Fenwick & West LLP > San Francisco, United States > Firm Profile

‘Fenwick is at the core of the technology sector. They are able to see around corners because they do such a high volume of transactions that are directly analogous to the transactions we do. They act like true parts of the team and are fully integrated into our M&A program. Their partner leadership is strong, with their associate talent consistently top notch, with a great client touch. Instantly responsive, you can hop on calls with them at all times of the day on urgent, complex issues relevant to technology companies.’

‘They are extremely knowledgeable. I find their knowledge and experience is best in class. As a result their assessment of situations, and their recommendations, can be confidently relied on.’

‘Excellent lawyers who have experience across a broad range of M&A transactions and provide value add advice and work product. Truly exceptional work.’

‘Strong IP and fintech capabilities. Best in class “big tech” experience.’

‘Michael Esquivel and his team are top notch in every way – from responsiveness to client needs to expertise relevant to our business as we grow. They are excellent partners around our table.’

‘Michael Esquivel and team: Ryan McRobert, Miriam dela Cruz-Rice, Noah Johnson, and Shawn Lampron on the corporate team are always available and ready to help, anytime, anywhere, when I need them. That knowledge is exceedingly reassuring and makes them all stand out for me, as one team. But beyond that, their expertise is reassuring, as it means they (we!) are always in a strong position versus the other side of the table.’

‘Very in the know on tech – who matters, what to expect, and what’s going on. Very good at personal relationships with founder and company. Capable of supporting huge enterprises with their own legal teams, and first time founders who are totally lost.’

‘Intimate understanding of the players and how we can expect things to go. Good understanding of my business stakeholders and creative at getting us to a solution. Practical – not a third party adviser but someone who actually thinks through what the company cares about and helps make it happen.’

‘The closeness of the partner and their interest in the actual business and well being of all major actors.’

‘Michael Esquivel and Stefano Quintini. Both go above and beyond and both are best in class.’

‘The team is absolutely at the top of their game. Fenwick’s extensive client base, from the Fortune 500 to cutting edge innovative tech companies, means that they are involved in many of the newsworthy transactions that occur in their unique backyard – Silicon Valley.’

‘I firmly believe in the adage that you hire lawyers not firms. Without the expert practitioners at Fenwick the firm would not be able to build the solid client relationships. What is clearly evident is the “service culture.” Not only do they say they they will handle a matter right away, they actually do it. Our corporate partner at Fenwick is Sam Angus. My needs often require immediate assistance by my outside counsel. It is that service orientation that I respect and rely on in Sam.’

‘Effie Toshav and Rob Freedman bring a combination that provides both technical legal insights, as well as valued strategic thought partnership.’

‘Effie Toshav is an extremely strategic thinker who has advised us on multiple decisions that has helped shaped the path for our company for the better. Rob Freedman is extremely responsive and has a tremendous technical understanding for the law. The combination of these two partners have provided us incredible legal support.’

‘Great collaborators, very deep industry specific knowledge, practical approach which fits with in-house thinking. Always deliver high quality product and never miss deadlines. Extremely knowledgeable in the life sciences space; can readily handle complex financial transactions.’

‘Excellent group of partners including; Amanda Rose, Stephen Graham, and Robert Freedman. Able to handle all responsibilities that would typically be handled by in-house counsel. Very creative on Finance Structuring and have great relationships within the Life Sciences industry and as a result can provide tailored advice.’

‘The trademarks team at Fenwick is top-notch. They excel in managing complex clearance projects, negotiating creative but practical resolutions to trademark disputes, and providing clear and actionable guidance on a range of trademark matters. They make it easy for our in-house team to provide value to our clients with legal solutions that take into account the evolving realities of our business. Beyond the excellent quality of legal work they provide, they also employ a team of all around great human beings. They are kind, honest, trustworthy, and value diversity and inclusion.’

‘There are a number of individuals at the firm that stand out with continuous efforts to meet the pressing demands of our business and legal teams. Notable partners include Sally Abel and Karen Webb. Each of these individuals has contributed substantial value to our brand protection efforts over the years. As noted above, they each think critically and creatively to develop tailored solutions to our trademark disputes and issues. They put in the effort to stay up to date on developments not only in the trademark legal practice, but also with updates specific to our business — and this is evident in the way their strategies evolve with the needs of our business.’

‘The team I work with is very candid and logical in their assessment, explanation, as well as approaches to litigation defense. They are able to communicate in an informal business language rather than legalese which sets them apart from many other law firms. They don’t leave you to deal with junior lawyers.’

‘Dean Kristy has supported me on my most recent case. He has been a pleasure to work with. He is very approachable and available anytime you need him.’

‘Very smart and practical lawyers who understand our business and industry.’

‘Dean Kristy and Felix Lee are outstanding securities lawyers.’

‘Fenwick’s Trademark Litigation Team has very deep knowledge and expertise in all trademark disputes, from TTAB disputes to federal court litigation. They have an excellent understanding of where TTAB rules deviate from the standard FRCP. Fenwick’s team also has a great understanding of where the Board’s interpretation of particular rules differs from the general interpretations of Federal Courts.’

‘Eric Ball has a very in-depth understanding of the state of the law with regard to trademark enforcement matters. Eric has always given high-quality, practical advice at every stage of any litigation matter he has handled for us. Eric knows we are extremely cost-conscious and will often suggest approaches that will limit our costs, yet achieve the same strategy goals. Eric also goes the extra mile by regularly following our company in the news so he is always up to date with public expansion plans, acquisitions or disputes. I find it highly valuable to have an outside counsel who does that sort of research on his or her own time.’

‘Shawn Lampron has a great client touch‘.