Michael L. Charlson
About Michael L. Charlson
Michael L. Charlson is a lawyer based in San Francisco, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2023. Michael L. Charlson is recognized in the following practice area:
- San Francisco, California
- Litigation - Securities
Current Firm: Vinson & Elkins LLP
Education: University of California Berkeley, J.D., graduated 1985
Location: San Francisco, CA
Nearby Lawyers
Sean Absher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Sean, 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 Sean is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Attorney R. Brent Wisner is a managing partner of Wisner Baum (formerly Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman), a nationwide law firm based in Los Angeles, California. He focuses his practice on holding negligent and sometimes malicious corporations accountable through pharmaceutical product liability, toxic torts and consumer fraud and class action litigation. One of the firm’s leading trial lawyers, Brent oversees the mass tort litigation department. He is actively involved in all litiga...
Melissa S. Hung is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Melissa S., 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 Melissa S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Clay Gantz addresses client real estate concerns, including development and investment; debt and equity financing; land use and entitlements; public-private partnerships; acquisitions, sales and exchanges; and leasing and ground leasing. Leveraging decades of experience as counsel to public agencies to advise private developers in public-private partnerships, Clay advised the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency on the Moscone Center/Yerba Buena Gardens project. He also advised the city of Tust...
Mr. Fiero serves as a co-chair of the firm's Committee Practice Group and maintains a national practice representing debtors, committees, acquirers, and other significant parties in interest in complex reorganizations and financially distressed situations, both in and out of court. Mr. Fiero is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and received his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law, where he was associate note editor for the Hastings Journal of Communications and Entert...
Patrick R. McCabe is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Patrick R., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ronald E. Van Buskirk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Ronald E., 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 Ronald E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Sophia (Sophie) Castillo counsels domestic and international importers, distributors, national brands, private labels, institutional suppliers, family-owned food processing businesses, and retail grocers on compliance, litigation, and risk avoidance surrounding California’s Proposition 65, as well as other state and national laws related to chemicals and toxics. She advises clients involved in numerous industries across the entire supply chain, including food and beverage, apparel, cook...
Ms. Grassgreen has significant experience representing debtors, trustees, and creditors’ committees in large chapter 11 cases nationwide and internationally. Ms. Grassgreen is an author and frequent speaker on various bankruptcy-related topics including the management of large and complex chapter 11 cases, the treatment of intellectual property rights in bankruptcy, issues in technology bankruptcy cases, cross-border bankruptcy issues, and issues facing individual chapter 11 debtors. Ms...
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.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
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.
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
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.