David A. Perkins and William Smelko join Procopio as Of CounselProcopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP (San Diego) continues to expand its influence on the San Diego legal market with the addition of two experienced lateral attorneys who will strengthen the firm’s experience in the areas of construction litigation and commercial insolvency.David A. Perkins has joined the firm’s Construction Group and William Smelko has joined the firm’s Litigation team with a focus on bankruptcy. Both started in December as Of Counsel.[caption id="attachment_3238" align="alignleft" width="150"] David Perkins[/caption]Perkins’ practice emphasizes business litigation as well as construction law and real estate litigation. Unique to many law firms, Perkins also offers mediation and arbitration services designed to foster resolution of complex construction and business cases.Perkins previously ran his own construction law firm, most recently serving as a construction executive with one the largest reinforcing steel subcontractors in the United States. As Executive Vice President and then President of Pacific Coast Steel (now known as Gerdau Reinforcing Steel), he helped lead the company through very challenging times and, in doing so, deepened his knowledge of business, the construction industry and the legal issues surrounding it. With annual revenue as high as $500 million, the complex issues faced by the company included mergers and acquisitions, labor relations with the Ironworkers’ union, construction litigation, and insurance related claims involving intricate coverage issues.“David’s combination of litigation and business experience will be invaluable to the firm and to our clients,” said Tom Turner, the firm’s managing partner. “Our clients will appreciate and benefit from his business insight, problem-solving skills and first-hand understanding of the interests and needs of those working in-house.”Bill Smelko has more than 30 years of experience representing clients in litigation, with an emphasis on business bankruptcy, restructuring and corporate governance disputes. His practice also involves advising credit unions and other financial institutions on a variety of bankruptcy related matters. “In addition to being an exceptional attorney, Bill is a thought leader in his field and will help us increase our visibility in this ever changing area of law,” Turner said.[caption id="attachment_3239" align="alignleft" width="150"] Bill Smelko[/caption]Smelko started his legal career at Sullivan, Jones & Archer, a boutique litigation San Diego Law Firm specializing in antitrust and complex business litigation. He subsequently practiced bankruptcy and restructuring litigation with Wied & Smelko, as well as at Schall, Boudreau and Gore, where he worked extensively for the FDIC and RTC in corporate bankruptcy cases in California and Nevada.  In addition to practicing law, Smelko frequently lectures on bankruptcy law related topics and has been an adjunct professor at several California law schools.  He and his son co-author Debate 101, a textbook for teaching policy debate that is used in various high schools across the country.