International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has elected 21 new lawyers to partnership in the firm, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The new partners in the firm’s Irvine offices are David Harford and James Litwinovich. Harford focuses his practice on the resolution of disputes related to franchise law. He has litigated cases regarding the termination of franchise and distribution rights; the assertion of franchise rights; the relations between franchisors and franchisees; and the representations made in connection with the purchase and sale of franchise, trademark and distribution rights. Litwinovich’s practice encompasses a range of financial services matters within the real estate and banking industries. He has experience representing institutional lenders in sophisticated commercial real estate secured financing involving properties located throughout the United States.

Polsinelli announced the election of 28 attorneys to shareholder. The new shareholders span 13 Polsinelli offices and 16 practices, covering all seven of the firm’s departments. In the Los Angeles office, Ryan W. Nolan, Ashley N. Osak and Brian B. Yeretzian were elected to shareholders. Nolan and Yeretzian are members of the firm’s real estate finance practice group. Osak is a member of the health care alignment and organizations practice group. In the San Francisco office, Joanna Y. Chen was elected to shareholder. Chen is a member of the firm’s electrical engineering/computer science patent prosecution practice group.