Thomas C. DeFilipps

After almost forty years at "Big Law" firms, Lester Brown opened his own firm on October 1, 2024. Les offers deep knowledge and insights in complex commercial litigation, with a focus on representing policyholders in challenging insurance coverage disputes, achieving substantial recoveries for his clients. Les has served a diverse range of clients including electric and gas utilities, tech firms, telecommunications companies, chemical and oil corporations, as well as manufacturers, landlords,...

Chip Lion is a partner in the Corporate Finance Group with Morrison & Foerster LLP in Palo Alto California where he is the immediate past chair of the firm’s Palo Alto Corporate Finance Group and is the firm-wide co-chair of firm’s Private Equity Fund Group. Mr. Lion regularly advises institutional investors and fund sponsors in connection with the formation of venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds, real estate opportunity and other private equity funds. Mr. Lion repre...

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.

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&...

Dianne L. Sweeney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Dianne L., 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 Dianne L. 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.

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

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.

Mark J. Mihanovic, head of the Firm’s California Transactions group, focuses his practice primarily in the areas of corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. He represents companies in a broad range of industries, with a particular emphasis on technology, life science and health care companies. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/mihanovic-mark-j/

Kathleen Strickland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Kathleen, who practices law in Menlo Park, California, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kathleen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.