Deborah Sankowicz to Lead Paul Hastings’ Award-Winning Global Employment Law Practice in France

June 15, 2006

Deborah Sankowicz to Lead Paul Hastings’ Award-Winning Global Employment Law Practice in France

Paris, France (June 19, 2006) – Recently named “Global Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year” by the International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP (Paul Hastings) is pleased to announce that Deborah Sankowicz has joined the Paris office as partner to lead the Firm’s employment law practice in France.

Rated among the top 9 labor and employment lawyers in France by PLC, Deborah, formerly a partner with Latham & Watkins LLP, has established herself among the country’s elite legal practitioners. She advises global employers on the full range of labor and employment law issues, including corporate restructuring, downsizing, terminations, transfer of ownership, plant shutdowns, remuneration, stock options, social security, work time matters, employment contracts, relocations, expatriations, secondments, and other employment compliance issues. Deborah also spends a significant amount of time negotiating with Works Councils and trade unions. She has litigated many claims to successful conclusion, protecting her clients from both civil and criminal liabilities and criminal fines.
“Deborah is a solution-oriented counselor, tenacious litigator and strategic negotiator who has earned enormous respect from her clients,” said Nancy Abell, Global Employment Law Department Chair. “An expert as well in cross-border transactions, Deborah leadership of our employment team in France will broaden our ability to provide cutting-edge employment law expertise for our clients in Europe as well as Asia and the U.S.”

“The Paris office is a key component of our European growth strategy. This is the third high-profile partner we have added to the office in strategic and compatible practice areas over the past few months, said Dominique Borde, Paris Office Chair. “We will continue to recruit top talent that adds additional depth to our core competencies within the next few months.”

In 1993 Deborah received Law Degrees from both the University of Paris II and the Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London. She earned a Postgraduate Law Degree in Labour Law at the University of Paris II in 1994 and then her LL.M. at NYU in 1995.

Paul Hastings Employment Department. Paul Hastings has one of the largest and most accomplished employment practices in the world. It was named “Global Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year” in 2006 by the International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers. Chambers USA described the practice in 2006 as "the gold standard”; “the best of the best,” a team “that delivers unparalleled service." In 2006, The American Lawyer recognized that “no firm has scored as many class action wins as Paul, Hastings.” Through its employment law attorneys in key capital markets around the globe, Paul Hastings coordinates global employment and benefits strategies and solutions, as well as inbound and outbound immigration through its globally-acclaimed immigration practice group.
Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker LLP, founded in 1951, is a leading international law firm with over 1,000 attorneys in 17 offices. The firm serves a diverse client base including many of the top financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies, supports clients in all of their legal needs and offers deep capabilities in Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate/M+A, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Project Finance, Investment Management, Real Estate, Labor and Employment and Tax Advisory Services. For additional information, please visit our website at www.paulhastings.com.