Former private equity analyst Michael Mortenson brings experience to Costa Mesa

BakerHostetleris pleased to announce that Michael D. Mortenson has joined the firm, resident in the Costa Mesa, California, office as a partner in the Litigation Group. He comes to BakerHostetler from K&L Gates.

As a skilled trial lawyer, Mortenson focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation. His extensive experience includes representing public and private companies and individuals as both plaintiff and defendant through disputes involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), breach of contract, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, employment discrimination, wrongful termination and commercial real estate matters.

Mortenson’s trial and arbitration experience in federal and state courts includes appeals to the California Courts of Appeal and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for clients in a number of industries, including real estate investment trust, high-tech, financial services, private equity, clean energy, medical devices, sports and entertainment, professional athletes, entrepreneurs and private investors.

“As a firm that focuses on client service, Michael’s enthusiasm for the law and providing the highest quality of service to clients will enhance our litigation practice,” said Ray Whitman, chair of the Litigation Group. “When you pair this with his unique experiences as a trial attorney, he will add immediate value to our talented Litigation team.”

“We’re excited to welcome Michael to our office,” said George T. Mooradian, partner-in-charge of the Costa Mesa office. “His unique blend of trial and arbitration skills across a multitude of industries will be of immense benefit to our clients who rely on our nationally recognized litigation practice.”

“BakerHostetler is known for its deep bench of litigators who handle high-stakes matters across the country,” said Mortenson. “From the attorneys I’ll be working with to the national cases BakerHostetler litigates and the collegial culture, the firm is a perfect match for me professionally.”

Mortenson earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2006, and his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1999. While in law school, he served as the president of the Student Bar Association, and was a member of the Ault Mock Trial Team and National Appellate Advocacy Team. Prior to practicing law, Mortenson handled distressed corporate acquisitions as a private equity analyst. He also served as a legislative analyst for the governor of Virginia and has worked as an assistant to the former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.