Susan E. Smith

Cara Barrick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Cara, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cara is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

G. Michelle Ferreira counsels individuals, partnerships, estates and corporations in tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and state and local tax agencies, including the California Franchise Tax Board, the State Board of Equalization, the Employment Development Department and county assessment appeals boards. As a former tax litigator for the Internal Revenue Service, Michelle brings unique experience to clients who have complex and sensitive tax and penalty disputes. Michelle repre...

Susan von Herrmann is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Susan, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert C. Herr is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Robert C., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 1987. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Alma Soongi Beck is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Alma Soongi, who practices law in Redwood Shores, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alma Soongi is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matt Richards is a litigator who represents owners and general contractors in federal and state court construction litigation and in arbitration. He also has significant experience in antitrust, bankruptcy, and appellate law. In addition, Matt oversees Nixon Peabody’s award-winning pro bono program, which leverages the skills and experience of attorneys and staff to make a positive impact for our clients and communities. My focus Construction & Real Estate Development I represent pu...

Charles R. Olson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. Charles R., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas M. Sherwood’s clients include lenders, property owners, developers and users who are parties to transactions involving real property. He represents institutional lenders in negotiating and documenting construction and permanent financings and the modification of these facilities. He has also represented developers in all aspects of the development process including acquiring property, obtaining land-use entitlements, negotiating and preparing agreements with municipalities, secur...

Barry W. Lee, a partner in the San Francisco and Los Angeles offices, is co-chair of the trial practice group and the financial services litigation group. He focuses on commercial litigation and has extensive jury and bench trial experience encompassing a variety of areas, including real estate, banking/lender liability, antitrust/unfair competition, employment, consumer class actions, environmental, construction, probate, securities, products liability and insurance coverage. Barry’s m...

Patrick J. Devine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Securities / Capital Markets Law. Patrick J., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.