Masry Leaving Father's Famous Law Firm
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By: Stephanie Hoops The daughter of lawyer Edward Masry has left her father's Westlake Village law practice for a firm in Los Angeles. "For me on a personal level - strictly personal - it certainly was hard when my father passed away," said Louanne Masry, who is now working for the personal injury firm Taylor & Ring. "I had to go inward and make decisions as to what was best for me and my family. It was time for me to move on." Dave Ring, a partner in Taylor & Ring, said they were looking for a lawyer from a high-profile firm and heard she might be interested. The Los Angeles firm's other partner, John Taylor, is representing the family of Lana Clarkson in a wrongful death lawsuit against music producer Phil Spector, who is in the middle of a criminal trial for allegedly killing the actress. "It was an easy decision for us," Ring said. "It was much more difficult for her, simply because she's leaving her dad's name behind." Her father's firm, Masry & Vititoe, gained national acclaim after the work of a file clerk, Erin Brockovich, turned up evidence that drinking water was contaminated with a carcinogenic, hexavalent chromium, in the Southern California town of Hinkley. Pacific Gas & Electric ended up paying more than $300 million to settle the lawsuit filed by Edward Masry. The story of Brockovich's investigation was developed into a movie in 2000, "Erin Brockovich." Julia Roberts won a best actress Oscar for her portrayal of Brockovich, who is still associated with Masry & Vititoe. Masry started the firm in 1975 in the San Fernando Valley. In 1982, his associate, James W. Vititoe, became his partner and the firm name changed to Masry & Vititoe. The firm moved to Westlake Village in 1997. Edward Masry died in December 2005 after struggling with complications from diabetes. Louanne, 42, is the eldest of Edward Masry's three children, and his only child to become a lawyer. "I practiced with him for 10 years," she said. "It was an unbelievable opportunity to learn from such a great attorney and great man. I miss him so much." She said she wishes her father's former partner, Vititoe, the best. "We miss her," Vititoe said. "In my view she's just in the process of trying to advance her career." Masry said she plans to keep a presence in Conejo Valley, where she resides and will seek to maintain clients. Ring said the firm is hoping she will help bring them more business from the area. "The Masry name carries a lot of weight in Ventura County," he said. "We really enjoy practicing law in Ventura and, absolutely, we want to extend our reach up into your neighborhood." |
