LOS ANGELES (October 1, 2025)—MG+M The Law Firm enthusiastically welcomes seven partners—Carmen Santana, Viiu Spangler, Robert Berkes, Christopher Bruni, Robert Engel, Steven Spaulding, and Eric Wong—as well as two additional attorneys, two paralegals and nine other administrative professionals from the distinguished Los Angeles–based trial and appellate firm, Berkes Crane Santana & Spangler LLP (BCS&S).
Operating nationally for more than 20 years from offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, BCS&S has built a strong reputation in California and beyond for their work in insurance, products liability, business litigation, toxic torts, and personal injury. They are especially known for their defense of toxic torts, including asbestos and silica. BCS&S has represented companies and individuals in state and federal trials, complex and multi-jurisdictional litigation, and appeals throughout the country, as well as in domestic arbitrations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. They have also served as national counsel for various clients to coordinate strategies for insurance coverage, litigation defense, discovery, and trial.
“With tremendous excitement, MG+M welcomes this accomplished group of attorneys and legal professionals, whom we have known and collaborated with for many years, to our firm. Our new colleagues’ long-standing reputation for excellence in California’s legal community and throughout the country reflects a legacy of trial strength, strategic insight, and profound knowledge and experience in toxic tort, asbestos, talc, and silica litigation,” says MG+M Chairperson John B. Manning. “Their arrival expands our already formidable California presence and generates fresh momentum in bringing new client relationships, exceptional legal talent, and enhanced resources that strengthen our California and national capabilities. MG+M clients facing high-stakes litigation challenges will gain additional powerful advocates and trusted advisors, whose experience and judgment elevate our ability to deliver results across jurisdictions.”
“Joining MG+M presents a meaningful opportunity to carry forward the legacy our team has built through decades of dedication, advocacy, and trial excellence,” says Partner Carmen Santana. “MG+M’s commitment to client service, collaborative culture, and deep litigation bench align with the values that have shaped our firm. I look forward to continuing these traditions and working alongside new colleagues who share our commitment to deliver strategic, high-impact representation to clients navigating complex civil litigation in California and beyond.”
“MG+M’s reputation for handling complex litigation with precision and agility aligns perfectly with our practice,” says Partner Viiu Spangler. “The opportunity to integrate with such an impressive team that values strategic thinking, client service, and courtroom strength is energizing to our team of lawyers and administrative professionals. I’m eager to build new relationships, share insights, and help expand the firm’s robust toxic tort and products liability capabilities nationwide.”
With the collective decision to join MG+M, BCS&S is naturally dissolving operations, effective October 1, 2025. They will continue operating out of their Los Angeles office at 515 South Figueroa Street for the remainder of their lease through October 2027, at which point they will join MG+M’s existing Los Angeles office at 444 South Flower Street, Suite 4100. Their team members sitting in San Francisco will join MG+M’s offices in San Francisco and Walnut Creek, California.
About MG+M The Law Firm
MG+M The Law Firm (MG+M) is a national litigation and trial firm that provides coordinated, coast-to-coast services for corporate clients in high-stakes matters. The firm offers national coverage through offices across the United States and a vast local counsel network that can rapidly respond to litigation demands in all levels of court, anywhere in the country. MG+M’s experienced team of diverse attorneys, collaborative approach and national resources enable the firm to provide superior value and achieve optimal results in addressing our clients’ most complex litigation challenges.
