Experience

Our appellate practice group includes attorneys with a breadth of experience, talent, and skill to handle even the most complex and challenging appeals in all areas of civil law. Our persuasive briefs and influential oral arguments not only convince the court that our clients’ positions are right, but often result in precedent for future cases. We routinely consult with trial teams from the inception of the dispute, through pre-trial, trial, and post-trial motion practice. In this way, as trial lawyers are putting on their best case, we are helping them build their trial record for the best possible results on appeal.

We understand the goals of our clients without overreaching, and never lose sight of the fact that we represent real people and entities facing tangible, serious consequences. The personal relationships our attorneys have forged over decades of practice and throughout the appellate community creates instant credibility. We know the justices, and we understand how their past decisions and views are likely to impact rulings in individual cases. This, in turn, allows us to tailor our strategy and our briefs to maximize our clients’ chances of success.

By advancing inspiring arguments grounded in practical realities, our attorneys have earned a reputation for the highest quality advocacy amongst appellate court judges. In addition, the firm has a stellar record of favorable results before the California Supreme Court and in every district of the California Court of Appeal. We also handle cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and have submitted briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Experience

• Merits briefs
• Amicus briefs
• Certiorari petitions
• Mandamus, prohibition, and supersedeas petitions
• Other emergency relief
• Anti-SLAPP, summary judgment, and post-trial motions

Check out our Appellate Blog:

Appellate Insight

There is no “business as usual” in today’s business environment. This is a time of uncertainty and turmoil in the capital markets, supply chains, service industries, retail and e-commerce industry, health industry, and travel industry. Leaders and entrepreneurs find themselves trying to understand how to interpret contract terms in light of these changing circumstances, and how to determine their rights, obligations, and remedies.

Our firm has experience not only with issues unique to early-stage, start-up businesses and their founders, but also with the multiple, complex challenges that large, established companies face with their workforce, bankers, vendors, suppliers, customers, brand, and reputation.

Our extensive experience analyzing, interpreting, drafting, enforcing, and negotiating solutions within the context of commercial and real estate contracts translates to the efficient and effective guidance clients need to stay in front of all the changes. This includes containing and minimizing the effects of COVID-19 on families, companies, employees, business associates, customers, suppliers, and lenders.

Experience

We advise businesses in virtually all industries and sectors in a wide variety of areas, including:

• Bankruptcy and insolvency
• Real estate
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Asset dispositions
• Corporate restructuring
• Privacy
• Labor and employment law
• Employee benefits
• Equity and debt finance
• Tax
• Securities
• Private equity
• Venture capital
• Workforce health and health care

As a California law firm, we have been on the leading edge of cannabis law from the very beginning of its legalization, advising individuals, businesses, real estate owners, and a wide array of investors in California since 2008. We believe in supporting this rapidly growing industry at all levels. As it continues to develop, we proudly serve as outside general counsel to some of the leading cannabis-related startups and established companies in the state. We provide instrumental counsel and guidance to clients looking to ensure that their cannabis/cannabis-related businesses operate in full compliance with applicable state and local law. Our firm has successfully assisted clients throughout the state of California in obtaining necessary permits, approvals, and licenses. We proudly advocate for industry business groups such as NORML, California Growers Association, and CannaAngels. 

Representative Clients

• Dispensary owners and operators
• Real estate owners and developers
• Cultivators
• Agriculture/Land owners
• Distributors
• Biotech companies
• Manufacturers (equipment and consumer products)
• Management companies
• Software and ancillary technology companies
• Non-storefront retailers
• Medical and health care providers
• Angel, venture capital, and private equity investors
• Family offices
• Non-profits, co-ops, and collectives
• Advocacy groups

Experience

• Permitting and licensing at the local and state level
• Choice of entity/business formation (including Benefit Corps) and structuring
• Tax (federal, state, and local)
• Real estate (acquisitions, lending, development, leasing, and management)
• Angel/venture investments
• Securities (private placements and public offerings)
• Debt financing
• M&A
• Intellectual property
• Health law
• Senior care law
• Executive compensation
• Labor and employment
• Construction
• Litigation
• Data security
• Land use
• Administrative appeals/litigation
• Regulatory compliance

There is a divergence between federal law and California state and local laws regarding the legality of the production, distribution and sales of cannabis. Compliance with California and local law is not a defense to a federal charge or indictment.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a highly effective method for delivering complex projects. Harnessing the knowledge and skill of the entire design and construction team, IPD overcomes many of the dysfunctions documented by the Construction Users Roundtable, the World Economic Forum, McKinsey Global Institute and others. Our attorneys were at the inception of IPD, helping draft the American Institute of Architects, California Council’s ground breaking IPD: A Working Definition (2007 and 2016 update), the American Institute of Architects’ IPD Guide and the definitive text, Integrating Project Delivery published by Wiley in 2017. In addition, we have served as advisory or steering committee members for IPD research projects and white papers.

Although IPD is characterized as a project delivery method, it is most often used in conjunction with Lean principles and processes and utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM). This is another area were we have taken the lead working with the National Institute of Building Sciences on BIM standards, serving on NBIMS sub-committees, and presenting and participating in Lean Construction Institute programs.

We are proud of our leadership in disciplines that can transform the AEC industry, delivering better value to project sponsors, stakeholders, and the design and construction team.

Experience

• Consultation regarding use of IPD
• Consultation regarding use of BIM
• Lead IPD Workshops pre-contract and for contract negotiation
• Preparation of IPD Agreements and related legal documents
• Insurance counseling
• Serve as project counsel providing legal services and advice to project team
• Serve as project facilitator assisting team in managing IPD project
• Serve as counsel to party in an IPD project

Not only have our attorneys paved the way in IPD, we have executed numerous projects. These projects, located across the United States, Canada and abroad have included:

• Acute Care Hospitals
• Medical Clinics and Medical Office Buildings
• Biotech and Pharmaceutical Facilities
• World Class Theme Park Attractions
• Semi-conductor Manufacturing
• Data Centers
• Software and Tech Facilities
• Financial Service Headquarters
• University Facilities (Residences, Labs, Performing Arts Centers)
• High Schools and other Secondary Education Facilities
• First Responders Support Facilities
• Process and Logistics Facilities
• Net Zero/LEED Platinum Facilities
• Historic Renovations
• Multi-use Development
• Commercial and Office Buildings

As part of the construction industry’s leading edge, our Chambers USA Band 1 ranked Construction Group delivers tailored solutions to serve our clients’ business goals. Whether negotiating a state-of-the-art project or resolving a contentious dispute, our attorneys draw from a deep base of experience and a genuine passion for the design and construction industry to pragmatically apply best practices while serving clients’ interests regionally, nationally, or internationally.

In this dynamic field, we understand that not every project ends well and aggressive advocacy is sometimes required. We have prosecuted and defended major construction claims, including delay, loss of efficiency, default termination, surety, licensing, mechanics’ lien, and stop notice claims.

We also know how to leverage technology and AI to efficiently analyze and manage the vast quantities of digital information generated on a modern construction project. Further, we understand that insurance often plays a central role in construction disputes and we have considerable experience with construction insurance coverage and indemnity claims. These include general liability, errors and omissions, builders risk, OCIP/CCIP, subcontractor default, and environmental contamination claims. We also recognize that disputes are often best resolved without litigation, and have long used mediation and arbitration successfully, when appropriate.

Hanson Bridgett’s top-ranked construction group represents owners, contractors, and developers in complex international arbitration matters across a wide range of industries and jurisdictions. Our attorneys regularly appear before leading international arbitral forums and represent clients in arbitrations under various institutional rules, including the ICC, ICDR, UNCITRAL and LCIA, delivering strategic, cost-effective advocacy in high-stakes disputes. With deep experience in global infrastructure, energy, and commercial development projects, we understand the legal and technical nuances that drive results. As a trusted advisor to some of the world’s leading construction clients, we offer the strength of global reach with the precision of industry-specific insight.

Our Construction Group is complemented by attorneys in the firm’s related groups, including labor and employment, business, environmental, real estate, insurance recovery, general litigation, and public agency. This close collaboration allows the firm to provide a broad spectrum of specialized legal services tailored to the construction industry.

Experience

•    Highway and light rail
•    Tunnels and pipelines
•    Hospital and health care
•    Clean and waste water treatment
•    Educational and government
•    Coastal and marine
•    Geotechnical and environmental
•    Commercial and industrial
•    Sustainability practice with LEED®-accredited professionals
•    High-density residential

Our attorneys have also helped develop processes and standards for Building Information Modeling (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Lean Construction. Along with sustainability, these are among the most significant developments in the AEC industry. We also have significant experience in other alternative project delivery systems such as design-build and public/private partnerships (P3).

California Women in Design + Construction™ Forums (CWDC)

CWDC is an organization of professional women in the design and construction industry that hosts forums to discuss relevant topics and to provide networking opportunities. CWDC was developed by Lisa Dal Gallo, who is advised by a leading group of women executives in the field. For more information, please contact Lisa Dal Gallo.
 

Our diverse and experienced corporate attorneys partner with business leaders on a wide variety of strategic and legal issues. By providing sophisticated, astute, and practical legal advice, we guide our clients on the benefits and risks of their transactions and provide creative solutions to meet their objectives efficiently and effectively.

Representative Experience

• Mergers & acquisitions
• Emerging companies and venture financing
• Entity formation
• Fund formation
• Governance and compliance
• Securities offerings
• Securities reporting and regulation
• International and cross-border transactions
• Tax services
• Foreign account disclosures
• Shareholder disputes
• Succession planning
• Intra-family planning issues

Representative Industries

Our clients include public and private corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit institutions from diverse industry sectors, including:

• Technology
• Hospital/health care
• Senior living and managed care
• Wealth advisory
• Transportation 
• Venture capital
• Agriculture 
• Entertainment
• Manufacturing
• Restaurant and hospitality
• Retail and design
• Trade and professional associations
• Higher education
• Government and other public agency
• Construction
• Commercial real estate
   

This group includes experienced attorneys from the requisite legal disciplines within the firm, who work together to strategize and create solutions for clients. Collectively, they bring the variety of skills and experience required to effective deal with the breadth of corporate governance issues clients face.

In today’s business environment, corporate governance spans a wide range of legal issues, from securities, ethics, and labor to benefits, criminal law, and more. This is why experience in corporate governance is as important as the law itself. Further, when issues are raised, they must be dealt with rapidly. Otherwise, the risk is high that the organization can be tainted and suffer a substantial cost with respect to numerous aspects of its business, including stock price, the ability to borrow, and the ability to attract and retain board members.

Our seasoned attorneys are fully prepared to address issues faced by publicly held, privately held, and non-profit organizations with the keen judgment that can only come from having worked extensively with these issues.

Experience

• Financial disclosure
• Insider dealing and ethical standards
• Increased responsibilities of CEOs, CFOs, and audit committees
• Increased responsibilities of attorneys and accountants
• Whistleblower rules and codes of conduct for employees
• Potential criminal liability
• “Who is your lawyer?” – a serious issue with the new rules
• Limits on employee benefits
• Fiduciary responsibility

Representative Disciplines

• Corporate and securities
• General business
• Ethics
• White collar crime
• Professional responsibility, including both law and accounting
• Labor
• Employee benefits law
• Charitable and non-profit organizations
• Litigation
   

Hanson Bridgett provides emerging-growth companies with advice and counsel that allows entrepreneurs to devote their full attention to launching, running, and scaling their business. We act as strategic legal advisors to our clients from the earliest stages of forming their business, to negotiating venture capital financings and other strategic transactions, and everyday legal issues that arise in running a business.

In addition, our interdisciplinary and team-oriented approach provides our clients with expertise in areas such as:

• Corporate Governance
• Intellectual Property
• Securities Regulation
• Employee Benefits & Compensation
• Labor & Employment
• Real Estate & Leasing
• Tax
• Privacy & Data Security
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution

This group uses its extensive experience in representing both funds and investors across a variety of areas within the firm to ensure clients receive the most qualified legal advice possible.

This is an area of law that requires a clear perspective of the big picture. Having represented clients on both sides of the table, we have a detailed understanding and keen appreciation of the attendant concerns. This enables us to counsel clients on the practical aspects of organizing and operating a fund while accounting for market conditions and the relative bargaining power of the parties involved. We readily share our insights and the contacts derived from constant interaction with industry players to achieve clients’ goals efficiently and pragmatically.

Experience

Working as a team, we bring experience that spans the entire lifecycle of fund operations and includes:

• Fund organization, formation, and structuring
• Fund investment transactions
• Tax planning
• Restructuring and recapitalizing of portfolio investments
• Liquidation, restructuring, and winding-down of fund operations
• Negotiation of terms and key issues
• General corporate law
• Finance
• Securities
• ERISA
• Corporate governance
• Employment
• Litigation
• Intellectual property

Representative Clients

• Private equity and venture capital funds
• Leveraged buy-out funds
• Hedge funds
• Real estate funds
• Fund principals and sponsors
• Institutional investors
• Pension funds
• Qualified retirement and governmental plans
• High-net-worth individual investors

Since our inception in 1958, we have represented a wide array of nonprofit entities, including:

• Charities (public charities, private foundations, and private operating foundations)
• Social welfare organizations
• Civic leagues, trade associations, and chambers of commerce
• Social clubs
• Fraternal orders
• Fraternal benefit organizations
• Title-holding companies
• Public/private partnerships and joint ventures
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Housing cooperatives 

We routinely advise our clients throughout their life cycle, from formation to dissolution. Our typical advice includes:

• Incorporation
• Choice of entity (corporation/trust/unincorporated association)
• Choice of corporation (nonprofit public benefit, mutual benefit, religious)
• Donor advised funds
• California Nonprofit Integrity Act
• Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act
• Corporate governance best practices
• Public support tests and related tax planning 
• Private foundation compliance, including excise tax issues
• Planned giving; charitable remainder trusts
• Unrelated business income
• Private benefit
• Private inurement
• Intermediate sanctions
• Affiliations with other nonprofit entities
• Joint ventures (for profit and nonprofit, public and private)
• Charitable trust doctrine
• Attorney General oversight and approvals
• Downsizing
• Consolidation
• Loans (tax-exempt and taxable, private and bond financed)
• Mergers
• Conversions (e.g., C corporation to nonprofit public benefit corporation)
• Changes in purpose
• Sales (including bargain sales)
• Leases
• License agreements
• Risk management, litigation
• Bankruptcy
• Dissolution

Philosophy

We consider it our responsibility to be practical. This includes using plain English, arriving at simple, elegant solutions, and giving direct answers. Our mission is to help keep the independent sector vibrant and viable.

Public Advocacy

We remain on the cutting edge of legal developments and routinely speak on current nonprofit issues at ABA meetings and meetings of various nonprofit trade associations. We have also contributed articles on corporate governance, executive compensation, and intermediate sanctions to scholarly journals including The Journal on Taxation, Taxation of Exempts, and The Exempt Organization Tax Review.

Our practice leader is a co-author of the annual edition of the California Continuing Education of the Bar treatise, Advising California Nonprofit Corporations, and a past Chair of the Tax-Exempt Organizations Committee of the Taxation Section of the State Bar. A recognized authority on nonprofit and tax-exempt issues, she testified before the IRS on intermediate sanctions issues and regularly advocates on behalf of the charitable sector.