James P. Cilley
About James P. Cilley
James P. Cilley is a lawyer based in San Jose, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008. James P. Cilley is recognized in the following practice area:
- San Jose, California
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Temmerman, Cilley, Kohlmann & Norcia LLP
Education: University of the Pacific, J.D., graduated 1993
Location: San Jose, CA
It takes just a few minutes to optimize your profile for clients looking to engage and lawyers who are ready to refer.
Activate your profile and highlight why your peers recognized in Best Lawyers today.
Nearby Lawyers
Kenneth A. Kuwayti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Kenneth A., 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 Kenneth A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Craig A. Becker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Craig A., 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 Craig A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Thomas J. Ivey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Securities / Capital Markets Law. Thomas J., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Laurelle M. Gutierrez has a diverse practice representing high-net-worth individuals and their families with respect to all aspects of gift, estate and generation-skipping wealth-transfer tax planning, as well as trust and estate administration. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/gutierrez-laurelle-m/
Michael D. Celio is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Securities. Michael D., 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 Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Susan M. Spaeth is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Susan M., who practices law in Menlo Park, California, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Quyen L. Ta is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Quyen L., 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 Quyen L. 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...
Robert G. Harris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Robert G., who practices law in Santa Clara, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Phil Levine is head of the firm's Northern California Real Estate Group. Mr. Levine concentrates his practice representing clients in a wide range of commercial real estate equity and debt transactions, including acquisitions and sales; financing (including permanent and construction loans); the structuring and formation of joint ventures and other investment vehicles for the development, ownership, and operation of all major property types, such as multifamily projects, office buildings, and...
Explore and Learn
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Can a Green Card Be Revoked?
by Bryan Driscoll
Revocation requires a legal basis, notice and the chance to respond before status can be taken away.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Living Trust?
by Bryan Driscoll
A practical guide to wills, living trusts and how to choose the right plan for your estate.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.
New Texas Family Laws Transform Navigating Divorce, Custody
by Bryan Driscoll
Reforms are sweeping, philosophically distinct and designed to change the way families operate.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.