WALNUT CREEK, CALIF., January 25, 2008 – Archer Norris, a leading California law firm with a focus on complex litigation, insurance and business transactions, has named Eugene C. (“Gene”) Blackard, Jr. as its new managing partner. Kenneth C. (“KC”) Ward was also elected to serve on the Management Committee. Former managing partner Lee A. Archer will remain on the Management Committee along with current members William H. Staples and W. Eric (“Ric”) Blumhardt.
Blackard succeeds Lee Archer, one of the founders of the firm. Under Archer’s leadership, the firm experienced strong growth in business and complex litigation, adding to its solid reputation for business transactions and insurance coverage and defense.
During Lee’s tenure at Archer Norris,” said Blackard, “The firm continued to expand its core practice areas of complex litigation, business transactions, and insurance coverage and defense. We also strategically grew new practice areas, including the On Call Trial Counsel team and our environmental and maritime groups. I look forward to continuing the work Lee began and building on his accomplishments for even greater success for the firm and its clients.”
“Gene has always been one of our most capable lawyers,” said Archer. “He deserves this honor, and his new leadership role can only lead to continued success for Archer Norris. We have been one of the largest law firms in Contra Costa County since 2001; I anticipate that Gene will continue to expand our presence throughout California for many years to come.”
Eugene C. (“Gene”) Blackard joined the firm as an associate in 1989 and became a partner in 2000. He has been a member of the Management Committee since 2003. Blackard defends contractors and manufacturers in a range of cases concerning complex multi-party environmental tort litigation, products liability, premises liability, and claims stemming from the Americans with Disabilities Act. He represents major insurers and self-insured entities, such as St. Paul/Travelers, Chubb, CNA, AIG, Royal/Sun Alliance, Atlantic Mutual, Hanover Insurance companies, Fireman’s Fund, and Valero Energy Corporation. Blackard is a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association. He received his J.D. from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (1989) and his B.A. from California State Sacramento (1982).
Lee A. Archer has more than thirty years experience defending complex litigation in suits involving claims of medical malpractice, products liability, strict liability for developers, and general litigation. He served more than three years as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County before he chose to pursue a successful career in civil practice. Archer holds the rank of Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is a member of the Alameda and Contra Costa County Bar Associations. He received his J.D. from Hastings College of Law, University of California (1966) and his B.A. from Whitworth College (1963).
Kenneth C. (“KC”) Ward is a trial lawyer and leads the firm’s On Call Trial Counsel team. During a legal career spanning more than thirty years, he has tried over 85 trials to verdict including more than 60 before juries. Ward is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and holds the rank of Advocate. He is recognized as a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Master in the American Inns of Court. Ward’s memberships include the Contra Costa Bar Association, Association of Defense Counsel, and the Defense Research Institute. A graduate of the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (1974), the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Northern Illinois University (1968), he is admitted to practice in California and Nevada.
William H. Staples is one of the firm’s senior trial lawyers and heads its Litigation group. He leverages over 30 years of legal experience in a practice that includes products liability, class actions, construction disputes/defects, public entity, toxic torts, employment, commercial and general tort litigation. Staples earned his J.D. from the University of San Francisco (1975) and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley (1971). He is a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, and the Defense Research Institute. Mr. Staples was recently elected to the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys’ Executive Council for a three year term.
W. Eric (“Ric”) Blumhardt, who joined the firm in 1988, specializes in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation. He is also the head of the firm’s appellate department. Blumhardt received his J.D. from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (1983) and his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Davis (1976). He is a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, and served as the 2004 President of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.
About Archer Norris
Archer Norris, a Professional Law Corporation, is one of the largest law firms headquartered in Contra Costa County, with offices in Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Newport Beach and Los Angeles, Calif. The firm counsels clients in complex litigation, insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, health care, environmental, real estate transactions and discretionary approvals.
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Jann Dudley, Marketing Director
Telephone: (925) 930-6600
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