News Details
Manning Kass Celebrates 30 Years of Legal Excellence, Diversity, and Growth
April, 22th, 2024Manning Kass, a prominent law firm renowned for its unwavering commitment to legal excellence, proudly commemorates its 30th anniversary. Established in 1994 by five visionary attorneys – Steven Manning, John Marder, Dennis Kass, Anthony Ellrod, and Eugene Ramirez – Manning Kass emerged from the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles earthquake as a beacon of resilience and innovation, with a solid mission: to create a workplace that is not just a law firm, but a supportive, collaborative, and vibrant community.
From humble beginnings with only 16 lawyers in a single office, Manning Kass has flourished into a powerhouse law firm with offices spanning seven locations across the nation. From the original Los Angeles office, which once housed a Karate dojo, Manning Kass subsequently expanded to include offices in Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, and Dallas. Starting with only two, the firm now includes 39 practice areas, led by a diverse team of hundreds of attorneys. Among these, the firm boasts multiple distinguished Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and 11 members of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Manning Kass’ dedication to excellence has earned it numerous accolades for its inclusive policies and practices, as well as recognition from prestigious publications such as the Los Angeles Business Journal, The Daily Journal, California Lawyer, and the Los Angeles Times, ranking among the largest law firms in LA County. Nationally, Manning Kass has been ranked by the National Law Journal, Lawyers of Color, and Law360, showcasing its esteemed reputation in the legal landscape. Over 160 awards and plaques adorn the firm's wall of fame in Los Angeles.
Reflecting on the firm’s journey, Founding Partner and former Firm Managing Partner Steven D. Manning recounted how it all began. "Thirty years ago, we quit our jobs. The next day, we held a meeting with the associates we worked with to explain to them that crazy new idea we had. They all jumped on board, and suddenly we were a law firm, and the cases started pouring in."
This new venture, however, with its diverse business model, was not without its skeptics. “This started with just an idea. Some of us who worked together for a number of years thought about how we wanted to do it better and make for a better workplace,” recalls Founding Partner and Firm Managing Partner Dennis B. Kass “And they said it wouldn't last. Soon after we started, the Daily Journal interviewed us and said ‘It's not going to last. There are too many practice areas and too many people coming together.’ Well, they had fun doing our 30-year retrospective!”
Manning Kass' growth over the past three decades has been remarkable. Throughout this time, it has served as a beacon of secure, stable leadership, fostering an environment built on respect, integrity, and diversity. Under visionary leadership, the firm has consistently delivered outstanding results across a wide range of practice areas, consistently adapting to meet the evolving needs of its clients and the legal landscape.
Inclusion has been paramount at Manning Kass since its inception, with the firm often jokingly referred to as the "UN of law firms" due to its highly varied workforce. Proudly embracing diversity as its cornerstone, Manning Kass has been honored for its inclusive policies and practices, recognized as one of the best firms for minorities and women by Law360 and Lawyers of Color. The firm's commitment to inclusivity is reflected not only in its workforce but also in its diverse client base, which spans the gamut from individuals, to various city and governmental entities, to Fortune 100 industry giants.
At the heart of its success is Manning Kass’ culture of respect, collaboration, and support. This emphasis on teamwork and mentorship has been instrumental in nurturing talent and fostering professional growth. The firm provides hands-on experience to its attorneys, regardless of experience level, allowing them to handle cases from start to finish and providing opportunities for growth in various practice areas. Partner Missy O’Linn, who has been with the firm since its inception, underscored the firm's commitment to professional development. "Here at Manning Kass, we don't stick new associates in a room and just shove paper at them making them generate discovery. They get to be involved in a case from start to finish; if the case goes to trial, they go to trial. That is an opportunity to learn and grow that is really rare in the legal profession." The collaborative team environment and emphasis on culture, mentorship, growth, and empowerment have been highlighted by employees as key factors that set Manning Kass apart from other firms.
Reflecting upon Manning Kass’ remarkable journey and what is next in store for the law firm, Kass attributed the firm’s continued success to its most important asset—its people. “When you build anything, it starts with a great foundation. The stronger your foundation, the more you can build. We have a great foundation. We have amazing people. With this foundation and this group of people, the sky is truly our limit.”
As Manning Kass looks to the future, the firm remains dedicated to its mission of providing exceptional legal representation and unparalleled client service, with a continued focus on its founding principles of diversity, inclusion, culture, and collaboration. With a legacy built on resilience, innovation, and dedication to growth and excellence, Manning Kass is poised to continue its journey of success and continue serving clients with distinction for decades to come.
Check out the full press release below for details.