Varner & Brandt Announces New Equity Partners Angelica Acosta Samaniego and Leslie Riley and New Firm Leadership Partner, Matthew Neufeld

We are thrilled to inform you that we have invited Angelica Acosta Samaniego and Leslie Riley to become equity partners of Varner & Brandt and they have enthusiastically accepted.  Angelica and Leslie have both taken on increasing responsibility with the Firm and have a proven track record of outstanding results for the Firm, have embraced increased management engagement and proven loyalty to the Firm.

Angelica began working with the Firm a long time ago and left in 2008 to take a unique and special assignment with the County of Los Angeles assisting with law enforcement oversight. Even though she left, Angelica and I stayed in contact over the years and we had a few comical interactions during that time.  During those discussions, she always reminded me of her loyalty to Varner & Brandt and asked to return in 2015 when her assignment completed. When Brendan passed away, Angelica did not hesitate to step up and give Stater Bros. comfort that they would see no lapse in our ability to take care of their day-to-day litigation needs at high level. She has also taken on an increased management role over the years as you all know.

Leslie began working with Varner & Brandt in January of 2014. From the beginning, Leslie has always shown a willingness to drop her normal schedule to help with some critical client requests, including owners of businesses we represent that have needed immediate attention. Clients routinely comment about Leslie’s professionalism and can-do attitude. Importantly, she has a unique ability to show compassion and strength simultaneously.  In the past couple of years, Leslie has also taken on increased management responsibilities and currently leads the Ontario team.

This is a significant milestone in their careers. Please join us in congratulating Angelica and Leslie.

Also, we have made Matt Neufeld a partner with the Firm. Matt continues on the path of taking on more responsibility with clients and internal leadership. He has shown two critically necessary aspects of success in our business: initiative and tenacity. You see this through Matt’s mentoring role with younger attorneys, leading the summer law school program and engaging in and with his community. Please also join us in congratulating Matt on this important step in Matt’s professional journey.

These developments strengthen VB, our commitment to the communities we serve and our investment in the future. Stay tuned for more information on a future celebration.