John B. Hale

After almost forty years at "Big Law" firms, Lester Brown opened his own firm on October 1, 2024. Les offers deep knowledge and insights in complex commercial litigation, with a focus on representing policyholders in challenging insurance coverage disputes, achieving substantial recoveries for his clients. Les has served a diverse range of clients including electric and gas utilities, tech firms, telecommunications companies, chemical and oil corporations, as well as manufacturers, landlords,...

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...

Ed Wes is a partner in the firm's Business practice, who focuses his practice on emerging growth companies. Ed's practice includes capital formation (including private financings of debt and equity securities, as well as public offerings), mergers and acquisitions and business transactions including joint ventures and technology transfer transactions. In his position as general counsel for many of his clients Ed also oversees the work of litigation and IP law specialists. Ed particularly valu...

Timothy C. Brugh is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Timothy C., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amr Razzak is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Amr, 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 Amr is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A member of the trial bar for over 50 years, Jim has unparalleled experience and skill in preparing and presenting cases for adjudication – whether by jury, judge, arbitrator, mediator or the parties themselves. He represents Silicon Valley companies with commercial, trade secret and intellectual property issues. Jim also represents individuals in a wide variety of matters, including civil rights actions, employment disputes, family law and criminal defense.

Ed Batts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Ed, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ed is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sonal N. Mehta is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. Sonal N., 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 Sonal N. 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.

Alexander Stuart leads Murphy Austin’s Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation practice team. Alex has more than four decades of experience practicing law in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, with a particular focus in commercial insurance litigation involving business, real estate, construction and professional liability matters. He represents policyholders in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. Alex also represents clients in real estate and...