committee.
David Ruiz is the Leader of Manning Kass’ Appellate Law team and a member of the Complex Litigation and Special Investigations Unit / Insurance Fraud Litigation teams. Additionally, he serves as General Counsel for the firm and was recently named a finalist in the Corporate Counsel Awards by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2025. As an Equity Partner, Mr. Ruiz brings extensive experience handling high-stakes litigation, including multi-million-dollar personal injury, insurance fraud, employment, and complex civil matters. His legal writing and appellate expertise have played a critical role in achieving favorable outcomes at both the trial and appellate levels.
Christopher Datomi is the Co-Leader of the Health Care Liability and Long-Term Care/Elder Abuse Defense teams and a member of the Governmental Entity Liability, Premises Liability, and Professional Liability teams. With more than 35 years of experience, he represents medical professionals, public entities, and healthcare facilities in complex trial and appellate matters. Mr. Datomi has tried numerous jury trials to verdict, is an Associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting his exceptional legal skill and ethical standards.
These promotions reflect Manning Kass’ continued commitment to leadership, legal excellence, and the professional growth of its attorneys across key practice areas.
Read the full press release below.
About Manning Kass
Manning Kass, established in 1994, has evolved from a team of 16 attorneys to a premier full-service national law firm, now boasting over 160 attorneys across 39 specialized practice areas. Manning Kass has established a reputation for its decades of groundbreaking legal accomplishments, indexed as a top firm amongst such esteemed publications as the Los Angeles Business Journal, National Law Journal, Law360, and Los Angeles Times. Additionally, the firm’s deep commitment to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has earned it widespread recognition and accolades. For three consecutive years, Law360’s Diversity Snapshot has placed Manning Kass in the top ten for diversity, and in 2023, the firm was honored with the Aspire Diversity Award by Lawyers of Color, acknowledging the firm’s outstanding diversity numbers and policies. This commitment to excellence, combined with its dedication to diversity and inclusion, uniquely positions the firm to meet the challenges of the modern legal environment, while continuing to set influential precedents and contribute to shaping the nation’s legal landscape. For more information about Manning Kass and its services, please visit www.manningkass.com.