Experience
Integrity
Results
Firm Overview
About Us
Umberg/Zipser LLP is a premier business litigation and intellectual property boutique law firm. Drawing on decades of experience in some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious law firms, as well as national and state government service, our lawyers provide exceptional work with the unparalleled personal service of a boutique.
Our Culture
Umberg/Zipser believes in giving back, both to our community and to our profession. We regularly handle pro bono matters, and our attorneys devote countless hours to supporting — and leading — professional and community organizations. It would be difficult to find another firm in Orange County, regardless of size, that can boast the number of community leaders that exist at Umberg/Zipser.
Why Us?
By combining big-firm experience with small-firm efficiencies, we can handle complex matters for large companies, but we also are nimble enough to represent small companies and entrepreneurs. Our clients come to us because we deliver the highest quality work product together with extraordinary service.
Practice Areas
We Have the Experience to Handle a Wide Array of Matters
Professionals
We Have Exceptional Attorneys Who Stand Ready to Serve Our Clients
Brent S. Colasurdo
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Ryan S. Dean
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Halim Dhanidina
(949) 679-0052
[email protected]
The Honorable Halim Dhanidina (Ret.) is a partner at the prestigious criminal defense firm of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP in Los Angeles, where he handles challenging and high profile criminal cases. He serves as co-counsel with Umberg/Zipser in a variety of civil matters as the firm’s Senior Trial and Appellate Counsel.
Ethan Feng
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Ethan Feng is an associate at Umberg/Zipser where he focuses his practice in complex commercial litigation, professional liability disputes, and employment litigation.
Martin Fessenmaier, Ph.D.
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Mark A. Finkelstein
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Mark Finkelstein is a partner at Umberg/Zipser with more than 25 years of intellectual property and complex litigation experience.
Scott B. Garner
- (949) 679-0052
[email protected]
Scott B. Garner is a partner at Umberg/Zipser in Irvine, California. He represents clients in complex business litigation matters, with a particular focus on professional liability disputes and ethics counseling.
Phillip R. Kaplan
Partner
(949) 679-0052- [email protected]
Phillip R. Kaplan is a recognized leader in the Orange County legal community, and is an accomplished business trial lawyer with a record of handling his client’s most difficult cases.
Ellen S. Kim
(949) 679-0052- [email protected]
Ellen Kim is an Associate at Umberg/Zipser LLP (U/Z) where she focuses her practice in complex commercial litigation.
Priti Phukan, Ph.D.
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Carole E. Reagan
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Todd W. Smith
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Adina W. Stowell
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Adina Stowell specializes in complex litigation involving corporate, commercial, trade secret, and real estate disputes in both state and federal courts.
Jason Tejani
Jason Tejani concentrates his practice on patent prosecution and intellectual property (IP) transactional matters. Prior to his legal career, he was a chemist at a global chemical company.
Mei Tsang
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Thomas J. Umberg
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Vikki L. Vander Woude
- (949) 679-0052
- [email protected]
Dean J. Zipser
(949) 679-0052- [email protected]
Dean J. Zipser is a recognized leader in the Orange County legal community, having served as President of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) along with many other professional leadership positions.
NEWS and EVENTS
Umberg/Zipser in the Community
Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) Annual Judges’ Night 2022
On Thursday, April 7th, the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) held its annual Judges’ Night. It was a special evening, as the OCBA returned to an in-person event after two years. Hundreds celebrated as the Honorable Judge David O. Carter installed the new OCBA officers and directors, including Umberg/Zipser’s own Mei Tsang as OCBA Secretary. Mei is now in line to become OCBA President
Thomas J. Umberg Recognized As 2022 Legislator of the Year
The California Lawyers Association has recognized California Senator Thomas J. Umberg as the 2022 Legislator of the Year. ” As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Umberg has taken the lead on passing legislation that is integral to the daily practice of CLA members and that improves the lives of all Californians.” California Lawyers Association President, Jeremy M. Evans, said “CLA is grateful for the ability to work with Senator
Scott Garner Leads OCBA Charitable Fund Grant Reception
The Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund annual reception held last Wednesday honored a number of nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in OC communities. Scott Garner, Umberg/Zipser Partner, and Past President of the OCBA Charitable Fund, had the privilege of presenting grants to the various local non-profits. The Charitable Fund’s mission is to provide resources to organizations and programs to enhance the system
Super Lawyers 2022 Selects Seven Umberg/Zipser Attorneys
Umberg/Zipser LLP is proud to announce that seven of its partners have been included in the Southern California Super Lawyers list for 2022, a recognition reserved for only five percent of lawyers in California. In addition, both Dean Zipser and Scott Garner have been recognized this year as a Top 50 Orange County Lawyer, Dean for the fourth consecutive year. The following Umberg/Zipser attorneys have been recognized in the Southern California Super
Partner Mei Tsang Elected as Secretary of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA)
On Thursday, January 13th, the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) installed its new officers and directors for the year 2022 in a small ceremony outdoors. We are delighted to now formally congratulate Umberg/Zipser’s own partner, Mei Tsang, on her new role as OCBA Secretary! In 2025, Mei will become the third U/Z attorney who will have served as OCBA President, following Dean Zipser and
Umberg/Zipser LLP Announces Attorney Ellen S. Kim has Joined the Firm
Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) is delighted to welcome our newest attorney, Ellen S. Kim, to our team! Ellen brings a broad range of successful legal experience, having represented clients in complex commercial litigation matters including business disputes and consumer class actions. Ellen also maintains an active pro bono practice, where she represents survivors of human trafficking and asylum seekers. Prior to joining U/Z, Ellen served as
CAREERS
If you are an exceptional attorney who thrives on delivering top-notch client service, and would enjoy practicing law in a small, collegial environment, we invite you to contact us to learn more about how we can support your career growth. Umberg/Zipser is proud of its diversity, and is an equal opportunity employer.