LOS ANGELES, CA – February 28th, 2025  

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB), the nation’s largest minority and women-owned law firm, is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in downtown Los Angeles. Led by Managing Partner, Connie M. Fickel, JD/MBA, the office will provide premier legal services to clients in California and nationwide, focusing on FINRA & Securities Litigation, Labor & Employment, Professional Liability, Directors & Officers, Real Estate, General Liability, and Cyber Law, including data breach and class action litigation.

With this expansion, QPWB strengthens its national reach and presence in California, providing local expertise backed by the firm's deep bench of attorneys across the country.

"Our expansion into downtown Los Angeles is a strategic move that enhances our ability to serve clients both in California and nationally on federal matters," said Eric Boyer, National Managing Partner of QPWB. "Adding this talented group of attorneys deepens our expertise in complex litigation, including professional liability, labor and employment, FINRA, and D&O—areas that are increasingly critical for businesses navigating regulatory and compliance challenges. We are thrilled to welcome this team to the firm."

Managing Partner Connie M. Fickel sees this opportunity as a pivotal step for both her team and QPWB’s continued growth.

"Joining QPWB allows us to leverage the firm’s national resources while maintaining a sharp focus on the unique needs of the Los Angeles and California legal market," said Fickel. "In what was largely a client-driven move, we are bringing together a highly skilled team of litigators with extensive experience in high-stakes cases. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the continued support and partnership of our long-standing national clients. We are excited to continue to service our existing clients and expand our practice."

The Los Angeles office is home to a group of seasoned attorneys with deep experience in high-exposure litigation across multiple industries:

• Connie M. Fickel, Managing Partner – A highly accomplished trial attorney, Ms. Fickel brings a wealth of experience in professional liability, FINRA-based securities litigation, and complex business disputes. She has successfully defended investment advisors, corporate officers, attorneys, and financial professionals in high-stakes litigation, including securing a Respondent’s award in a $5 million FINRA arbitration dispute involving alternative investments. Ms. Fickel is also a leader in defending insurance agents and brokers in professional liability matters nationwide.

• Timothy M. Schowe, Partner – Specializing in labor and employment, professional liability, D&O, and commercial litigation, Mr. Schowe has represented professionals ranging from employers and real estate brokers to investment advisors, insurance agents, and corporate executives. His expertise includes high-exposure litigation involving alternative investments and financial products, as well as handling complex business disputes, construction contract matters, and consumer class action defense. With a background in business operations, he brings a strategic perspective to risk mitigation and litigation avoidance strategies.

• Rachel M. Sposato, Partner – An experienced litigator in professional liability, commercial law, securities litigation, employment, and bankruptcy, Ms. Sposato represents investment advisors, financial professionals, and corporate clients in complex financial and regulatory matters. Before joining QPWB, she built a strong practice in bankruptcy law, representing creditors and trustees in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 reorganizations. Her previous leadership role in business development for a tech startup gives her an acute understanding of corporate operations, financial structuring, and risk management. She is also a Super Lawyers® Rising Star honoree and an active leader within the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

• Zackary TerZakarian, Associate – Mr. Terzakarian concentrates his practice on professional liability defense, general liability, real estate law, , labor and employment, securities and commercial litigation. As a licensed California real estate agent, he brings valuable insight into real estate law and transactional matters, strengthening the office’s capabilities in property disputes, contract negotiations, and land use litigation. Before joining QPWB, he gained hands-on litigation experience managing his own practice.

• Ibrahim Adwani, Associate – With a background in professional liability, employment disputes, and corporate litigation, Mr. Adwani advises a broad range of professionals, including attorneys, accountants, insurance brokers, real estate professionals, and investment advisors. He has successfully handled arbitration proceedings and employment litigation involving wage and hour disputes, wrongful termination, and discrimination claims. Holding both a Juris Doctor and an LL.M. in Taxation from Loyola Law School, he brings a business-oriented approach to case management and risk mitigation strategies.

• William “Bill” M. Petti, Associate – Mr. Petti provides experience in professional liability defense, employment, FINRA & securities, and commercial litigation. He has represented clients in financial services litigation, payment processing disputes, and employment law matters in both state and federal courts. Prior to joining QPWB, he defended attorneys in professional liability claims and worked at the U.S. Department of Justice, providing strategic recommendations on False Claims Act qui tam actions. His experience includes an Honors Program Legal Internship at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he assisted in examinations of investment advisors and financial institutions. Mr. Petti is also a recognized thought leader in compliance and litigation trends, having published multiple articles and appeared as a guest on legal and financial industry podcasts.

The addition of the Los Angeles office marks QPWB’s 48th location, a testament to the firm’s unparalleled growth and national impact. With over 500 attorneys across the country, QPWB continues to expand its capabilities in professional liability, FINRA, D&O, employment law & more while providing seamless, nationwide service to its clients. Over the past two years, the firm has strategically opened 12 new offices, reinforcing its commitment to growth, diversity, and legal excellence.

"Los Angeles is a key market for industries facing sophisticated legal challenges, and this office represents QPWB’s commitment to delivering tailored, results-driven solutions for our clients," said Devin Leonardi, Chief Marketing Officer of QPWB. "With our expanded capabilities in professional liability, FINRA and other important practice areas, we are well-positioned to help businesses navigate today’s evolving legal landscape, both in California and beyond."

With 48 offices nationwide, QPWB remains committed to expanding its reach, enhancing its practice areas, and delivering unparalleled legal representation to clients across multiple industries.

For more information on QPWB’s Los Angeles office and its services, or inquiries regarding the firm and this release, please contact:

Devin Leonardi
Chief Marketing Officer
Quintairos, Prieto, Wood, & Boyer P.A
devin.leonardi@qpwblaw.com
(407) 872-6011 ext. 4115
qpwblaw.com

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About Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.

QPWB is the largest minority- and women-owned law firm in the nation, providing a full range of legal services to businesses, professionals, and public entities across the United States. With a national presence and deep industry expertise, QPWB remains at the forefront of litigation, compliance, and regulatory matters across multiple sectors.