Smriti Sahni

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.

David Jakopin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. David, 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 David 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...

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&...

Stephen Kottmeier has practiced commercial litigation for almost forty years and is a member of Hopkins & Carley’s Financial Institution Creditor’s Rights’ Practice Group. His experience includes extensive complex civil litigation in federal, state and bankruptcy courts, and other proceedings. Steve is regularly involved in representing creditors in enforcement and defense matters regarding: Evaluating and effecting civil enforcement proceedings Prejudgment actions to re...

Armando Castro is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Armando, 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 Armando is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

When a company or its leaders are at risk, founding partner Daniel J. Bergeson uses his substantial litigation and trial experience to advocate for their rights and reputations in lawsuits involving securities, intellectual property, employment, private equity and venture capital, and commercial law. He focuses on the essential facts to persuade juries, judges, and triers of cases in state and federal courts and arbitration forums in Silicon Valley, Delaware, New York, and other dispute resol...

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.

Jeffrey E. Essner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Jeffrey E., who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.