August 2024 Members in the News



Former Barristers President on the Fast Track

The Bar Association of San Francisco congratulates Kelly M. Matayoshi, 2020 Barristers Club President, on being named a “Lawyer on the Fast Track” by Law.com and The Recorder in the 2024 California Legal Awards. Kelly, a partner at Farella Braun + Martel, has made significant strides in complex business and employment litigation, particularly in the consumer products sector. Her leadership extends beyond her practice, as she serves as president-elect of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area and holds key roles on various boards and committees.

Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger Recognized as Best Lawyers in America

Congratulations to all 11 shareholders of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for the outstanding recognitions in Best Lawyers in America 2025. A special acknowledgement goes to Michael A. Kelly for being named “Lawyer of the Year” in both Personal INjury Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law, a testament to his pursuit of justice. We’d like to also recognize the excellence of the firm’s other shareholders, including Richard H. Schoengerger and Douglas S. Saeltzer, who have consistently set high standards for their firms and the legal field. The numerous attorneys on the “Ones to Watch” list highlights the firm’s overall dedication to perseverance and leadership in the community.

RJO Shareholders Named 2025 “Lawyers of the Year”

Congratulations to Rogers Joseph O’Donnel shareholders Neil H. O’Donnell and Amy L. Bomse on being named “Lawyers of the Year” in San Francisco for the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. O’Donnell received this honor of administrative/regulatory law, while Bomse was recognized for her commercial litigation practice. Additionally, Of Counsel Josh A. Maltzer was listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for insurance law. O’Donnell has been recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008 and brings over 45 years of experience in public contract and construction law. Bomse, co-chair of RJO’s Attorney Liability and Conduct practice group, focuses on representing lawyers and law firms in complex disputes. Maltzer, with over a decade of experience, excels in litigating high-stakes construction and insurance matters. These recognitions reflect the high level of respect this Leader Circle firm has earned among peers and the legal community.

Partner at Keker, Van Nest & Peters Featured in Daily Journal

Paven Malhotra, a Partner at Keker, has been recognised as one of California’s Top Artificial Intelligence Lawyers by the Daily Journal for his groundbreaking work in defending AI leaders like Open AI and Runway. His expertise in AI law, particularly in high-stakes copyright litigation, positions him at the forefront of cases that could redefine the fair use doctrine. Malhotra’s legal insight, developed through advising on AI-related copyright risks, is now instrumental in shaping the future of intellectual property in the AI industry.

Darilyn Durie Featured in ALM Litigation Daily

Congratulations to Daralyn Durie, partner at Leader Circle Firm Morrison Foerster, for being featured in ALM Litigation Daily for her involvement in the Lead Counsel Summit, a new initiative aimed at increasing the number of women leading high-stakes IP trials and appeals. Daralyn’s commitment to advancing gender equality in the legal field is exemplified by her powerful statement, “You need to see women in the lead role in order for women to see themselves being capable of being in the lead role.” Her leadership and dedication are inspiring a new generation of women attorneys to take on prominent roles in IP litigation.