PASADENA, CA — Lagerlof, LLP ‘s Managing Partner, Joshua Driskell, and Partner, Dena Klotz, have been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as part of its Leaders of Influence: M&A list. 

The recognition highlights influential professionals making a significant impact within the mergers and acquisitions landscape in Los Angeles, a market that continues to stand out as one of the most active and competitive in the country. Josh and Dena were recognized for their leadership, strategic counsel, and dedication to guiding clients through complex transactions and high-stakes deals across a broad range of industries. 

“This recognition reflects Josh and Dena’s exceptional leadership, deep understanding of the transactional landscape, and unwavering commitment to client success,” said Lagerlof, LLP Partner, William F. Kruse. “Their ability to navigate sophisticated deals while building trusted relationships with clients continues to strengthen our firm and the businesses we serve.” 

The Leaders of Influence: M&A recognition honors professionals whose work is shaping the future of mergers and acquisitions throughout the region. Honorees are selected based on their professional achievements, leadership, and impact on the broader business and legal communities. 

Joshua Driskell is Chair of the firm’s Private Client Practice and Managing Partner of Lagerlof, LLP.  His practice is dedicated to estate planning, wealth transfer planning, business succession planning, post-death administration, and fiduciary litigation.  Josh’s clients consist predominantly of high-net-worth individuals, such as business owners, real property investors, family offices, private equity fund managers, and entertainment industry figures.   

Josh regularly counsels his clients on how to minimize their tax burdens and best transfer wealth to the next generation.  He also works with business owners on how to best transfer ownership of their business interests to the next generation or employees, with minimal tax consequences and without disrupting the business.  Clients often consult with Josh for charitable giving, and he has helped establish charitable trusts and many private foundations.   

Dena L. Klotz is a Partner and Managing Attorney at Lagerlof, LLP in Encino. She advises individuals, families, family offices, and closely held business owners on basic and sophisticated wealth planning, trust administration, real estate matters, long term asset protection strategies, and significant life transactions. 

Within Lagerlof, LLP’s Private Client Group, Dena works across trust and estate planning, trust administration, probate, tax strategy and planning, charitable giving, and business matters, helping clients structure, preserve, and transition wealth with discretion and foresight. Her approach emphasizes clarity, thoughtful planning, and alignment with each client’s broader financial and family objectives.