Stephen C. Neal
About Stephen C. Neal
Stephen C. Neal is a lawyer based in Palo Alto, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 1993. Stephen C. Neal is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Palo Alto, California
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Current Firm: Cooley LLP
Education: Stanford University, J.D., graduated 1994
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Nearby Lawyers
James R. Batchelder is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. James R., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Maria S. Bellafronto is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Commercial Litigation. Maria S., who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Maria S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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...
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/
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...
James J. Masetti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. James J., 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 James J. 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.
James F. Valentine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. James F., 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 James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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.
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.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.