Coblentz’s Family Wealth practice and partners Jim Mitchell, Phil Feldman, and Jaime Mannon are recognized in the 2025 Chambers High Net Worth Guide, which ranks the world’s top service providers to ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals and families and family offices.

The Coblentz Family Wealth practice ranks in Band 2 for Private Wealth Law, Northern California. A source notes, “Coblentz take a sophisticated yet balanced approach and have been collaborative to work with,” while another adds, “I found the Coblentz team to be precise, thoughtful, organized and deliberate. I have only had very positive interactions with everyone, all of whom have been knowledgeable and helpful.”

Jim Mitchell is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 2. Jim advises high net worth clients on tax planning and trust and estate administration. A source notes, “James is very good.”

Phil Feldman is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 2. Phil assists wealthy individuals and families with income, philanthropic, and gift and estate tax planning. A source says, “Philip Feldman is a truly seasoned professional.”

Jaime Mannon is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 2. Jaime offers affluent individuals and families assistance with estate and gift tax planning and cross-border tax planning. A source notes, “Jaime always has a command of the client’s needs and history. She always comes armed with appropriate planning and strategy suggestions,” while another adds, “Jaime Mannon has been a tremendous asset to our family, and we are lucky to have her as part of our team.”

Independent and objective, Chambers HNW is carefully researched and widely considered to be one of the most reputable law firm directories in the world. Ranking criteria include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, business understanding, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by legal clients. To view additional details on Chambers HNW rankings, please click here.

Additional Coblentz Chambers USA Rankings

Nine additional Coblentz partners and four practices are recognized in the 2025 edition of Chambers USA, also published by Chambers & Partners. Real Estate partners Alan Gennis, Danna Kozerski, Harry O’Brien, and Tay Via; Litigation partners Timothy Crudo, Sean Coyle, and Rees Morgan; and Employment partners Fred Alvarez and Hannah Jones are ranked as leading lawyers in their respective categories. Coblentz’s Employment, Land Use, Real Estate, and White Collar Defense and Investigations practices are also recognized by Chambers USA 2025.

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP is recognized in BTI’s Client Service A-Team 2025, where corporate counsel ranked Coblentz in the top firms nationally for client service excellence. The annual report ranks the top law firms serving the world’s largest clients, recognized for delivering the absolute best levels of client service. The BTI Client Service A-Team is the only law firm ranking based solely on direct, unprompted feedback from more than 350 corporate counsel.

BTI is an industry leader in conducting independent research on how clients acquire, manage, and evaluate their professional services providers. More details are available here.

San Francisco (July 9, 2025) – San Francisco-based law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP is pleased to announce that Barbara N. Barath, a seasoned intellectual property litigator and experienced trial lawyer, has joined the firm’s partnership. Barbara joins Coblentz from Debevoise & Plimpton.

Barbara Barath focuses on intellectual property litigation and high-stakes technology disputes to help clients protect proprietary technologies and defend against IP claims. With a proven track record of successful trial outcomes and favorable settlements, Barbara has served as lead strategist on numerous complex patent, trade secret, copyright, and trademark matters. She has litigated disputes relating to a broad range of technologies from semiconductor fabrication to USB, memory, communications, networking, cloud storage, two-way radio, mobile device user interface, mobile device management, data compression, spinal derotation, refrigerator water filter, and CAD.

She has over fifteen years of experience representing Fortune 500 and multinational technology clients in multimillion-dollar cases. In 2020, she helped secure a landmark $764.6 million jury verdict and $34.2 million in attorneys’ fees in a case involving the misappropriation of confidential materials and copyright-protected source code.

“Barbara’s extensive IP litigation experience with patent, trade secrets, trademark, and copyright matters makes her a strong addition to our IP practice. Her work with leading Bay Area technology companies positions her as a key resource for clients,” said Sara Finigan, Managing Partner of the firm. “We are delighted to welcome Barbara to Coblentz.”

A thought leader in the trade secrets legal community, Barbara serves as Vice Chair of the ABA-IPL Trade Secrets and Interferences with Contracts Committee, speaks at conferences such as the AIPLA Trade Secret Summit, and participates in the Sedona Conference Trade Secrets Working Group.

“I’m thrilled to join the IP litigation group at Coblentz,” said Barbara Barath. “What drew me to the firm was not only its 130-year legacy and reputation as one of San Francisco’s leading mid-sized law firms, but also the breadth and depth of the IP team’s experience. Our team members have helped shape the landscape of copyright law in both the Napster and AI eras, represented global technology leaders in multi-million-dollar patent litigation, and are among the few who have litigated TTAB matters to trial. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and further expanding the firm’s IP litigation capabilities.”

Prior to joining Coblentz, Barbara helped lead the Technology Litigation Group at Debevoise & Plimpton, was a partner in the IP Litigation Group at Kirkland & Ellis and was an associate in the IP Litigation Group at Morrison & Foerster. Earlier in her career, she served in the Major Crimes Division of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office before entering private practice as an associate at Morrison & Foerster.

Coblentz’s Intellectual Property team counsels and advocates across all aspects of IP management and litigation. Our team members have represented many of the world’s leading technology companies in their most important patent and trade secret matters and have litigated copyrighted source code and AI tool-related cases. Our firm has built a national reputation for successful copyright litigation for the music industry. We have also prosecuted trademarks and successfully litigated trademark infringement and domain name enforcement cases on behalf of clients in a wide range of industries before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and the World Intellectual Property Organization, as well as in federal court.

The Legal 500 United States 2025 has recognized Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP as a Tier 1 firm in the nationwide Real Estate – Land Use/Zoning category. Coblentz is one of only 25 firms in the United States recognized by the Legal 500 for outstanding performance in this area.

The Legal 500 Series provides worldwide coverage on legal services providers in more than 150 jurisdictions and highlights the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. Rankings are based on a series of criteria, including research based on feedback from more than 300,000 clients worldwide. Click here to view the full Legal 500 2025 United States rankings.

Nine Coblentz partners and four practices are recognized by Chambers & Partners in the 2025 edition of Chambers USA. Harry O’Brien and Tay Via are listed as leading lawyers in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use – California category; Alan Gennis and Danna Kozerski are listed as leading lawyers in the Real Estate – Northern California category; Timothy Crudo, Rees Morgan, and Sean Coyle are listed in the Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations – California category; and Fred Alvarez and Hannah Jones are listed in the Labor & Employment – California category. Coblentz’s real estate and land use, white collar defense and investigations, and employment practices are recognized as leading practices in the guide.

Real Estate and Land Use

Coblentz’s land use practice is again ranked in Band 1 in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use category for California. Our real estate transactional practice moved up one band and now ranks in Band 2 in the Real Estate – Northern California category. Clients note, “The team has a deep understanding of land use law, significant experience and deep relationships within the jurisdictions that we work in, which helps us achieve desired results,” and that our team is “extremely qualified to handle complex land use issues and problems.”

Four real estate and land use partners received individual rankings:

Alan Gennis is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 2 in the Real Estate – Northern California category. “A first rate real estate lawyer. He is one of the best,” remarks a client. Alan has been recognized by Chambers since 2018.

Danna Kozerski is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 4 in the Real Estate – Northern California category. “Danna is thoughtful, responsive, brilliant and just a rock star. I would hire her again in a heartbeat,” notes a client, while another adds, “Danna is my go-to outside counsel.” Danna has been recognized by Chambers since 2024.

Harry O’Brien is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 3 in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use – California category. “Harry is really well-known and very highly regarded in the industry,” notes a client. Harry has been recognized by Chambers since 2003.

Tay Via is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 3 in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use – California category. A client remarks, “Tay is a well respected, skilled land use attorney who guides her clients through complicated approval processes.” Tay has been recognized by Chambers since 2022.

White Collar Defense and Investigations

Coblentz’s white collar defense and investigations practice is ranked in Band 3 in the Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California. A client notes, “The firm is a Swiss-Army knife of talent. They are top notch in their response times and client service,” while others add, “Coblentz combines real experience with a practical and efficient approach,” and that “There’s a deep bench of partners with former federal prosecutorial experience. They’re very, very intelligent attorneys.”

Three litigation partners received individual rankings in the category:

Timothy Crudo moved up one band and is now ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 1 in the Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California. “Timothy is a go-to lawyer in the white-collar arena. He sees the big picture and guides his clients through really complex matters,” notes a client, while another adds that he “is collaborative, strategic, very smart and really team-oriented. He is phenomenal.” Tim has been recognized by Chambers since 2016.

Rees Morgan is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 3 in the Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California. “Rees is one of the finest lawyers in California. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, personable and candid,” raves a client. Another remarks, “I have nothing but positive outcomes with his involvement and I can’t recommend him highly enough.” Rees has been recognized by Chambers since 2021.

Sean Coyle is ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 5 in the Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California. A client notes, “Sean is a very sensible, steady and smart lawyer.” Sean has been recognized by Chambers since 2024.

Employment

Coblentz’s employment practice is ranked in Band 3 in the California: Labor & Employment – Highly Regarded category. “This department is thoughtful and examines all aspects, gives expert advice, and follows up with us on issues as they evolve. I always feel there is an expert for any facet of a situation,” notes a client. Another remarks, “The lawyers at Coblentz are attentive, experts in their field and creative problem solvers who are good at thinking about the larger strategic issues.”

Two employment partners received individual rankings in the category:

Fred Alvarez is recognized as a Senior Statesperson in California in the Labor & Employment category. “Fred is a phenomenal lawyer,” raves one client. Another notes, “Fred is very experienced, measured and has great judgment.” Fred has been recognized by Chambers for more than 20 years.

Hannah Jones is ranked in the Up and Coming category. “Hannah is an incredibly talented lawyer. She provides risk-balanced advice that is practical, tailored to the business and considers the circumstances of the organization,” says a client. Another notes, “Hannah is always easy to talk with and provides clear direction to solve complex matters.” Hannah has been recognized by Chambers since 2024.

Independent and objective, Chambers USA is carefully researched and widely considered to be the most reputable law firm directory in the world. Ranking criteria include technical legal ability, client service, commercial vision and business understanding, diligence, depth of the team, value for money, and other qualities most valued by legal clients.

To view the complete list of Coblentz rankings in the 2025 edition of Chambers USA, please visit the publication’s website linked here.

Coblentz partners Jacob Lager and Jeff Bernstein have been recognized as leading tax professionals in the inaugural edition of the Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Tax Lawyers guide.

Jacob Lager is the chair of the Tax practice group and advises privately held businesses, individuals, and trusts on a variety of domestic and international taxation matters. He structures business transactions and advises domestic and cross-border clients on tax implications related to real estate joint ventures, like-kind exchanges, corporate mergers, asset acquisitions, spin-offs, and debt exchanges.

Jeff Bernstein is one of the most well-known and preeminent tax attorneys in California. He brings extensive experience and close, personal attention to the representation of businesses, individuals, and families in highly sophisticated income, estate, and property tax matters, both as an advisor and as an advocate. He has successfully litigated cases before the United States Tax Court, Federal District Court, and United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit resulting in favorable published Decisions.

The Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Tax Lawyers guide recognizes outstanding leaders who specialize in the tax aspects of M&A and other complex transactions, handle disputes and litigation arising from tax, as well as specialists in family offices and private wealth. For more details on the guide, please click here.

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP has been named a strongly recommended midsize firm by BTI Consulting Group as part of its Most Recommended Law Firms 2025 report. The list recognizes mid- and smaller-sized firms (500 attorneys or less) most recommended by corporate counsel.

BTI is an industry leader in conducting independent research on how clients acquire, manage, and evaluate their professional services providers. More details are available here.

In the wake of the executive orders targeting law firms, Coblentz has joined an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie.

Our firm has long forged a path of fairness and justice, and we are deeply committed to our clients, our community, and each other. In joining this amicus brief we are standing for the principles of free speech, freedom of association, the right to counsel, the right to petition the government, and the rule of law.

To view the brief, please click here.

Partner Jeff Bernstein has been recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service by the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC). This honor recognizes Jeff’s significant dedication to pro bono service in 2024.

Jeff is one of the most well-known and preeminent tax attorneys in California. He brings extensive experience and close, personal attention to the representation of businesses, individuals, and families in highly sophisticated income, estate, and property tax matters, both as an advisor and as an advocate.

The JDC’s mission is to advance fairness and equality by providing pro bono legal services to low-income people and educational programs that foster diversity in the legal profession.

 

 

Tim Crudo and Mari Clifford authored the column “The Properties of Fraud Part I” which was published in the Spring 2025 ABTL Northern California Report. The column is the first part of a two-part series that looks at the development of mail and wire fraud statutes, some of their nuances, and where the courts might be headed in applying them. The full column is linked here.