Katherine "Kay" Philippakis

Attorney Erin Joyce has extensive experience in State Bar investigations and disciplinary proceedings, plus over thirty years of civil litigation practice. Erin was admitted in 1990 and practiced for nearly eight years in an intellectual property boutique before joining the Office of Chief Trial Counsel as a prosecutor for the State Bar, from 1997 through 2016. Erin has over twenty-five years of experience handling all aspects of discipline cases against attorneys in State Bar Court, from the...

Scott Rechtschaffen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Scott, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carolina Bravo-Karimi is a member of the firm's Employment Law group. Her practice is focused on representing employers in a variety of employment disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wage and hour litigation. Representing both public and private entities, Carolina is an expert in handling complex matters and balancing the needs of several high-profile stakeholders. Carolina also serves as Practice Chair of our recently launched Diversity, Equi...

Marnie Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Marnie, who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marnie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Korosh Torkzadeh is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Korosh, who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Korosh is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew N. Kohn has a wide range of civil litigation and trial experience, primarily in the fields of personal injury, business litigation, and products liability. Drew has achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. In January 2014, Drew was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and in October 2018, was elevated in rank from Member to Associate. Drew has also been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for 2019-202...

James (Jim) Dyer is the firm’s Chief Financial Officer and Managing Shareholder of the Sacramento office of Buchalter. With more than 30 years of experience as a corporate and bank regulatory lawyer and a background in public accounting, Mr. Dyer serves as outside general counsel to a number of business enterprises ranging from privately held businesses to a publicly-traded company, including financial institutions.

Michael A. Firestein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Michael A., who practices law in Los Angeles, California, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Galin G. Luk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Galin G., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Galin G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bruce Fischer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Bruce, who practices law in Irvine, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bruce is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.