SW&M LLP strengthens its team with the recruitment of top-tier talent: Three esteemed attorneys join the firm
GLENDALE, CA (September 13, 2024) — SW&M LLP, a leading law firm focusing on the financial services industry, proudly announces the expansion of its team with the addition of three attorneys. Each of these accomplished professionals brings a unique and substantial breadth of experience, significantly enhancing the firm’s expertise and ability to address the complex and diverse needs of its clients.
- Laraya Parnell will serve as Of Counsel at SW&M. Laraya brings nearly a decade of employment law and civil litigation experience. She has a proven track record in handling hiring, termination, benefits, and workplace policies, as well as resolving wage disputes, harassment, and discrimination claims. Previously, Laraya was a litigation attorney at a California labor and employment law firm and served as Deputy Attorney General, managing over 30 federal and state cases. Her strategic approach and deep regulatory insight make her a trusted advisor. “I’m excited to join SW&M and collaborate with such a talented team. I look forward to leveraging my experience in employment law and civil litigation to help our clients navigate complex legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes,” says Laraya.
- Kendall Wilson will serve as Senior Associate at SW&M. Kendall brings over 15 years of legal experience, focusing on representing financial institutions in labor, regulatory, and litigation matters. Before joining SW&M, he served as in-house counsel for major credit unions and spent nearly a decade as a commercial litigator, handling trade secrets, employment, and professional liability cases. His expertise and strategic insight make him a vital asset to clients. “I’m thrilled to join SW&M and contribute to a firm that shares my dedication to providing exceptional legal services. My experience working with financial institutions has given me valuable insight into their unique challenges, and I’m eager to continue helping clients navigate the complexities of labor, regulatory, and litigation matters,” says Kendall.
- Jessica Klayman will serve as an Associate at SW&M. Jessica focuses on Financial Services Operations and Commercial Lending. Before joining the firm, she worked as a Defense Litigator in Los Angeles, representing a range of corporate clients through all stages of litigation. Jessica’s diverse background includes expertise in real estate, securities compliance, and intellectual property. “Joining SW&M is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to delivering strategic and effective solutions, with a client-centered approach, that prioritizes client communication, and proactive risk management,” says Jessica.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laraya, Kendall, and Jessica to our team,” says Steve Balian, Managing Partner. “Each new addition brings unique strengths and a commitment to exceptional legal service, which will enhance our ability to serve our clients with the highest level of expertise and care.”
The expansion of the legal team at SW&M LLP reflects the firm’s dedication to growth and its continued pursuit of excellence in the financial services industry. As the firm continues to expand its capabilities, it remains focused on delivering personalized and effective legal solutions to its clients.
About SW&M LLP
Styskal, Wiese & Melchione, LLP (“SW&M”) is a transactional based, boutique law firm dedicated to representing hundreds of financial institutions nationwide. SW&M offers its clients unsurpassed expertise, service, and exceptional counsel on the broad range of issues affecting the banking and financial industry. The firm’s practice areas encompass a full range of legal representation, including issues related to corporate governance, regulatory compliance, employment, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, real estate, technology contracts, intellectual property, member accounts, and chartering and field of membership.
