John B. Hale
About John B. Hale
John B. Hale is a lawyer based in Palo Alto, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2013. John B. Hale is recognized in the following practice area:
- Palo Alto, California
- Banking and Finance Law
Current Firm: Cooley LLP
Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison, J.D., graduated 1982
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Nearby Lawyers
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.
Kenton J. King is the partner in charge of Skadden’s Palo Alto office. He serves on the firm’s top governing body, the Policy Committee. Mr. King represents clients in a broad range of corporate and securities law matters, including corporate governance, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investment and capital markets transactions and restructurings. In the United States, Mr. King concentrates on corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions, as well as eq...
Erik Olson's practice focuses on the litigation of securities, corporate governance, and intellectual property disputes, with particular emphasis on clients in the biotechnology, medical device, retail, and high-technology industries. In securities-related matters, Mr. Olson has repeatedly obtained dismissals of federal class action lawsuits under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and successfully defended those dismissals before the Fourth, Ninth and Tenth Circuits for numerous pr...
Maria S. Bellafronto is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Commercial Litigation. Maria S., who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Maria S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
James J. Masetti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. James J., 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 James J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mark J. Mihanovic, head of the Firm’s California Transactions group, focuses his practice primarily in the areas of corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. He represents companies in a broad range of industries, with a particular emphasis on technology, life science and health care companies. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/mihanovic-mark-j/
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...
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.
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.
In a capital markets environment characterized by rapid change and necessitating innovation, Gregg A. Noel is highly sought after by U.S. and international issuers, investment banks and financial institutions on a wide range of public and private debt and equity financings. A leader in the West Coast Corporate Group, Mr. Noel focuses his practice on a variety of corporate transactions, including public offerings, private placements, dispositions, acquisitions and corporate restructurings. He ...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
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.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
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.