Pioneer Business Lawyers

I am a startup business lawyer and litigator practicing in Silicon Valley as head of a 4-lawyer boutique firm, George Grellas & Associates. We are business lawyers with a specialty in early-stage tech startups. Since 1984, we have helped small to medium-sized businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and executives - several thousand in all. We help form companies - fund them - sell or merge or acquire them - sell their assets - do their corporate work, employment work, contracts, leases, and standard terms - licensing, trademark, and IP work - founder and equity incentive structures - commercial deals of all types. We...

David Tsai is Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s Taiwan practice co-leader and also a partner in the San Francisco office. David is a first-chair trial lawyer and focuses his practice on intellectual property, patent, trade secret, trademark, copyright, complex breach of contract and product defect litigation in courts and international arbitration tribunals. David represents world-class corporations innovating biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, software (AI, internet and mobile apps) and hardware (semiconductors, set-top boxes, smartphones, solar wafers and light-emitting diodes/LED/OLED). In addition to litigation, his experience includes preparing and prosecuting U.S. electrical engineering patent applications, drafting patentability, freedom-to-operate and non-infringement opinions, as well...

Marc van Niekerk is Special Counsel with Silicon Valley Law Group’s Business Litigation and Intellectual Property & Employment Group. Over the course of his career, Marc has tried more than 50 cases to verdict and also has extensive mediation experience. His practice focuses on business litigation, with special emphasis in the areas of intellectual property disputes, business torts and commercial contract disputes. During his more than 25 years in practice, Marc has counselled and represented clients in a wide array of commercial disputes including, inter alia, employee solicitation and trade secret misappropriation, business disputes, including breach of contract,...

After practicing for a successful San Francisco financial district law firm for ten years, Ronald started his own practice in 1988. His primary practice areas include business representation, business formations, conversions, acquisitions, sales and mergers, real estate and transportation law, and estate planning. He specializes in representing small to medium sized entities in various industries, including real estate, transportation and logistics, and start-up technology and commercial enterprises. Estate planning services are provided for business owners and their families.

Quynh (“Quinn”) Chen is a bilingual attorney that has been admitted to practice in the Ninth Circuit of the United States Appellate Court. Her practice areas primarily focus on family law, entity formations, and intellectual property. Her interest is in software patents and helping underrepresented clients in her community.

As part of her interest in software patents, Ms. Chen is proficient in programming in Ruby on Rails, MEAN stack Javascript, and working with various databases. While at Golden Gate University, School of Law, she served as Vice President of Asian Pacific American Law Student Association.

Jill focuses on estate and gift tax planning, probate and trust administration. She advises individuals on a broad variety of matters, including drafting living trusts, insurance trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, children's trusts and defective grantor trusts; formation of partnerships and limited liability companies; and other transfer tax techniques.

Jill also represents trustees and executors in the administration of trusts and estates. She drafts pleadings for matters before the Probate Court and appears before the Probate Court.

In addition, Jill handles a variety of property tax matters, including appearances before the Assessment Appeals Board.

Jean Claude (JJ) B. Mallein Jr. is an experienced business, tax and trusts and estates attorney. Dedicated to wealth preservation, he has focused his education and practice on helping California residents secure their estates and prepare for the future. As a partner at boutique tax and estate planning firm in the Silicon Valley, Mr. Mallein gained valuable experience in wealth management, estate planning, tax planning, business succession planning, trust and estate administrations, tax controversy, real estate transactions and like-kind exchange cases. He is fully prepared to tackle complex business and estate planning cases. Mr. Mallein is a Dual Certified...

Mr. Williams is the founder of The Williams Firm and has over 21 years of extensive experience in the areas of real estate, construction, business and corporate law. Mr. Williams' practice areas include all aspects of civil litigation and dispute resolution in all courts, government hearings, arbitrations and mediations in the areas of real estate, construction and business law. Mr. Williams also represents and advises clients in business transactions, corporate law, real property transactions, and trademark law. In real estate matters he has represented owners and developers of residential and commercial properties, including multi-million dollar properties, negotiated sales...

Ms. Johns is a civil trial lawyer who has tried more than one hundred cases to verdict. She is the managing partner for Hillary Johns, Trial Lawyer which maintains offices in Beverly Hills, the Bay Area and New York City. She graduated from Occidental College in 1990 and Golden Gate University School of Law in 1993 where she graduated with Dean’s List and class honors. She is licensed to practice law in California, the California Southern, Central and Northern U.S. Federal District Courts, the District of Columbia, Montana, New York, and the New York Eastern and Southern U.S....

An attorney in the Napa Valley focusing on wine industry law, business, real property and land use, Matt Eisenberg works with winery and vineyard owners, wine and food-related companies, beer and spirit producers, real estate developers, hotels, restaurants, lenders, nonprofits and other regional, national and international clients.

Experienced, dedicated and affordable immigration attorney servings the Immigration community for near 20 years. Record of winning case on asylum, VAWA claim, naturalization with criminal background, waivers, and complex family based immigrant visa petitions.

Help small to medium size companies navigate through a wide variety of legal challenges: formation, funding, governmental impediments, operational legal planning, merger and acquisition, employee relations, and labor compliance. All with the goal of litigation avoidance. Litigation in all California state courts and the Northern and Eastern U.S. District Courts of California.

Mr. Gomes was raised in Siskiyou County, California. He graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in Political Science in 1996, and obtained his Juris Doctorate and certificates in public interest and high technology law from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1999. During law school he interned in and directed the Consumer Law Program at the East San Jose Community Law Center, worked in the legal department at Computer Curriculum Corporation, and externed for Magistrate judge Patricia V. Trumbull at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, in San Jose. After law...

I am an accomplished California attorney. I represent employees and tenants in a broad range of Employment, Landlord-Tenant and Civil Rights matters.

Dedicated to exceptional advocacy, I am diligent in fighting for the rights of my clients. I am genuine, experienced, and committed to justice.

I am also active in the community, currently volunteering at both Centro Legal and the Western Service Workers Association where I provide pro bono assistance to low-wage workers.

Since 1989, Lori has been practicing civil litigation throughout Northern California. She is experienced in civil litigation, professional malpractice, employment discrimination, labor and employment, personal injury, wrongful termination, and general business and contract disputes. Lori is licensed to practice law in both state and federal courts in California. With more than 25 years of experience, Lori Costanzo has engaged in a broad range of complex civil actions; she has handled jury and bench trials in both state and federal courts, and has served as a fierce advocate for her clients in mediation and arbitration. Her experience extends to the judicial level...

Gregory S. Hartman is an attorney, CPA, and Certified Insolvency & Restructuring Advisor (credential pending). Mr. Hartman's practice involves representing both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy proceedings. He has expertise in chapter 11 businesses reorganization. Prior to starting Hartman Bankruptcy Law, Mr. Hartman represented secured creditors and trustees in bankruptcy cases. Mr. Hartman also worked for the United States Trustee's Office where he worked in an oversight role of chapter 11 cases and trustee administration. Mr. Hartman is a long-time resident of the Bay Area, living in the East Bay with his wife...

Spencer practices employment, civil rights and personal injury law. He is dedicated to representing employees in employment disputes and individuals and their families in personal injury cases.

Since 2005, Spencer has litigated discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour, retaliation, and other employment disputes, such as contract breach and commission cases. He also litigates vehicle accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, and civil rights claims. His legal experience dates back to 1996. He has appeared in Northern District Federal Courts, California State Superior Courts, the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission, the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Merit...

Fred W. Schwinn is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in the States of California and Kansas. Fred is the shareholder and owner of the Consumer Law Center, Inc. His practice is dedicated exclusively to representing consumer debtors in bankruptcy, stopping predatory and abusive consumer lending practices, and protecting consumers from illegal debt collection activity.

In 1997, Fred graduated from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas where he organized and volunteered at the law school's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. While other law students were training in the law school's legal clinic, Fred began his legal career in...

I am an attorney at Structure Law Group, LLP, where my primary focus is on business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, commercial contracts, and corporate governance. I also assist colleagues across the firm in various areas such as litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. I approach legal matters with flexibility, creativity, and a dedication to delivering practical, client-centered solutions. As a proactive risk mitigator, I anticipate challenges early and communicate effectively to align teams and clients. Known for my collaborative mindset, I balance individual accountability with a strong commitment to teamwork. I earned my J.D./M.B.A. from Santa Clara University....

I am a civil litigator and trial attorney with extensive experience in general business litigation and employment litigation. For over two decades, my practice has focused on business disputes and employment and labor law. I have successfully represented both employees and employers in a wide range of cases, including those involving contracts, harassment, discrimination, whistleblower claims, and wage and hour matters. Having handled hundreds of cases, gained significant trial experience, and participated in numerous forms of alternative dispute resolution, I draw on my background to develop strategies and explore litigation and resolution options aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes...

Craig Hansen has been a trusted advocate in the San Francisco Bay Area since his admission to the California State Bar in 2000. A seasoned trial and appellate attorney, he has successfully represented individuals and businesses of all sizes—from ambitious startups to Fortune 500 companies—across a wide spectrum of legal disputes. Craig began his legal career at a prominent San Jose firm, where he represented businesses, individuals, and investors in complex commercial, financial, and intellectual property litigation. He later joined a national law firm, honing his trial skills while defending major corporations such as General Motors, Ford, and Honda alongside some...

I am currently of Counsel with Silicon Valley Law Group, where my practice encompasses a wide range of areas including advising on corporate governance, policy creation and enforcement, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust advice, cybersecurity issues, and treasury and contractual negotiations. Additionally, I handle investigations, litigation, and resolution of various disputes related to business and technology. Before joining Silicon Valley Law Group, I dedicated over 25 years to serving as in-house counsel at Lam Research Corporation, culminating in my role as the acting Chief Legal Officer. Prior to my tenure at Lam, I was engaged in private practice where I primarily focused...

I am responsible for all matters handled by my office. Paralegals, law clerks and associates may be utilized in appropriate situations, but the buck stops with me. Intentionally remaining small has enabled me to continue to provide unparalleled personal attention and confidentiality. My clients are the reason I am here, and I work hard for the best results possible. I am honored by the trust placed in me, and strive to maintain it at the highest level. You are entitled to understand the law applicable to your matter and the options available, as well as my best advice. I have...

I bring nearly 35 years of legal experience to the firm, having started my career after graduating from Santa Clara University School of Law. My initial role was as a Research Attorney with the Santa Clara County Superior Court. In this position, I provided comprehensive legal analysis to Law and Motion Judges and the Appellate Department, offering me a unique insight into the judicial decision-making process. I was also specially appointed by the Court to assist with coordinated cases and complex litigation. Throughout my career, I have represented clients in all facets of civil litigation, with a particular focus on employment...

I handle bankruptcy cases, as well as litigation in state court, federal court, and the bankruptcy court. My practice is based in Sonoma County, but I also represent clients in the counties of Napa, Mendocino, Lake, and Marin. The majority of my practice is focused on matters that require extensive litigation and trials, with a particular focus on consumer financial issues, including wrongful foreclosures and debt collection practices. I am a native of Santa Rosa, and a British citizen by descent.

Shab D. Kerendian founded the firm and started it as the Law Offices of Shab D. Kerendian. Since 1996, Shab has been practicing law and representing clients before judges in state and federal courts. Due to client satisfaction and referrals, he expanded this firm into a multi-lawyer firm known as Kerendian & Associates, Inc. Shab represented dentists, doctors, over 35 hospitals, small and large businesses, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, trustees, executors, non-profit organizations and individuals.

Shab has significant experience in all facets of business, real property, and dental and medical litigation, particularly trials. Shab has also given lectures to various...

Jack Chammas is the Managing Attorney at the Chammas Law Office, APLC. Practicing since 1996, his experience ranges from Business and Transactional Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation. Two years into his practice, he joined a California Based Corporation as its in-house General Counsel. What started out as a small business venture eventually became the experience of his lifetime. Within ten years, the company grew exponentially to a multi-million dollar institution operating in 50 States. As General Counsel, Jack handled all aspects of running a multi-state multi-million dollar operation including working with law firms nationwide, participated in litigation at...

Gordon Firemark practices entertainment (Theatre, Film, Television, Digital Media), media and business law in Los Angeles. He helps creative industry professionals make deals that make sense, and that get their productions developed, financed, produced and distributed. His practice also covers intellectual property, cyberspace, new media, business transactions, and corporate matters for clients in the fields of media, entertainment, content and digital business. Mr. Firemark is frequently referred to as “The Podcast Lawyer™”, and is the author of The Podcast, Blog, & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide. (Https://podcastlawbook.com) He is also a podcaster himself. ...

I am an experienced California Real Estate, Land Use and Construction attorney. I represent developers, owners, operators and lenders in all aspects of real estate transactions. My practice also includes advocating for non-profit organizations in these areas.

With 25 years of experience, I am dedicated to providing outstanding service and comprehensive representation. I practice law with passion and integrity, focused on successfully resolving my clients' legal needs.

Based in Los Angeles (now Beverly Hills and near Santa Monica), employment and business trial lawyer Jeffrey W. Cowan has an "AV î Preeminent" rating from Martindale-Hubbell. From 2007 through 2021, Mr. Cowan was named a "Southern California Super Lawyer". Professional Experience. Mr. Cowan specializes in employment and business litigation. He represents plaintiffs and defendants, and has recovered many millions of dollars for his clients (and also saved millions for his defendant clients). He also successfully sued Donald Trump's golf club. Learn more at http://www.cowan-law.com/results.php. Mr. Cowan earned his B.A. (cum laude) from Cornell...

A diligent, problem-solving, and results-oriented professional with substantial expertise in healthcare transactional and regulatory law. I have more than 15 years of law firm and in-house experience representing a variety of healthcare providers and companies in complex business transactions and navigating a myriad of different healthcare laws and regulations. My practice at the Law Offices of Robert A. Polisky focuses on the representation of healthcare providers and companies, including hospitals, medical groups, accountable care organizations, management companies, billing companies, diagnostic imaging centers, cancer treatment centers, surgery centers, laboratories, equipment lessors, health information technology companies, and others associated with the...

I am a litigation attorney at Structure Law Group, LLP. In my role, I support the firm's expanding practice in complex business and commercial litigation. My responsibilities cover a wide array of civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, employment claims, and intellectual property issues. I am involved in all phases of litigation, from conducting legal research and drafting pleadings to engaging in motion practice, formulating discovery strategies, and preparing for trial. I am known for my solid foundation in litigation, meticulous attention to detail, and a pragmatic approach to serving our clients. Before my tenure at Structure Law Group, I represented...

Joseph A. Yanny was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and attended college and law school at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Yanny obtained a B.E. in Engineering in 1975 and his J.D. in 1978. Mr. Yanny began practicing as a patent attorney in Chicago, Illinois where he obtained his first million dollar judgment before moving to California in 1980. Prior to founding his own law firm in 1983, Mr. Yanny worked in the aerospace industry in California.

Mr. Yanny is a member of the Chicago, Beverly Hills, South Bay, Los Angeles County, Illinois State and American Bar Associations;...

Mr. Aune focuses primarily on employment matters including wrongful termination; discrimination based on protected categories such as age, disability, gender, national origin, and race; harassment and hostile work environment; retaliation; sexual harassment; whistleblower retaliation and whistleblower protection; breach of contract; and employment torts such as battery, sexual battery, and assault. Mr. Aune represents whistleblowers in employment matters in both California state and federal court in cases involving violations of California Labor Code section 1102.5 Whistleblower Retaliation, the False Claims Act (FCA), the Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act (DCWPA), and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These whistleblower cases often involve retaliation...

Glenn Fuller is a partner and business lawyer with Raines Feldman LLP, where his practice centers on a wide array of matters including real estate acquisition, financing, and leasing of a variety of commercial urban and regional development, redevelopment and revitalization projects.

Mr. Driskell focuses his practice on business, tax, estate, bankruptcy and related matters. He is a member of the Pasadena Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the California Bar Association. Prior to the formation of Primuth & Driskell, LLP with Partner Jonathan Primuth in 2014, Mr. Driskell worked at a multi-state law firm, handling a wide variety of matters for individuals and small and medium sized businesses. Mr. Driskell earned his juris doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law, where he was president of the American Bar Association-Law School Division and was a member, officer...

Navid Yadegar is the managing partner of Yadegar, Minoofar & Soleymani LLP. Prior to forming his own law firm in 2006, Navid worked at two preeminent law firms in Los Angeles (Proskauer Rose LLP and Arnold & Porter) handling complex commercial and employment litigation for large corporate and individual clients. In 2006, Navid left the large firm practice to create a litigation boutique where he could combine his litigation experience with his understanding of changing business environments as they intersect with law, public policy and technology to bring his clients the highest level of legal service, in an efficient and...

Navid handles business litigation and employment litigation for individual and corporate clients in a wide range of industries, from small businesses to large publicly-traded corporations. As a seasoned Los Angeles entertainment lawyer, Navid has extensive experience in the media and entertainment industries, representing clients such as recording artists, managers and agents, production companies and content providers. Navid has litigated numerous intellectual property claims involving, among other things, copyright and trademark infringement, cyber-squatting, defamation, right of publicity, and trade secret misappropriation. Navid handles sexual harassment, wrongful termination, disability discrimination and pregnancy discrimination. Since 2002, Navid Soleymani has been litigating complex business, entertainment,...