News Release

McGlinchey Expands Irvine Team with Three New Attorneys

December 4, 2023

McGlinchey is pleased to announce the addition of three associate attorneys affiliated with the firm’s Irvine, California office. Steve Christianson, Adam B. Van Korlaar, and Heejoong Kim join the Enterprise Litigation and Investigations group, strengthening the group’s presence in California. These three attorneys contribute to the ten attorneys McGlinchey has hired along the West Coast of the United States in 2023. The firm has hired 48 attorneys so far this year.

“We are excited to welcome Steve, Adam, and Heejoong to our growing team here in California,” said Brian A. Paino, Managing Member of McGlinchey’s Irvine office. “Their valuable litigation experience and commitment to client success make them a great fit for our office and firm.”

Steve Christianson brings more than twenty years of legal experience, having worked as a paralegal before attending law school. His comprehensive approach to case management encompasses personal injury, professional liability, business disputes, and FOIA litigation. Steve’s strong background in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, media, entertainment, and more positions him as a valuable asset to clients seeking strategic counsel. Steve is licensed in California. He earned a J.D. from Northwestern California University School of Law and an A.S. in Paralegal Studies from the College of the Redwoods. He also earned a B.A. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and an A.S. from the College of DuPage.

Adam B. Van Korlaar is a litigator focusing on business disputes, landlord/tenant issues, employment disputes, and various other litigation matters. His background includes defending client interests in personal injury, premises liability, toxic torts, and warranty disputes. Adam’s persuasive skills, honed through extensive experience in discovery, depositions, and court hearings, position him as a strong advocate for McGlinchey’s clients. Adam holds a J.D. from Southwestern Law School, where he received the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science from Azusa Pacific University. He is licensed in California.

Heejoong Kim brings diverse experience in commercial disputes, handling matters ranging from premises liability and motor vehicle accidents to claims involving false advertising, unfair competition, and employment disputes. He has experience spanning single-party and class action matters as well as alternative dispute resolution in cases involving novel issues and complex claims from various industries. He is licensed in California and earned a J.D. as well as the Straus Dispute Resolution Certificate from Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. Heejoong holds a B.S. in Music Business from Full Sail University.

“The addition of Steve, Adam, and Heejoong underscores our ongoing dedication to growing McGlinchey’s dynamic litigation team to solve our clients’ problems,” said Dan Plunkett, Chair of McGlinchey’s Enterprise Litigation and Investigations Group. “We’re confident their unique perspectives will contribute to our group’s national best-in-class recognition.”