David A. Patton

Ellen McKissock is a trial lawyer and Chair of Hopkins & Carley’s Trust & Estate Litigation Practice. With more than 30 years of experience, Ellen has litigated hundreds of cases covering every aspect of trust and estate litigation, including: Financial elder abuse Invalidating marriages Will and trust contests Dissolution of partnerships Recovery of trust assets Removal of trustees Complex accountings and conservatorships In addition to numerous trials, Ellen has represented cl...

Christina Pearson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Christina, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chip Lion is a partner in the Corporate Finance Group with Morrison & Foerster LLP in Palo Alto California where he is the immediate past chair of the firm’s Palo Alto Corporate Finance Group and is the firm-wide co-chair of firm’s Private Equity Fund Group. Mr. Lion regularly advises institutional investors and fund sponsors in connection with the formation of venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds, real estate opportunity and other private equity funds. Mr. Lion repre...

C. Brian Wainwright is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. C. Brian, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which C. Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bijal V. Vakil is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Bijal V., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bijal V. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William (Bill) Gaede focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation in the life sciences and medical device industries. Bill serves as lead counsel for a wide range of companies and research institutes and has extensive experience in litigating life science technologies such as antibodies, proteins, small molecules and diagnostics. In addition to his jury trial experience, Bill has argued before the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He further provides risk manage...

Katrina Crafton Fluet is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Katrina, who practices law in Menlo Park, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katrina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeffrey E. Essner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Jeffrey E., who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark R.S. Foster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Mark R.S., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark R.S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles H. Packer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. Charles H., who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.