Glenn Vanzura

Teresa Wall-Cyb

2012-06-01 12:22:14 PM

Glenn Vanzura, 37, associate

Irell & Manella

Vanzura has given clutch performances in some of his firm's biggest cases, ranging from complex securities litigation to white-collar criminal defense. For client Broadcom Corp., he won a motion to dismiss in a securities class action alleging stock option backdating. He was also responsible for the dismissal of an indictment, based on a multiyear federal investigation against the former administrator of the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System, on the eve of trial. With a background in economics, he cuts quickly to the heart of complicated business disputes and finds solutions for large corporations, directors and others in matters involving enforcement actions by the SEC and criminal prosecutions by the DOJ. He is also a director of the Los Angeles Institute of Financial Education, a nonprofit that provides opportunities to young students, and he serves on the board of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Center for Civic Mediation.

Word that best describes you?

Practical.

Toughest moment in law school or as a lawyer?

The day my first client was indicted. He did not deserve to have that kind of action taken against him, and he particularly did not deserve it on the day he was celebrating his long-planned retirement along with his wedding anniversary. I'm happy to say that after more than two years of fighting for him, we had the indictment dismissed and our client cleared of all charges before trial.

Most interesting place you've traveled?

Vietnam. We spent three days touring the Mekong Delta by motorcycle, peeking into villages and towns most outsiders never see. Exposure to a foreign country that was truly foreign in so many ways and on so many levels was fascinating.

What you'd do if you could take a year off?

Spend it with my family. We were blessed last year with two beautiful daughters, and there is absolutely nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my wife and little girls. I could do it in Ronda, Spain, or in our backyard. But I'd prefer Ronda.

Most unusual hobby?

Collecting comic books. Not very exciting, but when I was 7 years old, I thought it would one day make me rich. I never collected enough comics. Or the right ones, for that matter.