SAN FRANCISCO – Mayer Brown has bolstered its Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice in San Francisco with the addition of partners Davina Pujari and Chris Rheinheimer, both of whom previously practiced at WilmerHale. Their expertise, particularly in areas such as environmental law, product liability, and mass torts, is expected to significantly enhance the firm’s offerings.
Michael Olsen, who leads the firm’s practice group, expressed enthusiasm about the new arrivals. He noted that their extensive trial backgrounds and specialized knowledge in environmental and mass tort law will strengthen the firm’s ability to tackle high-stakes disputes for clients. “Their arrival is part of our strategy to expand our capabilities in California and other key markets across the country,” he said.
Pujari specializes in environmental law and white-collar defense, handling class actions, False Claims Act litigation, and crisis management. She has served as lead counsel in several significant cases involving the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, among other federal and state regulations. Her portfolio includes defending a global remediation contractor in interconnected False Claims Act and mass tort lawsuits, as well as representing a major railroad in litigation related to derailments.
Commenting on her new role, Pujari emphasized the necessity for legal representation that can effectively handle complex environmental and mass tort issues. “Mayer Brown’s global reach and collaborative environment will allow us to meet our clients’ needs across various sectors and jurisdictions,” she stated.
Rheinheimer focuses on an array of legal matters, including complex litigation related to environmental issues, energy, and real estate. He also advises clients on land-use disputes and federal environmental regulations. His recent work includes defending an environmental contractor facing multiple governmental actions and successfully resolving class action lawsuits stemming from Superfund sites. Rheinheimer has also been involved in securing favorable outcomes for clients in Endangered Species Act prosecutions and challenging legislative initiatives affecting large-scale energy projects.
Rheinheimer remarked on the exceptional prospects available at Mayer Brown, stating, “This firm presents an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen our trial practice and collaborate with leading colleagues in various fields of litigation and regulatory work.” He expressed readiness to assist clients in navigating significant environmental and real estate disputes across California and beyond.
Ward Johnson, managing partner of Mayer Brown’s Northern California offices, praised Pujari and Rheinheimer as key additions to the team. He affirmed that their client-centric approach and proven expertise will be crucial in addressing the complexities of environmental and mass tort cases that clients are likely to encounter.
This strategic hire reflects Mayer Brown’s commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in critical markets.
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