M&C Bids A Fond Farewell To Steve Smilay

October 1, 2004

To My Friends and Colleagues:

After nearly 25 years at Murchison & Cumming, my wife and I have decided to leave California and move to Indiana. While I am excited about beginning a new life and facing new challenges in the Midwest, I will certainly miss the personal and professional relationships that I have enjoyed here over the years.

I will leave full of gratitude for having had the privilege of working with my colleagues at Murchison & Cumming for the past quarter century and with the greatest affection for them and for the firm which has been my home for half of my life. I know that the fine people who are the heart and soul of the firm will continue to provide outstanding client focused legal services long after I am gone. Finally, I want to thank all of the clients with whom it has been my privilege to work. It has indeed been a privilege to have had the opportunity to collaborate with each of you in solving the legal challenges which we have faced together.

Upon my departure, the Business and Commercial Practices Group is going to be split into a transactions and a litigation group. The transactions group will be headed by my partner, James S. Williams who has built a strong transactional practice in our firm in order to further expand the services that the firm can provide to its clients. The litigation group will be headed by my partner, Corine Zygelman who is a bright, personable and aggressive litigator and will provide strong leadership to the litigation group.

Wishing you well in all your future endeavors, I am
Very Truly Yours,
Steve Smilay