Samantha Grant is a distinguished labor and employment litigator who represents a range of national and global companies. She deftly handles administrative, arbitration, and trial proceedings across matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour issues, breach of contract, fraud, defamation, and unfair competition, among others. The publication highlighted Grant’s leadership and service, including her historic tenure as the first woman of color elected as chair of the American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law.

Margaret “Maisie” McDonald, a partner in Reed Smith’s Insurance Recovery Group, has rapidly built a reputation for her conscientious and detail-oriented approach to insurance coverage disputes. Since her promotion to partner in January 2025, McDonald has proven herself to be a formidable advocate—successfully arguing dispositive motions in emerging areas of California law and dedicating extensive pro bono hours assisting those affected by the recent wildfires. Her insurance experience spans numerous coverage types, including directors and officers, employment practices liability, commercial general liability, directors & officers, event cancellation, property, and mortgage insurance. 

The publication noted that lawyers were chosen based on their impact on the profession and the Los Angeles community, as demonstrated by nomination materials reviewed by its editorial department.