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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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<em>Fifth New Practice Added to Expanding L.A. Office in 2025</em>

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<a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com">Thompson Hine LLP</a>, a national law firm recognized for its innovative approach to legal services, is pleased to announce the addition of <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/professionals/mitchell-kim/">Mitchell Kim</a> as a partner in its Los Angeles office. A highly accomplished commercial first chair litigator with deep cross-border experience and a robust Korea-focused practice, Kim joins the firm’s Litigation group as part of its ongoing strategic expansion on the West Coast and nationwide.

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Kim brings a distinguished track record in high-stakes business litigation, representing a broad client base that includes Fortune 500 companies, private enterprises, and South Korea-based corporations. Fluent in Korean, he has developed a significant Korea-focused practice, advising both domestic and international clients on complex disputes involving contract, securities, corporate ownership, partnerships, asset distribution, and intellectual property matters. Kim has first-chaired 17 trials, including 14 jury trials, and is recognized for his ability to navigate sophisticated, cross-border litigation.

“When I was looking at firms, I wanted to find a place where I could make an imprint and be part of something that was growing but also had a strong foundation and history of success. Thompson Hine fits that mold perfectly. The LA office is young and full of potential, but it’s also supported by the firm’s deep roots in the Midwest and East Coast. The commitment to innovation, especially around technology and AI, really stood out to me—not just for my practice but for the value it brings to my clients. It’s hard not to be drawn to that combination. For me, it’s about being part of something special and using this platform to help expand our presence, especially in South Korea, from the LA office.”

Kim’s arrival adds meaningful depth to Thompson Hine’s national litigation capabilities and broadens the firm’s ability to serve clients with cross-border interests, including those in the Asian business community. His strong client relationships and proven track record in high-stakes matters further enhance the firm’s presence in Los Angeles and beyond.

Kim’s addition follows the recent arrival of <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/thompson-hine-grows-west-coast-presence-with-first-chair-product-liability-partner-karen-firstenberg-in-los-angeles/">product liability litigation partner Karen Firstenberg</a>, underscoring Thompson Hine’s dedication to building a premier litigation team in Los Angeles. Firstenberg, who joined from Venable, provides strategic counsel to life sciences companies on product liability, toxic tort, and compliance matters. She has led nationwide mass tort drug and device litigation for Fortune 500 and 300 companies. Her experience defending manufacturers in medical device and toxic tort matters, as well as her expertise in FDA compliance and regulatory submissions, adds significant depth to the firm’s product liability and consumer class action capabilities in California.

“Mitchell’s entrepreneurial spirit, deep litigation experience, and cross-border expertise are a perfect fit for our firm’s culture and strategic vision,” said Rob Ware, business litigation practice group leader. “His Korea-focused practice fills a key gap in our current offerings and positions us to better serve clients with international business interests.”

Kim has a long history of delivering favorable results for his clients. Most recently, he secured a settlement granting his clients full ownership of a hotel property, business, and land valued at $25–30 million, up from a prior 40% stake. The resolution also included a $1.3 million cash payout and a $2.5 million stipulated judgment in the event of default. The outcome followed more than three years of litigation involving allegations of fraudulent transfers and funds mismanagement by former business partners.

Previously a shareholder at Buchalter PC, Kim was drawn to Thompson Hine’s integrated approach and support for entrepreneurial partners. “I am excited to join Thompson Hine, a firm that values innovation and invests in its people,” said Kim. “The firm’s collaborative culture and national platform will allow me to fully realize the potential of my client base and continue building my Korea-focused litigation practice.”

Kim began his legal career with hands-on roles in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office&nbsp;and has since&nbsp;built&nbsp;expertise in&nbsp;general commercial litigation, with a focus on complex, high-value business disputes. He earned his J.D. from Southwestern Law School and his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

In addition to Firstenberg and Kim, Thompson Hine has recently and significantly strengthened its Los Angeles office with the recent addition of three lawyers: partner <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/thompson-hine-welcomes-bill-ticknor-as-real-estate-partner-in-los-angeles-office/">Bill Ticknor</a>, a real estate attorney specializing in complex commercial transactions; partner <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/thompson-hine-welcomes-construction-veteran-mike-viayra-as-partner-in-los-angeles/">Mike Viayra</a>, a veteran in construction and energy law with nearly 30 years of engineering and legal expertise; and counsel <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/thompson-hine-expands-investment-management-practice-in-key-u-s-markets-washington-d-c-los-angeles-and-chicago/">Saher Hamideh</a>, who brings more than two decades of investment management legal and compliance experience, including deep knowledge of SEC and FINRA regulations. These hires broaden the firm’s capabilities across real estate, construction, and investment management, further positioning Thompson Hine as a leading provider of integrated legal services in the California market.

Thompson Hine Expands West Coast Reach with Addition of Cross-Border Litigator Mitchell Kim in Los Angeles

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