Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP announced today that Frederick J. Ufkes has joined the firm as a partner in its Los Angeles office.

A trial attorney with more than 25 years of experience, Ufkes focuses his practice on complex litigation, environmental, toxic torts, mass torts and products liability defense. He comes to Hinshaw from the Los Angeles office of K&L Gates LLP where he served as a partner since 2001.

“Fred is a savvy trial lawyer with a wealth of experience in environmental, toxic tort and products liability law,” said Donald L. Mrozek, Chairman of Hinshaw.  “As lawmakers from California to D.C. continue to heighten the level of urgency and attention to environmental rules, regulations and compliance, and products safety laws, Fred’s addition expands our capability to serve our corporate clients as they navigate these vast and evolving areas. We’re pleased to welcome him to our Los Angeles office and to our robust environmental, toxic torts and products liability practices.”

“Part of my reason for joining Hinshaw was to be reunited with old friends and colleagues from my days at Haight, Dickson, Brown & Bonesteel,” said Ufkes. “John (Sheller), DJ (Hinds) and I have known each other for many years.” Sheller is partner in charge of the Los Angeles office. He and Hinds joined Hinshaw from Haight, Brown & Bonesteel LLP in January 2004.

Ufkes has national and regional counsel experience in both products liability and mass torts, and has defended companies and manufacturers in a broad spectrum of products, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, computer software and hardware, heavy machinery, construction equipment and consumer products. In addition, he has handled a substantial number of matters involving compliance and litigation surrounding California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. He has also litigated matters under the federal CERCLA, RCRA, Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act statutes.

Ufkes has been lead trial counsel for a number of Fortune 500 companies in matters including plaintiffs’ claims for exposure to industrial solvents, degreasers, paints, adhesives and epoxies. He also served as trial counsel in asbestos litigation throughout California.

He is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego (1979) and earned his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (1982).
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with 475 lawyers in 25 offices. The firm offers a full-service practice, with an emphasis in litigation, corporate and business law, environmental, labor and employment law, professional liability defense, and wealth preservation and taxation matters. The firm provides services to a range of for-profit and not-for-profit clients in industries that include construction, financial services, health care, insurance, legal, manufacturing, real estate, retail and transportation. Firm clients also include government agencies, municipalities and schools.