Farella Braun + Martel Introduces New Partner
Congratulations to Linda Sobczynski Gilleran of Farella Braun + Martel, Leader Circle Firm, for her elevation from senior associate to partner effective January 2025! She steps into partner as an existing member of BASF’s Environmental Law Section and specializes in renewable energy, litigation, and regulatory environmental law. Co-Managing Partners Karen Kimmey and Holly Sutton expressed their excitement, stating, “We applaud her leadership in the environmental and energy sectors and passion for helping companies navigate the ever-evolving landscape of environmental laws and regulations.” Linda also sits as a member of the Environmental Law Institute’s Women in Environmental Law & Leadership and Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy. Congratulations Linda!
Kelly Matayoshi, President of AABA
Congratulations to Farella Braun + Martel partner, Kelly Matayoshi, on her election as President of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bat Area (AABA). Kelly has been a director or officer of the AABA board since 2016, and now as President, she is the first lesbian to lead AABA – a 1,000+ member association. Her tenure includes serving as co-chair of the LGBTQ Committe from 2014 to 2016. Her work involves representing a broad range of companies in complex business and employment litigation. As a past president of BASF’s Barristers Club, we are confident of her leadership for the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area. Congratulations once again to Kelly!
Nicholas Folly Rejoins Debevoise as Counsel
Welcome back, Nicholas Folly, as counsel in the White Collar and Regulatory Defense Group at Debevoise’s San Francisco office. For the past eight and a half years, Folly has worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where he oversaw prosecutors and collaborated with senior officials at the DOJ, FBI, and SEC. At Debevoise, he will advise clients on white-collar criminal defense matters, specifically those related to emerging technologies, securities and investment advisor fraud, money laundering, and more.
Angel Garrett Joins Littler San Francisco
Littler has recently welcomed Angel L. Garrett as a Shareholder for their San Francisco office. As the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, Garrett will continue to focus her practice on employee benefits and Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) litigation. “I’m thrilled to join Littler’s leading global platform of labor and employment attorneys,” Garrett shared in Littler’s press release. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Justice & Diversity of the Bar Association of San Francisco. Best of luck in this new role, Angel!
Seema Bhatt New Partner of Minami Tamaki
Congratulations to Seema Bhatt, who has recently been named Partner effective January 1st, 2025, following the retirement of B. Mark Fong. She will continue the leading the firm’s Personal Injury Group and has practiced personal injury law for 14 years, obtaining numerous awards and playing a crucial role in several high-profile cases, including complex litigation against Tesla. “It’s an honor to lead a personal injury practice rooted in the legacy of Dale Minami and supported by an extraordinary team, […]” Bhatt shared in the firm’s announcement.