Michael J. "Mike" Shepard

Ben Riley is a Principal of the firm and serves on its Executive Committee. He has tried nearly 30 cases to verdict including jury trials, court trials, and complex arbitrations. His practice focuses on Intellectual Property Litigation, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and license disputes. He also has an active practice in Business Litigation, including class action defense, defense of “consumer claims” under the Lanham Act and unfair competition statutes,...

Erik L. Peterson is regarded among the nation’s top Civil Trial Attorneys. He has secured a number of high-value verdicts and settlements, several of which have set local and state records. Erik is licensed to practice in California and Hawaii and represents victims and families throughout both states in a range of medical malpractice and personal injury claims. He has successfully resolved an array of complex and high-stakes civil claims over his nearly 30 years in practice, including ...

Jacob R. Sorensen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Antitrust Law and Litigation - Antitrust. Jacob R., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jacob R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin D. Reese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Kevin D., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christian H. Cebrian is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Environmental and Litigation - Land Use and Zoning. Christian H., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christian H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Marne S. Sussman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law, Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Litigation - Environmental. Marne S., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marne S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas M. Sherwood’s clients include lenders, property owners, developers and users who are parties to transactions involving real property. He represents institutional lenders in negotiating and documenting construction and permanent financings and the modification of these facilities. He has also represented developers in all aspects of the development process including acquiring property, obtaining land-use entitlements, negotiating and preparing agreements with municipalities, secur...

Elinor Leary is a seasoned trial lawyer dedicated to protecting the rights of her clients and guiding them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She founded First Person Legal in 2025 and focuses her practice on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, with a record of achieving significant verdicts and settlements for individuals and families facing life-altering harm. Elinor is known for her compassionate approach and unwavering advocacy. She takes the time to ...

Eric Tate serves as the co-chair of our Employment and Labor Group and co-chair of our Diversity Strategy Committee. He represents companies in trade secrets, employee raiding and mobility, unfair competition, wage and hour, employment discrimination and whistleblower litigation, and in counseling matters. He has litigated various employee claims including, for example, discrimination and harassment, wrongful termination, and the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements in both stat...

Mathew A. Wyman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Mathew A., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mathew A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.