RUDEN McCLOSKY OPENS NEW BOCA RATON OFFICE AND EXPANDS IN WEST PALM BEACH

Ruden McClosky, one of Florida’s largest and most respected law firms announced a significant expansion in Palm Beach County today. Seven attorneys of the Elk, Christu & Bakst, LLP (EC&B) law firm are joining Ruden McClosky on June 9, 2008, expanding the firm’s practice areas and presence in the greater West Palm Beach and Boca Raton areas.  EC&B, a highly respected, multidisciplinary law firm, has been established in Palm Beach County for the past 18 years and has been consistently recognized as one of the top law firms in South Florida by the South Florida Legal Guide.

The move strengthens Ruden McClosky’s commitment to Palm Beach County where 24 attorneys will now practice in the Boca Raton and West Palm Beach offices.

Joining Ruden McClosky are Scott Elk, Real Estate Partner; Eric Christu, Litigation Partner; Michael Bakst, Bankruptcy Partner; and Kristen Lynch, Trusts & Estates Partner.

Other EC&B attorneys joining Ruden McClosky include Alan Quiles, a Litigation attorney; Peter Blacklock, a Real Estate and Corporate attorney; and Heather Ries, a Bankruptcy attorney.

Ruden McClosky’s new Boca Raton office, -- the firm’s 11^th location in the state -- is at Sanctuary Centre, 4800 N. Federal Highway, Suite 200 E. The attorneys of EC&B’s West Palm Beach location will relocate to Ruden McClosky’s West Palm Beach office at Esperante, 222 Lakeview Avenue, Suite 800.

For additional information on this announcement, including downloadable photos, attorney biographical information, and a fact sheet on Ruden McClosky, please visit the firm website and click on News and Events/Media Room.