News Type: Headlines

We’re proud to share that Chambers USA 2025 has recognized excellence at Michelman & Robinson! The firm has been ranked in Band 4: Insurance: Insurer nationwide, and our own Elizabeth Tosaris has been individually ranked in Band 3 in the same category. Chambers describes M&R as a go-to for insurance carriers, brokers, agents, and reinsurers, especially when it comes to regulatory work and California Department of Insurance matters. As for Elizabeth—long recognized by Chambers—clients call her “an excellent attorney,” “deeply sophisticated,” and “exceptional” when navigating high-stakes insurance regulation. No surprise to us—congrats to Elizabeth and the entire Insurance team!

For the fourth year in a row, Sanford Michelman has been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA500, an annual list of the most influential leaders across the city’s civic, corporate, and cultural landscape. As chairman and co-founder of Michelman & Robinson, Sanford continues to shape the legal marketplace in L.A. and beyond by taking on high-stakes, “bet-the-company” litigation for companies across industries. Congratulations to Sanford—one of L.A.’s most impactful changemakers—on this well-earned recognition.

We’re proud to share that Sanford Michelman and Dana Kravetz have been named Top 100 Lawyers by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This well-deserved recognition reflects not only their exceptional legal work, but also their visionary leadership, deep commitment to client service, and enduring impact on the profession. Congratulations, Sanford and Dana, on this outstanding honor!

For the eighth year running, Billboard has named Michael Poster a Top Music Lawyer. Michael continues to lead the way in high-value catalog acquisitions, including the secondary sales of music rights (think investor-to-investor catalog deals), where he’s helped shape the market with groundbreaking deal structures—like a private equity-style exit model now widely adopted across the industry. From representing legendary artists like Neil Sedaka and Eve to advising global investment firms, he’s at the forefront of music deals that are redefining the business. Congratulations to one of the sharpest minds in the business—this repeat honor is as deserved as it is impressive.

Big wins and high stakes—Sanford Michelman is no stranger to either. The Daily Journal has just named him among the country’s Leading Commercial Litigators for 2025, recognizing his extraordinary skill in handling bet-the-company cases. At M&R, Sanford’s strategic focus and “three moves ahead” mantra continue to set the bar in complex litigation. Congratulations, Sanford, on this well-earned distinction!

We’re honored to be named a 2025 Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers across multiple practice areas and regions, including Mass Tort Litigation, Real Estate Law, and Intellectual Property, among others. This recognition underscores our firm’s commitment to excellence and the trust our clients place in us. We thank them and our colleagues and peers who made this recognition possible.

Dana Kravetz has once again been named a Leader of Influence in Labor & Employment by the Los Angeles Business Journal—this time for 2024. Dana’s impact as an L&E attorney representing some of the most dynamic companies here in L.A. and beyond is remarkable, as is the work he does for clients in the hospitality space. Supported by a fantastic team of L&E pros—as pictured from left to right, Devon Mills, Alec DiMario, Stacey Chiu, Amanda Monroe, Lara Shortz, Bryan Johnson, Alexandra Miller, and Natalie Manoogian —Dana continues to elevate the field with his strategic counsel and industry expertise. Congratulations, Dana, on such well-deserved recognition.

Promotion Marks a Key Milestone in the Firm’s Strategic Growth and Leadership Development 

Los Angeles, September 16, 2024—Michelman & Robinson, LLP (M&R) is proud to announce the elevation of Lara Shortz to the position of Los Angeles Office Managing Partner (OMP). Effective immediately, Shortz steps into this prominent leadership role, enhancing the firm’s influence and reputation across the city.  

Shortz’s trajectory within M&R underscores her unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership. Starting as an associate, she ascended through the ranks, later becoming a partner, the firm’s Recruiting Partner, its Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader and Employment Advice, Counsel & Executive Disputes Chair. Now, as OMP, Shortz is poised to further drive M&R’s strategic plan. 

“Lara’s elevation to OMP is a natural extension of her leadership and commitment to our firm,” said Sanford Michelman, M&R’s Co-Founder and Chairman. “Her exceptional work—from leading our employment law practice to spearheading our recruitment efforts—has set her apart. Lara has earned the respect of both her colleagues and clients alike, and I am confident that she will thrive in this new role and strengthen our presence even more in L.A.”   

As OMP, Shortz will concentrate on executing M&R’s strategic growth initiatives, fostering a dynamic workplace culture, engaging with the Los Angeles business community, and collaborating with the firm’s leadership to further the expansion of the Los Angeles office. She will also continue her pivotal roles in recruitment and diversity initiatives, ensuring that M&R remains an attractive destination for top-tier legal talent.  

“I am honored and excited to assume this role at such a transformative time for M&R,” said Shortz. “Working alongside the most talented professionals in Los Angeles has been a privilege. I am excited to further M&R’s growth and vision in L.A. and expand our alliances and partnerships within the community at-large.” 

Shortz’s appointment is a key component of M&R’s comprehensive three-year business plan, known as “ONE.” The plan emphasizes professional and business development, branding, team cohesion, succession planning, and firmwide growth. Shortz’s leadership will be instrumental in driving these initiatives and cementing M&R’s status as a leader in the legal sector. 

Hailed as one of Los Angeles’ most influential women attorneys by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Shortz advises management on complex employment law matters, high-stakes litigation, and strategic workforce planning. Her clientele includes prominent companies and senior executives across diverse industries, most prominently in the hospitality space.  

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About Michelman & Robinson, LLP 

M&R is a national law firm with offices in Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and New York City. The firm represents clients in matters involving complex litigation as well as employment, transactional, regulatory, intellectual property, real estate and tax law. It does so for companies across industries, including the advertising & digital media, banking & financial services, energy, music & entertainment, hospitality, insurance and retail & apparel spaces. 

Here’s to Madison Dini, Kelly Hagemann, and Amanda Monroe, who’ve been recognized by Best Lawyers as Ones to Watch for the legal excellence they continue to demonstrate so early in their careers. Congratulations to them all!

The calendar still reads 2024, but the 2025 roster of Best Lawyers has just been announced. Congratulations to M&R partners Mona Hanna, Ronald Camhi, Michael Poster, and Robert Berg, all of whom have been recognized as among the finest legal talent in the country, as reviewed and approved by their professional peers.