Attorney Hobart Joins GCA
The Garment Contractors Association of Southern California (GCA) isn’t just for contractors. The Los Angeles-based organization, which boasts about 200 members, has tapped attorney Jean A. Hobart as the organization’s latest member. Hobart, a business litigation and intellectual property attorney at Arter & Hadden in downtown Los Angeles, said about 70 percent of her practice involves manufacturing, retail and copyright issues. Her clients include a national high-end retailer as well as young men’s, women’s and juniors manufacturers in the area.
“Right now I’m dedicating myself to learn as much as I can about the industry; that way I can better serve my clients and make sure they are aware of what they need to do to protect themselves,” said Hobart.
The Texas native has worked as an attorney for 14 years and earned her law degree at the University of Houston Law Center. She worked briefly as a clerk on the Court of Appeals in Texas before moving to the West Coast in 1989. She joined Arter & Hadden four years ago. Currently, Hobart resides in West Hollywood, Calif., with her partner.
Her apparel clients have helped her appreciate the entire design process from conception to sales floor, said Hobart, who occasionally works in the field, making stops to talk with apparel manufacturers or tour factories to learn more about their operations.
“Each time I’m struck by how much hard work is put into each garment, from design and sewing to shipping and sales distribution,” she said. “As a result, I appreciate fashion more and how well a garment is made.”
One of her business stops is New York market week, where she visits her clients’ showrooms and gets an early peek at new lines. “You see the business part of it, and that’s fun,” she said, adding, “Plus, I like going to the fashion shows. Who wouldn’t?” —Claudia Figueroa
