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  • Global Consulting Arm Launches in Los Angeles

    California Law Business

    April 8, 2002 - Manatt Phelps & Phillips' global consulting arm made a pitch to international business associates last month as it launched its Los Angeles office.

    James Jones, co-chairman of ManattJones Global Strategies, and a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, touted to the pack of potential clients his firm's expertise in global trade, financial services, business policy and foreign intelligence.

    His pitch came during a luncheon meeting at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles.

    Afterward, Jones said, "We don't claim to know everything about every country. But the countries we claim to know, we know very well.''

    ManattJones is particularly knowledgeable in Latin American markets and offers a management team of former ambassadors and political advisers.

    Jones, who co-chairs the Washington D.C.-based company with Manatt Phelps & Phillips managing partner Charles Manatt, says the consulting arm of the Los Angeles-based law firm brings to the table an understanding of how to conduct business in a different culture.

    ManattJones Global Strategies can take a U.S.-based firm and help it enter a foreign market or straighten out a problem in a foreign market, Jones says. It also assists foreign firms develop a market in the United States.

    For the Bajagua Project, the construction of a water treatment plant in Tijuana, ManattJones' connections on both sides of the border have been instrumental to the company's success, says Jim Simmons, managing member of the San Diego-based company.

    Bajagua Project sought ManattJones' assistance before the company even finalized its operations.

    "Their assistance in communicating between the private sector and the U.S. and Mexican governments has been very useful in resolving problems,'' he says.

    There is a synergy between Manatt Phelps & Phillips, the law firm, and ManattJones, the business firm, according to Jones. When a corporate client wants to move into a particular market, Manatt Jones will handle most of the work. However, in certain instances there will be a need for legal help, which Manatt Phelps will provide.

    - From Staff Reports

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