Nicole Aeschleman

Chris Berka is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a practice focusing on environmental, real estate, energy, natural resources, product liability and contract matters. He has resolved more than two hundred cases for clients in a range of industries and sectors, including technology, aerospace, oil and natural gas, wind energy, real estate development, pharmaceuticals, higher education, transportation, news media, mining and consumer products. In addition to his litigation practice, Chr...

Recognized as one of California’s top trial lawyers, Elizabeth focuses her practice on technology, trade secrets, business disputes, and civil rights. She also manages day-to-day operations of the firm. A courtroom veteran, Elizabeth brings keen strategic thinking to every step of litigation. In addition to her trial work, she has handled many sensitive investigations and frequently assists clients in risk management. Clients have described Elizabeth as “an excellent trial lawyer&...

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.

Susan M. Spaeth is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Susan M., who practices law in Menlo Park, California, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael D. Celio is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Securities. Michael D., 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 Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jay Ross is Co-chair of Hopkins & Carley’s Litigation Department. He handles contract, fulfillment, and payment disputes as well as real estate disputes, including construction, purchase and sale transactions, commercial landlord-tenant disputes, easements, and land use. A wide variety of businesses associated with the real estate industry rely on Jay to apply his years of business litigation experience and practical approach to solve their problems. These include: Commercial genera...

Ed Batts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Ed, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ed is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alexander Stuart leads Murphy Austin’s Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation practice team. Alex has more than four decades of experience practicing law in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, with a particular focus in commercial insurance litigation involving business, real estate, construction and professional liability matters. He represents policyholders in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. Alex also represents clients in real estate and...

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.

Commercial litigator Adam Trigg represents directors, officers, and founders in complex securities litigation, shareholder disputes, business divorces, and other intracompany controversies. His Silicon Valley-based clients include executives and leaders of venture capital, life sciences, biotechnology, and high-tech companies. Securities Litigation and SEC Investigations Adam has defended numerous officers, directors, and companies in securities class actions, shareholder derivative actions, ...