Who’s Who in LA Law

Bob Krupka

Firm: Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Clients: Amgen Inc., Apple Inc. and Honeywell International Inc.

Reason I'm a Lawyer: My eyesight wasn't good enough to be an astronaut. A college professor suggested law and I discovered I love being an intellectual property trial lawyer. So I have continued for 33 years.

Most Challenging Matter: I occasionally serve as second chair in trials with partners, allowing them their initial "first chair" trial experience. It is very challenging, but equally rewarding, to step aside and help someone else get such an experience, while assuring that the client's interests are fully protected.

Worst Career Moment: My first jury trial defeat. It's been the only one to date.

Mark Holscher

Firm: Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Clients: Wen Ho Lee, Jeffrey Skilling and Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham.

Reason I'm a Lawyer: The idea of being in court and doing trial work always appealed to me. When I was in college I spent a summer working as a filing clerk at a law firm.

Most Interesting Case: Serving as lead counsel for Wen Ho Lee, who was originally accused of collecting information about America's nuclear arsenal for China. The subject matter was difficult and we all had to get top-secret clearances.

Most Challenging Case: Working as part of the team on the Jeff Skilling case. It was very grueling and when we lost the change-of-venue motion, I think we all were very concerned that it would be very difficult to convince 12 people in Houston to acquit him.

Best Career Moment: When Wen Ho Lee was released. We all feared he might spend the rest of his life in prison.

This article appeared in its entirety in the August 20, 2007 edition of Los Angeles Business Journal.