Natasha Tran

Erik Puknys’ career in intellectual property began more than 25 years ago, when he joined the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office as a patent examiner. Erik started his legal career at Finnegan’s Washington, D.C. office in 1994, and moved to California in 1997 to help open the firm’s Silicon Valley office. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in district courts around the United States, in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and in the U.S. Supreme Cour...

Erika is the Co-chair of Hopkins & Carley's Trust and Estate Litigation practice. She represents and advises professional fiduciaries, trustees, beneficiaries, high net-worth individuals, family offices, and businesses on a range of trust and estate litigation and trust administration matters.

Bijal V. Vakil is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Bijal V., 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 Bijal V. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Patrick Hammon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Patrick, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert G. Harris is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Robert G., who practices law in Santa Clara, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lance A. Etcheverry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Lance A., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lance A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kenneth A. Kuwayti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Kenneth A., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas J. Ivey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Securities / Capital Markets Law. Thomas J., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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.