IRVINE, Calif. (February 11, 2008) – Douglas J. Evertz and Steven C. Knoblock have joined Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, one of California’s leading full-service law firms, in the firm’s Real Estate and Environmental Litigation practice group. Evertz and Knoblock will serve as Partner and Of Counsel, respectively.
“Steven and Doug are both valued attorneys who will strengthen our Orange County office and real estate practice group,” said Robert Bell, Luce Forward’s managing partner. “We are thrilled to have them join us and are sure their expertise will provide additional value and insight for our clients.”
Evertz has compiled a remarkable record of litigation successes, having practiced law for more than 20 years. During that time, he has specialized in complex litigation matters across a broad range of subjects including real estate, eminent domain, inverse condemnation, land use, environmental, water and construction matters. While at Luce Forward, he will utilize these areas of expertise to counsel and direct private entities, developers and public agencies.
“I am pleased to be joining the new Luce Forward Orange County Office,” Evertz said. “Luce Forward has been around for many years and has established an impressive statewide presence with its portfolio of clients and seasoned lawyers. The Orange County Office is positioned to become one of the preeminent firms in Orange County and I look forward to taking part in its future growth.”
Prior to joining Luce Forward, Evertz served as head of the Public Law Litigation Department at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth (SYCR), a full service law firm based in Newport Beach. There he built and directed the Public Law Litigation Department. Serving at SYCR for more than 10 years, Evertz represented cities, counties, other public agencies, developers and investors in a special counsel and litigation capacity.
As an expert in the field, Evertz has been requested and recognized as a frequent speaker for CLE International, the Appraisal Institute, the International Right of Way Association, the California Redevelopment Association, the Building Industry Association and the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has served as a Judge Pro Tem appointed by the Orange County Superior Court. Evertz received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego.
Knoblock joins Luce Forward with significant experience, having been heavily involved with real estate insurance matters for the past 25 years. Prior to joining Luce Forward, Knoblock served as Assistant General Counsel, Senior Vice President at Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (FNS), an $11 billion Fortune 200 company. At FNS, Knoblock was responsible for the leasing operations of more than 2,000 FNS sites nationwide. He interacted with all law firms dealing with fidelity issues nationwide and worked with funds upwards of $100 million.
“Luce Forward has a great regional network of offices and the firm’s specialties interface nicely with my client base,” Knoblock said. “The reputation, experience, and level of professionalism of the firm are unsurpassed, and I am eager to enhance Luce Forward’s presence in Los Angeles, Orange County and Northern California.”
In addition to an impressive employment history, Knoblock has been very active in the community. Not only is Knoblock currently a member of the San Clemente City Council, but he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Fire Authority, which oversees 23 cities and all unincorporated areas of Orange County. Knoblock is also the Deputy Chair of San Clemente for the Orange County Republican Party, as well as the ex-officio alternate to Dick Ackerman, State of California Republican minority leader.
Knoblock received his Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach.
Both attorneys will work from Luce Forward’s new Orange County office, which opened in August 2007. The firm’s other Orange County attorneys had been working from a temporary office location until recently when they moved into Luce Forward’s permanent office located at 2050 Main Street, Suite 600, Irvine, CA 92614.
Founded in 1873, Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP is a full-service California law firm with offices in San Diego, San Francisco, Carmel Valley/Del Mar, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Rancho Santa Fe. For more information, visit www.luce.com.
