Gary Beisheim of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro successfully completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) to earn his designation of certified valuation analyst (CVA).

The designation allows Beisheim to help attorneys at HBSS with valuations including mergers and acquisitions, valuations of closely held corporations, buy-sell agreements, economic damages, trusts, estates and more.

"Gary's certification is extremely valuable to the firm and the work we do on behalf of clients nationwide," said managing partner Steve Berman. "The CVA certification assists the firm in evaluating opposing counsel's valuation arguments and gives our attorneys an in-house valuation expert that's invaluable to case analysis."

To earn the CVA designation Beisheim, a licensed certified public accountant, completed NACVA's training program and successfully completed the association's comprehensive exam and case study.

To maintain the CVA certification, Beisheim will continue professional education in areas related to business valuation, litigation consulting and participate in programs sponsored by the NACVA that promote quality and adherence to industry standards.

Those with CVA designation provide business valuation and litigation consulting services primarily on behalf of attorneys. Valuations are most common when an attorney is involved in engagements that deal with the adequacy of life insurance, bankruptcy and foreclosures, buy/sell agreements, employee stock ownership plans and more.

The CVA designation is the latest professional distinction among several for Beisheim who's been an active CPA since 1985 as a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Washington Society of CPA's (WSCPA).

HBSS focuses on complex, class-action lawsuits representing investors, consumers and the environment. Beisheim's expertise and ability to assist in these cases is instrumental and ensures the firm can continue its pursuit for justice through private litigation, Berman noted.