David M. Van Atta

Erik Puknys’ career in intellectual property began more than 25 years ago, when he joined the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office as a patent examiner. Erik started his legal career at Finnegan’s Washington, D.C. office in 1994, and moved to California in 1997 to help open the firm’s Silicon Valley office. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in district courts around the United States, in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and in the U.S. Supreme Cour...

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.

Tyler represents plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases, public entity litigation, and high-stakes disputes. His clients range from individuals and closely held businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Tyler also frequently represents defendants and victims in criminal cases. His combined civil and criminal practices have helped him gain considerable experience in courtrooms throughout the Bay Area. His representation of criminal defendants facing potential civil claims, and civil clients with ...

When a company or its leaders are at risk, founding partner Daniel J. Bergeson uses his substantial litigation and trial experience to advocate for their rights and reputations in lawsuits involving securities, intellectual property, employment, private equity and venture capital, and commercial law. He focuses on the essential facts to persuade juries, judges, and triers of cases in state and federal courts and arbitration forums in Silicon Valley, Delaware, New York, and other dispute resol...

Judy Mohr, PhD, helps companies maximize product protection and intellectual property (IP) value by focusing on the business goals of the company and designing a patent portfolio to meet those objectives. Her practice encompasses US and non-US patent procurement, post-grant proceedings (including reexamination and inter partes review), IP due diligence on the investor side and the company side, negotiation of agreements, and development of IP strategies. She assists companies in the pharmaceu...

Breann Robowski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax. Breann, 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 Breann 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.

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.

Dori is the Co-chair of Hopkins & Carley’s Litigation Department. She represents a wide range of clients in complex real estate, land use, and business litigation matters. Dori regularly represents developers and property owners in disputes involving: Real estate purchase and sale transactions Real estate investment fraud Commercial landlord-tenant Boundary and property lines Easements Dori also regularly appears on behalf of clients at City Council meetings, Planning Commission mee...

Patrick Hammon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Patrick, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.