November 2023 Members in the News



Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger as Top-Tier Law Firm in Best Lawyers, 2024 Edition

The Bar Association of San Francisco extends congratulations to Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for their remarkable achievement in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers. Their recognition as a “Top Tier” injury law firm in multiple practice areas and as one of the “Best Law Firms” overall is a concrete result to their exceptional legal expertise. Walkup’s achievements in this edition highlights their outstanding reputation and commitment to excellence in the field. Congratulations once again to Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for this well-deserved honor.

Jonathan A. Patchen Recognized as Top Trade Secrets Lawyer by Daily Journal 2023

Congratulations to Jonathan A. Patchen, a distinguished litigation partner and first-chair trial attorney based in Willkie’s San Francisco office, on his well-deserved recognition as one of the “Top Trade Secrets Lawyers 2023” by the Daily Journal. Jonathan’s inclusion on this list as one of the “best attorneys focusing on trade secrets matters such as unfair competition and employee mobility” in California is a regard to his dedication in this field of law. He holds experience advising companies in technology-related disputes and high-stakes cases in trade secrets law. We commend Jonathan on his successes as his dedication to complex civil litigation, trials, arbitrations, and appellate work is truly inspiring.

Farella Braun + Martel’s Expanding Employment Group

One of BASF’s Leader Circle Firms, Farella Braun + Martel, has recently welcomed Benjamin R. Buchwalter as special counsel to its Employment Group. He brings valuable experience in employment litigation and expertise in assisting employers with policies that align with business objectives and minimize legal risks. Buchwalter has a background in defending companies in employment-related lawsuits, and he has also served as in-house counsel at Plaid Inc. His approach prioritizes understanding clients’ needs and guiding them to success through compassionate advice.

Shartsis Friese Receives Multiple Accolades in Best Law Firms 2024

We commend Shartsis Friese for its outstanding recognition in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms, which includes national acknowledgment in six different practice areas, as well as regional (San Francisco) acknowledgment in twelve practice areas. This achievement is a testament to this Leader Circle firm’s commitment to professional excellence and its consistent dedication to serving its clients. In the words of Niel Koren, Managing Partner at Shartsis Friese, “The firm has never been stronger – we have exceptional lawyers and diverse, elite practice groups that continue to evolve and grow to meet the needs of our clients.” Congratulations to the attorneys for their well-deserved recognitions.

RBGG Excels in 2024 Best Law Firms and Best Lawyers Recognition

Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld secured positions in the 2024 “Best Law Firms” list by Best Lawyers. This distinguished BASF Leader Circle firm obtained First-tier rankings both nationally and in the San Francisco metropolitan area for their appellate practice. They also received recognition for Commercial Litigation, Employment Law-Individuals, Civil Rights, and achieved high rankings in San Francisco for Criminal Defense – White Collar. Additionally, RBGG partners, Sanford Jay Rosen, Michael Bien, Ernest Galvan, and Gay Grunfeld, were individually honored in The Best Lawyers in America for 2024 in their respective fields, marking a significant achievement for the entire firm to celebrate.