Sarah B. Axtell

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&...

Dr. Joe Liebeschuetz is a partner in Alston & Bird’s Intellectual Property Patents Group in the Menlo Park office. For the last two decades, Dr. Liebeschuetz has represented biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in patent matters. He has prosecuted several patents on platform technologies, including humanized antibodies, DNA arrays and transgenic animals, some of which have been widely licensed. He has particular experience in antibodies, having worked with several leading enti...

Mark R.S. Foster is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Mark R.S. practices law in Palo Alto, California Best Lawyers has recognized Mark R.S. Foster since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Mark R.S. Foster is held by other lawyers.

James J. Masetti is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Corporate Law. James J. practices law in Palo Alto, California Best Lawyers has recognized James J. Masetti since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which James J. Masetti is held by other lawyers.

Marisa C. San Filippo is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Marisa C. practices law in Menlo Park, California Best Lawyers has recognized Marisa C. San Filippo since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Marisa C. San Filippo is held by other lawyers.

Christopher Kao is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. Christopher practices law in San Francisco, California Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher Kao since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christopher Kao is held by other lawyers.

Julie Miraglia Kwon advises wealthy individuals, families, closely held businesses, charities and corporate fiduciaries on all aspects of estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, trust and estate administration, business succession, charitable planning and governance, and contested trust and tax matters. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/kwon-julie-miraglia/

Ed Wes is a partner in the firm's Business practice, who focuses his practice on emerging growth companies. Ed's practice includes capital formation (including private financings of debt and equity securities, as well as public offerings), mergers and acquisitions and business transactions including joint ventures and technology transfer transactions. In his position as general counsel for many of his clients Ed also oversees the work of litigation and IP law specialists. Ed particularly valu...

Craig A. Becker is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation and Controversy - Tax and Tax Law. Craig A. practices law in Palo Alto, California Best Lawyers has recognized Craig A. Becker since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Craig A. Becker is held by other lawyers.

Laurelle M. Gutierrez has a diverse practice representing high-net-worth individuals and their families with respect to all aspects of gift, estate and generation-skipping wealth-transfer tax planning, as well as trust and estate administration. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/gutierrez-laurelle-m/