Steven L. Smith

When business partnerships, startups, and investment funds are in the throes of intra-company disputes or face claims of wrongdoing, business litigator John D. Pernick guides companies and their founders, directors, executives, and investors toward resolutions that serve their overall interests, be it through negotiation or litigation. He also represents companies and individuals in complex state and federal litigation matters and in connection with investigations by the Securities Exchange C...

Davina Pujari is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. Davina, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Davina is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

R. Clark Morrison is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Natural Resources Law and Real Estate Law. R. Clark, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which R. Clark is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael O’Bryan is a partner in the firm’s Corporate Department. His practice focuses on U.S. and international mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions, including “going private” and other related party transactions. He has been involved in more than 350 M&A transactions, advising companies, boards, and special committees, as well as investment banks, in both negotiated and contested transactions. Mr. O’Bryan has worked extensive...

Michele Ballard Miller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michele Ballard, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michele Ballard is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Anthony J. Malutta is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law. Anthony J., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew P. Vafidis is a partner specializing in commercial litigation, with an emphasis on shipping and environmental law. Mr. Vafidis began his legal career as a barrister in London at the Bar of England and Wales, to which he was called in July 1979. Since 1981, he has practiced in San Francisco, first as an associate and partner at a major California law firm, and thereafter as a partner at Holland & Knight and one of its predecessors, an internationally-renowned shipping and aviation ...

Ernest Galvan is a partner at Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP. He assists clients in difficult and complex matters involving actual or potential litigation. Mr. Galvan has worked with clients to resolve a wide range of problems, including business formation and dissolution, commercial disputes, employment law matters, disability access compliance, and attorney fee disputes. Mr. Galvan’s practice includes both trial and appellate matters. He has successfully briefed and argued cases...

Anthony J. McCusker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Venture Capital Law. Anthony J., who practices law in Redwood City, California, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nathaniel M. Cartmell III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Nathaniel M., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nathaniel M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and leg...