LA Times Names Two Hawkins Parnell Partners 2026 Legal Visionaries
May 21, 2026 (Los Angeles, CA) – Hawkins Parnell partners David Johanson (Los Angeles/Napa) and Jerry Popovich (Orange County) have been named 2026 Legal Visionaries by the Los Angeles Times. The recognition honors Southern California lawyers who "distinguish themselves not only through skill and results but through an unwavering commitment to their clients, their craft and the communities they serve" and "exemplify a forward-thinking approach to the law," according to the publication.
Johanson was selected for his "visionary leadership and regulatory navigation" as chair of Hawkins Parnell's national Employee Benefits and ERISA practice. The LA Times noted his standing as a nationally recognized authority on employee ownership, highlighting accomplishments that include advising on more than 750 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) transactions, representing clients in high-stakes litigation before the U.S. Department of Labor, and resolving tax controversies that have saved his clients millions of dollars.
Popovich was recognized for his track record of handling high-exposure litigation for prominent clients in matters involving product liability, toxic exposures, catastrophic injuries, and fatalities. The LA Times highlighted his extensive trial experience, including more than 80 trials, and his success in helping clients "consistently avoid nuclear verdicts in admitted-liability cases.” This is the second consecutive year Popovich has been named to the list.
Johanson, Popovich, and the other honorees were announced in the May 2026 issue of Business by LA Times Studios, published by the Los Angeles Times.
About Hawkins Parnell & Young
Hawkins Parnell & Young is a national defense litigation firm that has represented many of the largest and most well-known companies in high-risk litigation and business disputes. The 250-strong litigation team works with clients to develop winning defense strategies and, if necessary, try cases to verdict in all 50 states.
