Scali Rasmussen news of note
April 2025
Contributors
Christian Scali
Halbert B. Rasmussen
John P. Swenson
Jeffrey W. Erdman
Jasmin B. Bhandari
Read on for more details on how we are getting involved in our community and remaining ahead of the curve in our industry. In this issue, we review the productive seasons of Winter 2024 and Spring 2025, where we attended and sponsored several events and conferences. We also highlight our Firm’s recent industry recognition, including being recognized in the Chambers California Spotlight Guide. The Firm looks forward to continuing the delivery of exceptional service to our clients and embracing ongoing opportunities to make a positive impact on the community.
In the community
We had a very busy March with several industry events and fundraisers! The Firm attended the Children’s Burn Foundation’s 30th Annual Giving New Hope Benefit in Beverly Hills, CA. Bert and Annette Rasmussen generously donated a 3-night stay at Villa Ardore in Tuscany. Proceeds support children who are burn survivors, and this year, proceeds also went to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund.
Later that month, Christian Scali attended the XLNC Spring Conference in Monte Carlo, where he led an insightful discussion in the Legal Focus Group on the evolving landscape of DEI in the U.S. and how this is impacting business around the globe.
We also traveled to Sacramento for CNCDA’s annual Dealer Day. Christian Scali, Jeffrey Erdman, John Swenson and Ryan Evans attended to take part in advocating for California’s automotive industry.
Lastly, Christian Scali and Rue Walker attended the Selfless Love Foundation’s annual Gala (this was their 10th!) in Palm Beach, FL. Scali Rasmussen generously donated a 4-night stay at Villa Ardore which was auctioned for over $50,000. Proceeds support efforts toward improving child welfare and placing foster children with forever families.
Each year in February, we proudly sponsor and attend the annual SAGE Snow Drift celebration, which raises awareness and funds for SAGE's critical work to support LGBTQ+ older adults everywhere.
In November, Scali Rasmussen partnered with the Emeril Lagasse Foundation for their annual Carnival du Vin event in New Orleans. The event weekend included a luncheon at St. Michael’s Special School, a soirée at Emeril’s newest restaurant 34 Restaurant and Bar, and a black tie gala featuring a live auction, entertainment and Emeril’s signature dishes. Over $3 million was raised, which will contribute to supporting thousands of youth through three programs: the Community Grants program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen, and the Aaron Sanchez Impact Fund.
The Firm contributed a 4-night stay at Villa Ardore for the live auction, and attended the event with Villa Ardore’s friends and partners, Poggio Amorelli, a renowned family winery in Tuscany, and Worth Avenue Yachts, a world-class yacht brokerage firm.
In October, Shareholders Christian Scali, Bert Rasmussen and John Swenson traveled to Villa Ardore in Tuscany to attend and celebrate the wedding of Shareholder Jeffrey Erdman, which was a beautiful celebration with their closest friends and family. Congratulations to Jeffrey!
From there, the Shareholders traveled to Oslo for the XLNC Fall conference, which is attended by industry professionals from around the world. Christian led the Legal Focus Group with co-chair Jo VanBelle (Managing Partner at Vanbelle Law Boutique), which featured presentations on "Navigating International Legal Landscapes: Unique Legal Features and Strategies for Client Preparedness". Meanwhile, Bert presented on “Employing AI in Due Diligence” within the M&A Focus Group.
In September, the Firm partnered with the Give Mentor Love Foundation for their annual gala. The event, aimed at supporting children and young adults who are victims of sex trafficking, in-crisis, homeless, or at-risk, featured raffles, featured an auction and entertainment from comedians, including Jay Leno and Jeff Garlin.
Industry recognition & news
- Founder and Managing shareholder Christian Scali was named as a Legal Visionary by the Los Angeles Times.
- Christian Scali and Principal Jasmin Bhandari were recognized in Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence: Labor & Employment Attorneys 2024”.
- Shareholder Jeffrey W. Erdman was recognized by Los Angeles Times as a 2024 “DEI&A Visionary."
- Christian Scali was recognized as a top employment defense lawyer by Lawdragon.
- Christian Scali and Jeffrey W. Erdman were selected to Lawdragon’s list of Leading Litigators in America.
- Christian Scali was recognized by the Daily Journal Corporation as a top labor and employment attorney in California for 2024.
- Christian Scali was appointed to the XLNC Steering Committee and is looking forward to helping lead them in their next chapter.
- Shareholder Jeffrey W. Erdman and Principal Jasmin Bhandari were named 2025 Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
- Christian Scali was named a 2025 Southern California Super Lawyer.
- Scali Rasmussen was recognized in the 2025 Chambers California Spotlight guide for excellence in Labor & Employment and Franchise Law.
- Christian Scali was interviewed by Forbes to weigh in on the potential impact of President Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts.
- Christian Scali participated in the Transatlantic Trade Talks panel for a high-level discussion on exploring the evolving U.S.-EU trade environment, with a focus on tariffs, regulatory policy, and cross-border business strategy.
- Christian Scali was named “2025 Legal Visionary” by the Los Angeles Times.
Christian Scali represented Scali Rasmussen at the National Association of Motor Vehicle Boards and Commissions (NAMVBC) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, which was centered around innovation within the automotive industry.
To close out the 2024 event season, the Scali Rasmussen team attended the ADOMA Holiday Party, which is always a great time. The event was held at the Highway 39 Event Center, which is filled with American vintage cars and memorabilia.