LOS ANGELES, Calif., January 14, 2020 – Buchalter is pleased to announce that it has added two new Shareholders – Real Estate Shareholder Faith K. Bruins in San Francisco and Intellectual Property Shareholder Thomas J. Speiss III in Los Angeles.
“Faith is an impressive addition to our Firm. Expanding the Firm’s Real Estate practice is a main focus of ours as the demand for our legal services in this area consistently increases,” said Adam Bass, Buchalter President and Chief Executive Officer.
Focusing her practice in the areas of tax-advantaged real estate investment, development and finance with an emphasis on equity investment in affordable multifamily housing projects eligible for federal and state tax credits and related benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, Faith Bruins’ clients include syndicators, direct investors, for-profit and nonprofit developers and community development entities. She has also represented lenders and deal sponsors, aiding them in structuring complex tax credit transactions intended both to maximize financial and tax benefits and to have a positive impact on communities.
“Buchalter’s strong real estate/real estate finance practice and full service capabilities provide a phenomenal opportunity to enrich and grow my practice. I’m excited to join the San Francisco office and further expand the Firm’s real estate investment and finance footprint,” said Bruins.
Ms. Bruins earned her J.D. at Boston College Law School and her LL.M in Taxation at Boston University School of Law. She received her B.A. from Middlebury College.
Thomas Speiss’ practice focuses on global IP strategies and portfolio management. He has developed particular skill in global trademark counseling and litigation, including the development and management of trademark portfolios and trademark rights online, as well as related copyright protection.
“In 2020, we plan to continue to strengthen our intellectual property capabilities,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter.” “I am so pleased to welcome Tom as his practice further enhances the legal services we offer our national and international business community clients.”
“My existing practice fits seamlessly with Buchalter’s impressive Intellectual Property and Litigation practices, and I am thrilled to join the Firm. The Firm’s substantial platform will allow me to better serve my clients by offering a full range of business services and an exceptional experience,” said Speiss.
Mr. Speiss earned his J.D from Villanova University School of Law in 1997, and his M.B.A from University of Southern California in 2005. He earned his B.S. from James Madison University in 1993.