OAKLAND, Calif., January 28, 2022 – Wendel Rosen LLP, the largest law firm in the East Bay, representing businesses and individuals throughout the country, announced today that Heidi L. Imsand has joined the firm’s Trusts and Estates practice.

Imsand, certified as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the California State Bar, brings nearly a decade of legal experience as well as advanced training in taxation (candidate, LLM in Taxation, University of San Francisco).

“Heidi’s combination of trust and estate experience along with her insight to tax law and its implications is a genuine asset for clients,” said Wendel Rosen Managing Partner Daniel Rapaport. “She’s known for a dedication and diligence that has distinguished her throughout her career. We’re very excited to welcome her to Wendel Rosen.”

Imsand’s estate planning experience includes designing plans for high-net worth individuals, clients with business succession issues, and clients with unique family situations. Her extensive trust administration experience includes crafting asset allocations, ensuring tax and probate law compliance, and managing the often complex relationships between trustees and beneficiaries.

OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 5, 2021 – Wendel Rosen announces today the firm has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the 2022 Best Law Firms. The firm received six “Metropolitan Tier 1” marks for a variety of practice areas including Construction Law, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Land Use & Zoning Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy, Real Estate Law, and Trusts & Estates Law. The firm also received “Metropolitan Tier 2” rankings for Corporate Law, Litigation – Real Estate, and Litigation – Trusts & Estates. In addition, the firm held “Metropolitan Tier 3” Ranking for Litigation – Construction.

The Best Lawyers 2022 Best Law Firms list recognizes firms that exhibit professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Thousands of firms are reviewed each year, and those that receive a ranking are presented in three tiers. According to U.S. News, “Firms that received a tier designation reflect the highest level of respect a firm can earn among other leading lawyers and clients from the same communities and practice areas.” To qualify for a ranking, firms must have at least one lawyer recognized in The Best Lawyers in America. 

“The attorneys at our firm display an immense amount of commitment, character, and service to our clients,” states Daniel Rapaport, Managing Partner. “This listing honors their hard work and our collaboration and commitment to continued excellence as a firm.”

The “Best Law Firms” list has been a measure of excellence within the legal industry and beyond for more than a decade. The 2022 “Best Law Firms” rankings can be seen in their entirety by visiting bestlawfirms.usnews.com.

About “Best Law Firms”

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. To be eligible for a ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer listed in the current edition of Best Lawyers in America© list for that particular location and specialty.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is a multimedia publisher of news, consumer advice, rankings, and analysis. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Travel, Cars, Law and News and Opinion, www.usnews.com has earned a reputation as the leading provider of consumer advice and analysis that helps its readers make informed life decisions.

OAKLAND, Calif., October 11, 2021 – Wendel Rosen LLP, the largest law firm in the East Bay representing businesses and individuals throughout the country, announced today that David F. Monsour will join the firm as their newest Trusts and Estates Attorney, effective October 11.

“David has a strong legal background with experience in trust and estates law,” said Wendel Rosen Managing Partner Daniel Rapaport. “His passion for helping people by giving them insight and advice to successfully guide them through difficult situations will be an asset to Wendel Rosen. We know our clients will benefit from his expertise.”

With his breadth of legal experience, Monsour will be working with the Trusts and Estates practice group. “Beyond Wendel Rosen’s stellar reputation in the legal community, I’m excited to be working closely with colleagues who are not only fantastic attorneys but are also good people, to support and further our clients’ successes,” says Monsour.

Prior to joining Wendel Rosen, Monsour was an associate attorney at Barr & Young where he litigated trust and estates matters. Monsour previously externed for The Honorable Edward J. Davila, of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California and for the Ninth Circuit, Office of the Circuit Executive in San Francisco. He has been recognized over the past four years as a Northern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Monsour is a member of the California Bar Association and holds a B.B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

OAKLAND, Calif., September 22, 2021 – Wendel Rosen Partner, Robin Thornton, has been recognized as a Legal Visionary in the Business of Law: Trends, Updates, Visionaries & In-House Counsel Leadership Awards Magazine by the Los Angeles Times. The magazine recognizes and honors the top legal professionals in the region for their contributions and leadership within their organizations, the legal field, and the community at large.

On July 22, 2021, the winners and visionaries in several categories were announced at a live/virtual event. Thornton’s visionary attorney profile was included in the magazine’s August 29 publication.

“We congratulate Robin on this prestigious recognition as a Legal Visionary by the Los Angeles Times. Her exceptional legal experience, commitment and character make her a distinguished leader at both Wendel Rosen and in our community,” said Wendel Rosen Managing Partner Dan Rapaport.

Thornton is Chair of the Eminent Domain Practice Group at Wendel Rosen and has over 18 years of law firm experience, including 12 years of practicing eminent domain law. She has represented public and private entities and individuals in a variety of contexts, including appellate matters, trials, administrative hearings, alternative dispute resolution proceedings, highly-confidential negotiations, and in advisory capacities. In addition to condemnation law, Thornton also practices general civil litigation, property tax, real property, insurance coverage, and employment law.

Thornton is best known for her representation in the Richmond Refinery case, which was among the most complex assessment appeals matters in California’s history. Additionally, she has worked on mediations, arbitrations, court and jury trials in Alameda, Solano, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and Orange Counties.

For more information about the 2021 Business of Law Magazine, visit Los Angeles Times.

Oakland, Calif., September 3, 2021 ‐ Wendel Rosen LLP is proud to announce that Partner Tracy Green has been selected as one of the honorees of the San Francisco Business Times Most Influential Women in Business.

The event honors the top 100 most influential women in the Bay Area. Nominees were evaluated on their influence in their respective industries and communities, also taking into consideration their board affiliations and other leadership roles. The ceremony will be held virtually on October 7^th at 1:00 p.m. PST and will include a virtual VIP reception exclusive to the honorees. All 100 Women will be profiled in a special October 8^th Influential Women edition of the San Francisco Business Times.

As Chair and Partner of Wendel Rosen’s Bankruptcy practice, Tracy represents clients in all aspects of their dealings with financially troubled companies. She is known for guiding clients through complex problems and trying circumstances to find practical and efficient solutions. She has written and presented extensively on insolvency and bankruptcy issues, is an active leader in professional associations, and is regularly recognized for exceptional performance by peers and legal publications.

Tracy serves as a current member of the Bay Area Bankruptcy Forum, the Bar Association of Bankruptcy, and the former president of the California Bankruptcy Forum. She served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Stanley Mosk, of the California Supreme Court and was recently included in Best Lawyers in America for the fifth year in Bankruptcy – Litigation. Tracy views community involvement as a priority as she has provided pro bono legal services throughout both the San Francisco Bar Association and the Alameda County Bar Association.

Tracy received her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law and received her B.A. from the University of Santa Cruz.

Ten attorneys from the Wendel Rosen law firm have been selected for inclusion in the print edition of The Best Lawyers in America 2022. The prestigious award recognizes top legal talent nationwide across all practice areas. Lawyers are selected after an extensive peer review evaluation.

The attorneys recognized as The Best Lawyers in America represent a variety of practice areas including land use and zoning law, real estate law, trusts and estates, litigation, construction law, bankruptcy, real estate litigation, eminent domain and condemnation law. Wendel Rosen Partner Patricia E. Curtin is included for the 20th consecutive year, having appeared on the list since 2003.

The Wendel Rosen Best Lawyers in America honorees are:

• Patricia E. Curtin (2003) [20] – Land Use and Zoning Law
• Michael A. Dean, Retired (1983) [40] – Real Estate Law
• Monica Dell’Osso (2006) [5] – Litigation – Trusts and Estates / Trusts and Estates
• Matthew F. Graham (2016) [5] – Construction Law / Litigation – Construction
• Tracy Green (2018) [5] – Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Charles A. Hansen (2007) [15] – Litigation – Real Estate
• Les A. Hausrath (2018) [5] – Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
• Howard W. Lind (2016) [5] – Real Estate Law
• Virginia Palmer (2020) – Trusts and Estates
• Todd A. Williams (2018) [5] – Land Use and Zoning Law

(Year) First year the lawyer was listed in the published practice area.
[#] Milestone of years recognized by Best Lawyers

Additionally, Wendel Rosen Partner Les A. Hausrath was recognized by The Best Lawyers as the 2022 Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Oakland.

This recognition is awarded to individual lawyers with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. For more information about the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, visit www.bestlawyers.com.

OAKLAND, Calif., July 30, 2021 – Wendel Rosen LLP, the largest law firm in the East Bay representing businesses throughout the country, announced that 17 attorneys have been named to the 2021 edition of the Northern California Super Lawyers.

Northern California Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service and publication, selects outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas through a rigorous, multifaceted nomination process that comprises a statewide survey of lawyers, detailed peer review and extensive research of each candidate. Approximately 5% of the Northern California Bar receives the distinction.

Approximately 28% of the firm’s attorneys were named Super Lawyers. Practice areas include bankruptcy, business litigation, environmental, estate planning & probate, land use/zoning, and real estate.

The following are Wendel Rosen’s 2021 Northern California Super Lawyers:

• Elizabeth Berke-Dreyfuss* – Bankruptcy: Business
• Mark S. Bostick – Bankruptcy: Business
• Carl D. Ciochon – Real Estate
• Patricia E. Curtin* – Land Use/Zoning
• Michael A. Dean – Real Estate
• Monica Dell’Osso** – Estate & Probate
• Tracy Green* – Bankruptcy: Business
• Charles A. Hansen – Real Estate
• Les A. Hausrath – Real Estate
• Jeffery B. Levi – Estate & Probate
• Steven M. Morger – Real Estate
• Christine K. Noma*- Environmental
• Virginia Palmer** – Estate & Probate
• Judith Y. Tang*- Estate & Probate
• Zachary R. Wasserman – Land Use/Zoning
• Todd A. Williams – Land Use/Zoning
• Richard A. Sipos* – Business Litigation

*Indicates a Super Lawyer honored for ten years or more.
**Indicates a Super Lawyer included on any top list.

The team at Wendel Rosen congratulates all 17 attorneys selected to this prestigious recognition.

OAKLAND, Calif., May 26, 2021 – Wendel Rosen LLP, the largest law firm in the East Bay representing businesses throughout the state, announced today that James B. de los Reyes will join the firm as their newest Litigation Attorney.

“James brings a spirited attitude and well-rounded experience in construction and civil litigation,” said Wendel Rosen Managing Partner Daniel Rapaport. “He will be an asset to Wendel Rosen and we are looking forward to his contributions.”

As a practicing attorney, de los Reyes is extraordinarily committed to not only excellent service and earnest counsel for clients, but also a commitment to serving the community and the underserved. “On a certain level, law is an expression of our values as a society,” opines de los Reyes. “To be able to work in the field of law is something I find endlessly satisfying.”

With vast and varied litigation experience, de los Reyes will be working as an Associate within the Litigation practice group.

Before joining Wendel Rosen, de los Reyes worked for Haight Brown and Bonesteel’s San Francisco office and Boornazian, Jensen & Garthe in Oakland where he focused on construction defect and general civil litigation in a variety of practice areas. De los Reyes is a member of the California Bar Association and holds a B.A. from Stanford University and a J.D. from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

OAKLAND, Calif., April 30, 2021 – Wendel Rosen LLP, the largest law firm in the East Bay representing businesses throughout the country, announced today that Michele C. Kirrane will join the firm as their newest Partner.

“Michele has a stellar background with experience in business and commercial litigation,” said Wendel Rosen Managing Partner Daniel Rapaport. “Her varied skill set will be an asset to Wendel. Our attorneys and clients are looking forward to her contributions.”

Inspired to go into law through her experience as a star witness in a court case at a young age, Kirrane has been fascinated with the legal process and system throughout her life. As a practicing attorney, Kirrane specifically excels at strategizing, long term planning and analysis on behalf of her clients.

With vast and varied litigation experience, Kirrane will be working with the Business, Commercial, Real Estate, Construction and Litigation practice groups.

Prior to joining Wendel Rosen, Kirrane held positions as partner at both Freeman, Mathis & Gary and LeClairRyan, LLC. Kirrane is a member of the California Bar Association and holds a B.A. from Syracuse University and a J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law.

OAKLAND, Calif., February 23, 2021 – Wendel Rosen LLP, the largest law firm in the East Bay representing businesses throughout the country, announced that Joseph L. Cooter will join the firm as a trusts and estates attorney, effective February 16.

“Joe has deep roots in the Bay Area and brings a commitment to serving the community through legal services and volunteerism,” said Wendel Rosen’s Managing Partner, Daniel Rapaport. “He is a welcome addition to our growing Trusts and Estates practice group.”

Joe is an experienced attorney, focusing on planning and administration of trusts and estates. He represents clients in a variety of complex trust administration and probate matters and has worked on drafting wills, durable powers of attorneys, advanced health care directives, revocable living trusts, and special needs trusts. Joe is dedicated to counseling clients and providing a personalized approach to wealth preservation and legacy planning.

Formerly, in his solo practice, Joe presented on estate planning at the Berkeley City College and in numerous networking groups. In a previous role, he advised Lloyd’s of London insurance syndicates on a wide range of professional liability matters, including intellectual property and privacy disputes.

Volunteering as a pro-bono attorney for the Alameda County Bar Association, Joe works with Pro Se applicants on the guardianship of minors whose parents are otherwise unable to care for them. He also coaches for a competitive youth soccer club, which draws players from Oakland to Richmond.