Coblentz’s Family Wealth practice and three family wealth partners have been recognized in the 2024 edition of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide. Family Wealth practice chair Jaime Mannon and partners Phil Feldman and Jim Mitchell are once again ranked as Leading Lawyers in the Private Wealth Law category for Northern California. The Chambers High Net Worth Guide ranks the world’s top service providers to ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals and families and family offices.

Jaime Mannon is again 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 is well-versed in sophisticated estate matters,” while another adds, “Jaime is great to work with. She is thorough and technical.”

Phil Feldman is again 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 has robust experience and knowledge. He gives excellent and practical advice.” Another notes, “Phil is terrific.”

Jim Mitchell is again ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 2. Jim advises high net worth clients on tax planning and trust and estate administration. One source notes, “James is an excellent professional who understands the importance of communicating risk and understanding cost/benefit analyses.” Another adds, “Jim is a solid, down-to-earth advisor and problem solver.”

The Coblentz Family Wealth practice is also listed by Chambers HNW in Band 2 for Private Wealth Law, Northern California. A source notes, “Coblentz can handle anything. They have a deep bench and their ability to collaborate is great,” while another adds, “Coblentz are elite planners and give top level service.” Independent and objective, Chambers USA and Chambers HNW are carefully researched and widely considered to be 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 2024 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 2024.

“[T]he decision whether to sever unconscionable provisions and enforce the balance is a qualitative one, based on the totality of the circumstances. The court cannot refuse to enforce an agreement simply by finding that two or more collateral provisions are unconscionable as written and eschewing any further inquiry.”

-Justice Carol A. Corrigan

On July 15, 2024, the California Supreme Court issued a decision in Charter Communications v. Ramirez, Case No. S273802, making clear that the issue of severance of allegedly unconscionable clauses in an arbitration agreement is a qualitative one rather than a quantitative one – and that an arbitration clause should be saved rather than invalidated if it can be.

The Court’s decision aligns with the argument Coblentz submitted in its amicus curiae brief filed on behalf of Employers Group. Employment partner Fred Alvarez prepared the amicus curiae brief and was recently quoted in the Daily Journal, noting, “If you can show the provision is collateral to the agreement, and it’s severable, then you can enforce the arbitration agreement rather than toss the whole agreement.” Fred was also quoted in Law360.

Three Partners and One Practice Area Newly Ranked

Nine Coblentz partners and four practices are recognized by Chambers & Partners in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA, including newly ranked partners Danna Kozerski, Sean Coyle, and Hannah Jones, and our newly ranked Employment practice.

Real estate and land use partners Harry O’Brien and Tay Via are listed as leading lawyers in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use – California category, real estate partners Alan Gennis and Danna Kozerski are listed as leading lawyers in the Real Estate – Northern California category, litigation partners Timothy Crudo, Rees Morgan, and Sean Coyle are listed in the Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations – California category, and Employment partners Fred Alvarez and Hannah Jones are listed in the Labor & Employment – California category.

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.

Real Estate & Land Use

Coblentz’s real estate and land use practice is again ranked in the top tier, Band 1, in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use category for California. Our land use practice has been continuously ranked by Chambers for 14 years and our real estate practice is ranked by the Chambers USA 2024 Guide in Band 3 in the Real Estate category for Northern California. Clients note, “Coblentz has significant bench depth and brings the latest market information and legal strategies to the table” and that our team “has the depth, skill set and bandwidth to handle extremely complex projects. The firm has always been extremely responsive, efficient and helpful in every respect.” Four real estate and land use partners received individual rankings.

Harry O’Brien is again ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 3 in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use – California category. A client raved, “Harry is amazing, he is an expert in his area and we enjoy working with him.” Harry has been recognized by Chambers since 2003.

Tay Via moved up in the rankings and is now ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 3 in the Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use – California. A client notes, “Tay Via is incredible and really responsive.” Tay has been recognized by Chambers since 2022.

Alan Gennis is again ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 2 in the Real Estate – Northern California category. “Alan is a great real estate transactional attorney,” remarked a client. Alan has been recognized by Chambers since 2018.

Danna Kozerski is newly ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 4 in the Real Estate – Northern California category. “Danna Kozerski is a strong attorney and a pleasure to work with,” noted a client.

Litigation

Coblentz’s white collar defense and investigations practice is ranked in Band 3 in the Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California, moving up one band. A client notes, “They are my go-to recommendation. They’re hyper fast to engage and dive into a case,” while another adds, “Coblentz is filled with the most skilled, thoughtful and strategic attorneys. It’s a dream team for complex cases.” Three litigation partners received individual rankings in the category.

Timothy Crudo is again ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 2 in the Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California. Clients note Tim “is an incredibly experienced lawyer, who has gained the respect of both sides of the Bar,” and that he “is a consummate professional, who is great in court and experienced in getting fantastic results for his clients.” Tim has been recognized by Chambers since 2016.

Rees Morgan moved up in the rankings and is now ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 3 in the Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California. “Rees is one of the most personable, kind, smart and strategic lawyers you could have on your side. And most importantly, he’s brutally honest about each aspect of your case,” raves a client. Another remarks, “Rees has such a persuasive style in oral argument and can take complex facts and boil them down into simple arguments.” Rees has been recognized by Chambers since 2021.

Sean Coyle is newly ranked as a Leading Lawyer in Band 5 in the Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category for California. A client notes, “He’s very pragmatic – sometimes people can lose the forest for the trees, but he doesn’t. He’s solutions driven.”

Employment

Coblentz’s employment practice is newly ranked in Band 3 in the California: Labor & Employment – Highly Regarded category. “The team at Coblentz is made up of excellent lawyers and trusted advisers,” notes a client. Another remarks, “They are very responsive and engaged. They really prioritize us as a client and are able to deliver candid advice and good judgment while seeing issues from all sides.”

Employment partner Fred Alvarez is again recognized as a Senior Statesperson in California in the Labor & Employment category. “He is excellent – he is extremely knowledgeable about employment law and uses his knowledge to dissect issues,” raves one client. Another notes, “His demeanor is very calm, conveying experience, knowledge and a level approach. He is focused on reaching resolutions and seeing a path toward solving problems.” Fred has been recognized by Chambers for more than 20 years.

Hannah Jones is newly ranked in the Up and Coming category. “She is very knowledgeable, practical and efficient. She is extremely responsive and helps us navigate some very complicated issues,” notes a client.

To view the complete list of Coblentz rankings in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA, please visit the publication’s website linked here.

Coblentz family wealth partner Jennifer Scharre has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section (TEXCOM) of the California Lawyers Association, an organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California. TEXCOM members serve a five-year term and work to improve trusts and estates law and the standard of practice among California Lawyers Association members. The Executive Committee also delivers programs and publications to section members and handles strategic planning for the section.

Jennifer is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Her practice focuses on sophisticated wealth transfer strategies for high net worth clients, including founders, individuals at startups, and clients with large real estate portfolios.

In addition to serving on TEXCOM, Jennifer serves on the Board of Trustees of the Silicon Valley Bar Association (SVBA), where she is also Treasurer. Jennifer is also a member of the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Section of the State Bar of California. She is a prolific speaker and provides informative presentations regarding estate planning, charitable giving, and special needs issues to professional organizations and her local community.

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Bay Area Council in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado before the U.S. Supreme Court to advocate for a legal process to challenge development impact fees. On April 12, 2024, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment does not distinguish between legislative and administrative land use permit conditions. The decision was covered in the Bay Area Council article, “Bay Area Council Hails Supreme Court Decision on Costly Impact Fees.” “This ruling is hopefully the first step on the path to returning some fairness in how housing and other local impact fees are charged,” said Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. Coblentz partners Miles Imwalle, Sarah Peterson, and Katharine Van Dusen drafted the brief in collaboration with the Bay Area Council.

San Francisco (March 11, 2024) – San Francisco-based law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP is pleased to welcome Jacob Lager to the firm’s partnership.

Jacob joins the firm’s tax practice and has significant experience advising 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. Jacob also advises clients on the creation and operations of tax-preferred entities such as partnerships, S corporations, disregarded limited liability companies, REITS, and tax-exempt charitable organizations. He advises on the tax consequences of capital events and exits, including corporate dissolutions, partnership and corporate redemptions and reorganizations, asset purchases, mergers, buy-outs, transition agreements, and intrafamily succession planning.

Jacob also maintains an active tax controversy practice, advising clients at all stages of federal, state, and local tax audits, appeals, and court actions. He regularly defends clients in income tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board, employment tax disputes with the Employment Development Department, sales and use tax disputes with the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and property and transfer tax matters with county assessors throughout California.

In addition to his significant domestic tax experience, Jacob also advises clients on cross-border tax matters, including the U.S. treatment of domestically held foreign interests. He advises clients on tax withholding obligations related to inbound and outbound transfers and how applicable Tax Treaties mitigate such tax results. Jacob also advises non-U.S. clients in making tax-efficient U.S. investments.

“I am thrilled that Jacob has joined Coblentz. His depth and breadth of experience advising on domestic and international taxation matters rounds out our tax and corporate practices,” said Sara Finigan, Managing Partner of Coblentz. “He is a fantastic addition to our team.”

“From the first I have been profoundly impressed by the extraordinary talent here at Coblentz,” said Jacob Lager. “I could not pass up the opportunity to join and help steer the group of exceptionally gifted tax lawyers we have here. I eagerly anticipate the great strides our group will make as we establish ourselves as the premier tax leaders throughout California.”

Jacob joins Coblentz’s Tax practice from Saul Ewing LLP. Jacob’s arrival comes on the heels of Frank Busch, Jennifer Scharre, and Nick Gerlach joining the partnership – who together strengthen Coblentz’s litigation, family wealth, and tax capabilities.

Coblentz real estate and land use partner Dan Gershwin was recognized as one of the top 10 real estate authors by JD Supra’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Dan was selected from a pool of over 3,250 writers covering real estate matters on JD Supra during 2023. The Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top authors and firms who were read by C-suite executives, in-house counsel, media, and other professionals across the JD Supra platform during 2023.

Dan is a contributing author of Coblentz’s Unfamiliar Terrain blog, which provides insights into the complex Bay Area land use landscape and dynamic regulatory environment. Subscribe to Unfamiliar Terrain to receive updates on land use and real estate-related topics.

Coblentz’s international legal alliance, TAGLaw®, has again been recognized by Chambers & Partners as “Elite” for 2024—the highest ranking awarded to legal networks and alliances. This is the eleventh time TAGLaw has received the distinguished “Elite” designation since Chambers & Partners began ranking legal networks and alliances in 2013.

In selecting networks and alliances for their “Elite” status, Chambers & Partners pays particular attention to the quality of the member firms, their global reach, and the value that the alliance provides to its member firms. Member firms have exceptional reputations for quality of service and client satisfaction, and strive to cooperate to provide resources and expertise as if they were right down the hall from one another.

As the Northern California law firm representative to TAGLaw, Coblentz is able to access a network of exemplary regional, national and international legal resources to help us better serve our clients. TAGLaw, with a global footprint in over 90 countries, has leading firms in over 160 jurisdictions providing legal services to companies ranging from the Fortune 5000 and leading SMEs to high net worth individuals. With expertise in dozens of practice areas and countless industry sectors, TAGLaw offers a substantial capability to its members’ clients. This capability is expanded by TAGLaw’s unique relationship with its sister alliance of accounting firms, TIAG, providing members and clients with the multidisciplinary expertise needed in today’s business world.

Coblentz partner Paul Tauber is a member of the Advisory Board and chair of the Global Strategy Committee of the TAG Alliances, assisting in reviewing prospective new members, offering feedback for the planning of international conferences, and providing valuable guidance on future plans and initiatives.

San Francisco (January 3, 2024) – San Francisco-based law firm Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP is pleased to welcome Frank Busch to the firm’s partnership.

Frank is an experienced litigator who has represented parties of every size in complex trial and appellate matters. He has experience with all phases of discovery, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal, including a successful oral argument before the Ninth Circuit. Frank also has significant experience in probate litigation, having represented both beneficiaries and fiduciaries in many litigated matters, including will contests, trust contests, accounting actions, attorney-in-fact litigation, and other related matters.

“We welcome Frank to Coblentz,” said Sara Finigan, Managing Partner of the firm. “Frank brings impressive complex commercial litigation experience and leadership in the San Francisco legal and business community; he is a wonderful complement to our litigation team.”

“I’m excited to start my next chapter at Coblentz. Coblentz is a top-notch litigation firm and is well known in the Bay Area community. I am looking forward to working alongside the excellent folks who I have the good fortune to partner with now,” said Frank Busch.

Frank is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco Litigation Section, where he served as Chair and as a member of the Executive Committee through 2023. He is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Northern District of California Chapter and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers.

Frank joins from Wagstaffe, von Loewenfeldt, Busch & Radwick LLP, where he was a founding partner.

San Francisco (January 3, 2024) – Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP is pleased to announce the election of Marcia Valadez Valente and Ashley Weinstein-Carnes to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2024.

“We are delighted to welcome Marcia and Ashley to the partnership,” said Sara Finigan, Managing Partner of the firm. “Marcia and Ashley are immensely talented lawyers and are dedicated to their clients, community, and Coblentz. We are proud to call them our partners.”

The 2024 new partners are:

Marcia Valadez Valente, Litigation.

Marcia Valente is a trial attorney with a broad range of experience representing companies, individuals, and public entities in state and federal courts. Marcia’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation with an emphasis on financial and commercial cases, and employment disputes. She also represents clients in matters brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. Marcia is a member of the State Bars of California and New York and the Bar Association of San Francisco, the Federal Bar Association, and the Women’s White Collar Defense Association. Marcia maintains an active pro bono practice and is dedicated to serving her community. She serves on the Executive Board of the Federal Bar Association, Northern District of California Chapter, and is a member and Co-Chair of the Stanford Latino Alumni Association, Northern California Chapter. Marcia earned her J.D., cum laude, and as a member of the Order of the Coif, from Cardozo School of Law. She received her B.A. in Political Science, with honors, from Stanford University.

Ashley Weinstein-Carnes, Real Estate.

Ashley Weinstein-Carnes is a land use attorney focusing on complex entitlement and permitting for development projects throughout the Bay Area. Ashley’s practice includes a wide range of product types and local jurisdictions. She has successfully obtained land use approvals for projects including mixed-use and multifamily residential developments, corporate R&D and office campuses, an NBA stadium, hospitals and medical facilities, and industrial facilities. Ashley has significant experience utilizing California’s evolving housing laws with a focused practice on streamlining strategies for residential and mixed-use residential projects; she regularly speaks and writes on changes in the regulatory landscape impacting housing production in California. In addition to her law practice, Ashley is a faculty lecturer at the University of California, Haas School of Business, where she teaches an interdisciplinary graduate course to business, law and planning students on land development and investment issues. Ashley is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, serving on the Leadership Team of the Small Scale Development National Product Council and the Steering Committee of the San Francisco District Council Young Leaders Group, and a member and former Vice-President of the Berkeley Real Estate Alumni Association. Ashley earned her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law with an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Real Estate. While at Berkeley Law, Ashley was a member of the Ecology Law Quarterly Board and a Graduate Research Assistant at the UC Berkeley Terner Center for Housing Innovation. She received her M.A. from Loyola Marymount University and earned her B.A., cum laude, from the University of Miami.