National Law Journal Names Kyrus Freeman and Vivian Lee Thoreen Among the "Minority 40 Under 40"
WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 2, 2011 – The National Law Journal recently named two Holland & Knight partners to its "Minority 40 Under 40" list. Kyrus Freeman, in the firm's Washington, D.C. office and Vivian Lee Thoreen, in the Los Angeles office, were selected for the honor.
The paper selected lawyers who have "wielded national influence in their practice areas over the past five years," whether they are at law firms or in government, academic or public interest sectors.
The publication cited Freeman's recent work representing developers, property owners and tenants on some of the most high-profile construction projects in the nation's capital. Those projects include a condo project near Logan Circle, a new office-and-residence complex for the diplomatic staff of the People's Republic of China, and a major redevelopment of a public housing project under the federal Hope VI program.
Specifically, Freeman counsels clients on zoning and land-use issues, and feels rewarded when he sees underutilized properties transformed into greater assets. "At the end of the day, there's a tangible product that you can see, feel and touch," Freeman told the paper.
Thoreen was highlighted for her trusts and estates litigation work and representation of Howard K. Stern, the executor of Anna Nicole Smith's estate (in a case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court twice); Jamie Spears, the conservator for his daughter Britney Spears; and one of the daughters of the late Richard Pryor.
Most recently, she has been part of a team that has represented and continues to represent Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney in an effort to reclaim his assets after years of abuse from his stepson and his stepson's wife left him financially drained. She also accompanied Rooney to Washington, D.C. where he testified to Congress about his experience with elder abuse. "In addition to children, I have a soft spot for the elderly — to take advantage of an elderly person in our society is an unbelievable thing," said Thoreen.