Katten announced that Christopher D. Beatty has joined as a partner in the commercial litigation practice in the Los Angeles office, adding to the group of recognized litigators on the West Coast. Beatty has trial and appellate litigation experience in both state and federal courts. His practice concentrates on finance, startups, "business divorces," entertainment matters, real estate, insurance issues, bankruptcy, trusts and estates, family disputes, employment, intellectual property and other business matters. He has represented clients in a range of industries including entertainment, travel and health care, as well as hedge funds and venture capital firms and pharmaceutical companies.