Witt W. Chang
Witt has appeared before federal and state trial and appellate courts, routinely and successfully briefing motions and first-chairing hearings on behalf of his clients. He is intimately familiar with California federal and state procedural law, which he utilizes to maximum effect for clients. Witt is also experienced in alternative dispute resolution, whether in mediation or arbitration.
Clients appreciate Witt's level-headed demeanor and business-minded approach in analyzing and resolving complex legal issues.
Prior to joining Venable, Witt was based in and around the Washington, D.C. metro area, working in the field of counterterrorism.
Experience
Representative Matters
Witt's experience is wide-ranging, and includes:
- Obtaining favorable pre-litigation solutions for employers and executives in employee mobility cases, often involving trade secret misappropriation claims;
- Representing prominent real estate investment management firms in resolving construction defect and wrongful foreclosure matters;
- Representing a global hospitality and entertainment company in obtaining a favorable settlement of class action Telephone Consumer Protection Act claims;
- Representing a food services client in successfully petitioning for the return of business records seized by the Internal Revenue Service;
- Representing an international equipment and parts manufacturer in successfully litigating an unfair competition and Lanham Act case against its former employee;
- Obtaining injunctive relief for client at outset of litigation and resolving complicated business dispute between family partnership and rogue partner in matter involving breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty;
- Representing an international equipment and parts manufacturer in successfully unwinding a secured transaction relating to allegedly defective alternative energy equipment threatening to cause an imminent environmental hazard; and
- Obtaining a very favorable settlement on the eve of trial for plaintiff in litigation involving a pharmaceutical royalty transaction and breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
Insights
Credentials
Education
- J.D. UCLA School of Law 2011
- Editor-in-chief, Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs
- B.S. cum laude Georgetown University, Walsh School of Foreign Service 2006
Bar Admissions
- California
Professional Memberships and Activities
- Vice Chair, Programs, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
- Beverly Hills Bar Association
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
Recognition
- Named a Rising Star in Southern California Super Lawyers, 2020 - 2021
- The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2021 – 2022
Community
Personal Activities
Witt serves on the Pro Bono Committee for the firm's Los Angeles office, and maintains an active pro bono practice. For instance, working in tandem with organizations such as the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and Kids in Need of Defense, he has successfully resolved unlawful detainer and immigration issues on behalf of pro bono clients. Witt is also involved in representing the Venice Community Housing Center, an organization that seeks to reduce homelessness and maximize affordable housing in West Los Angeles. Other representative pro bono clients include individual entrepreneurs, the Amitofo Charity Center, and the Community Enrichment Project.
Witt also serves on the firm's Hiring Committee, and is the Los Angeles coordinator for the firm's nationally ranked summer associate program.
As an active alumnus of UCLA Law, Witt participates in UCLA Law's Alumni Mentor Program and its Mock Interview Program.
In 2016, Witt was one of two associates selected to participate as the firm's representatives in the Leadership Council for Legal Diversity Pathfinder Program. Since then, Witt has remained active in LCLD leadership, most recently serving as a co-chair of the planning committee charged with organizing the 2018 Pathfinder alumni conference.
Witt is a voracious reader, an alpine enthusiast, and an active investor.