Law Firm Expands to Los Angeles for Olympic Projects
Contractors and local operators now have a new legal firm focused on the $35 billion LA Metro infrastructure program.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Remote Work
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Kaplan Kirsch LLP has opened a new office in Los Angeles, its fifth location nationwide, to expand its national infrastructure practice. The firm has appointed a three-person team to lead operations in Southern California as the region accelerates projects for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Why it matters
The expansion signals a strategic move to capitalize on the massive infrastructure investments currently underway in the region, including the LA Metro capital program. The firm aims to align its specialized legal services with the high volume of government-backed projects in the Southern California market.
The firm now operates 5 offices across the U.S. with a total of 65 attorneys, establishing a local presence to engage with the LA Metro capital program that exceeds $35 billion in value.
The players
Kaplan Kirsch LLP
A law firm specialized in infrastructure and public development with 65 attorneys across five U.S. locations.
Anna Hermelin
An experienced partner with 18 years in practice who previously worked at the law firm Ashurst.
LA Metro
A public agency managing a capital program exceeding $35 billion for regional transportation infrastructure.
Shmel Graham
A senior counsel previously employed at the law firm Ashurst.
Rosie Rios
A junior team member hired to support the firm's new Southern California operations.
The details
Kaplan Kirsch LLP is centering its entry on a three-person team, including partner Anna Hermelin and senior counsel Shmel Graham, both of whom arrive with experience from the law firm Ashurst. The firm utilizes a strategy of recruiting attorneys with deep backgrounds in federal, state, and local government to navigate complex infrastructure procurement and compliance requirements. This local team will focus on securing and managing legal oversight for large-scale public development projects.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Kaplan Kirsch LLP announced the opening of its new Los Angeles office.
2028: The Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games take place.
Market Landscape
The firm's expansion follows the established pattern of specialized legal practices clustering near high-budget regional infrastructure programs. Its arrival marks a tactical response to the compressed development schedule necessitated by the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Operators in the infrastructure and construction space should track how this new firm presence affects procurement timelines for public projects. Managers should monitor whether this increase in specialized legal resources leads to more aggressive compliance or bidding strategies for regional development contracts.
The takeaway
Firms are increasingly planting flags in cities with massive, time-bound capital programs to capture specialized government contract work. Business leaders should track the $35 billion LA Metro capital program as a primary indicator of demand for professional service providers in the region.
Further reading
For more on how firms are establishing regional footprints, see our coverage in Remote Work.
More information
To learn more about the firm's practice areas and regional presence, visit the Kaplan Kirsch firm website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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