Smriti Sahni

Sonal N. Mehta is a trial lawyer representing many of the world’s leading technology and life sciences companies in high-stakes disputes. Ms. Mehta is regularly called upon by clients—ranging from Silicon Valley’s largest companies to cutting-edge startups—to serve as both lead counsel in the courtroom and trusted advisor in the boardroom. She has nearly 25 years of experience across all aspects of trial and appellate practice, including federal jury and bench trials, ...

William (Bill) Gaede focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation in the life sciences and medical device industries. Bill serves as lead counsel for a wide range of companies and research institutes and has extensive experience in litigating life science technologies such as antibodies, proteins, small molecules and diagnostics. In addition to his jury trial experience, Bill has argued before the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He further provides risk manage...

A seasoned trial lawyer with significant experience in both state and federal courts in Santa Clara County, Bill’s expertise in representing businesses and individuals in complex civil litigation has provided clients many noteworthy results. In addition, Bill works with individuals and families in cases involving litigation such as will contests, trust disputes, and related issues. Bill is often called into family law matters when specific litigation expertise is required in cases where...

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

Allison M. Leopold Tilley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Allison M. Leopold, who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Allison M. Leopold is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kenton J. King is the partner in charge of Skadden’s Palo Alto office. He serves on the firm’s top governing body, the Policy Committee. Mr. King represents clients in a broad range of corporate and securities law matters, including corporate governance, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investment and capital markets transactions and restructurings. In the United States, Mr. King concentrates on corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions, as well as eq...

Mark R.S. Foster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Mark R.S., 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 Mark R.S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Phil Levine is head of the firm's Northern California Real Estate Group. Mr. Levine concentrates his practice representing clients in a wide range of commercial real estate equity and debt transactions, including acquisitions and sales; financing (including permanent and construction loans); the structuring and formation of joint ventures and other investment vehicles for the development, ownership, and operation of all major property types, such as multifamily projects, office buildings, 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.