International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has elected 21 new lawyers to partnership in the firm, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The new partners in the firm's Irvine offices are David Harford and James Litwinovich. Harford focuses his practice on the resolution of disputes related to franchise law. He has litigated cases regarding the termination of franchise and distribution rights; the assertion of franchise rights; the relations between franchisors and franchisees; and the representations made in connection with the purchase and sale of franchise, trademark and distribution rights. Litwinovich's practice encompasses a range of financial services matters within the real estate and banking industries. He has experience representing institutional lenders in sophisticated commercial real estate secured financing involving properties located throughout the United States.