Umberg/Zipser congratulates Martin Fessenmaier on being named an IAM Strategy 300 Global Leader for the fourth consecutive year.
The IAM Strategy 300 recognizes leading professionals from around the world for their strategic insight into patents and intellectual property. Martin’s continued recognition reflects his thoughtful approach to helping clients develop, protect, and maximize the value of their innovation.
Congratulations, Martin, on this well-deserved honor.
Umberg/Zipser LLP is proud to announce that five attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2027 Southern California Super Lawyers® list, recognizing attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
The continued recognition of these attorneys reflects the depth of experience and talent across Umberg/Zipser’s litigation and intellectual property practices. Whether representing businesses in high-stakes commercial disputes, protecting valuable intellectual property, or advising clients in complex professional liability matters, our attorneys are committed to delivering strategic, results-driven counsel.
We congratulate Dean, Mark, Scott, Mei, and Carole on this achievement and thank our clients and peers for the confidence they place in our firm.
In the August 2026 issue of Orange County Lawyer, Umberg/Zipser partner Scott Garner and associate Amy Lesperance explore the growing emphasis on civility in the legal profession. The article examines recent developments from the California Supreme Court and State Bar, explains why civility is fully compatible with zealous advocacy, and discusses the practical benefits of professionalism for clients, courts, and attorneys alike. Drawing on recent case law, ethics guidance, and evolving professional standards, the authors make the case that civility is not simply good manners. It is an essential component of effective advocacy and a hallmark of excellent lawyering.
Read “A New Era of Civility?” in Orange County Lawyer (PDF).
This article first appeared in Orange County Lawyer, August 2026 (Vol. 68 No. 8), p. 34. The views expressed herein are those of the author. They do not necessarily represent the views of Orange County Lawyer magazine, the Orange County Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund, or their staffs, contributors, or advertisers. All legal and other issues must be independently researched.
Umberg/Zipser LLP is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund’s Annual Judge Kenneth Lae Charity Golf Scramble. This event reflects the legal community’s shared commitment to service and access to justice.
The OCBA Charitable Fund supports law-related organizations throughout Orange County that strengthen our justice system and expand access to legal services for those in need. This year, Mei Tsang serves as President of the OCBA Charitable Fund, and Scott Garner serves on the Board of the Charitable Fund and is a member of the golf committee, continuing U/Z’s longstanding tradition of leadership and service within both the OCBA and its Charitable Fund.
From sponsorship to service, giving back has always been part of who we are. We are honored to support an event that brings the Orange County legal community together for such an important cause.
We’re proud to share that Umberg/Zipser partner Mei Tsang is featured in the 2026 Super Lawyers Southern California issue (see p. 38).
In the profile, Mei reflects on her journey from Xi’an to leadership in Orange County’s legal community, her passion for intellectual property law, and her commitment to mentoring, service, and expanding access to justice. The article highlights her thoughtful, strategic approach to helping clients identify, protect, and enforce their IP assets worldwide, as well as the curiosity and connection she brings to everything she does.
Congratulations, Mei, on this well-deserved recognition.
Read the full article here: https://digital.superlawyers.com/v/Southern-California-2026/?page=1
The firm also celebrates Dean Zipser’s continued distinction as one of the Top 50 Orange County Lawyers, marking his eighth consecutive year receiving this recognition.
The following Umberg/Zipser attorneys have earned placement on the Southern California Super Lawyers list, each recognized across multiple years:
Dean Zipser – Business Litigation – since 2005
This election reflects Umberg/Zipser’s thoughtful approach to long-term succession and its continued commitment to strategic growth, client service, and firm culture.
“Mark has been an integral part of Umberg/Zipser’s success and evolution,” said Dean Zipser. “He is deeply respected by our partners and clients alike, and he brings a steady, collaborative leadership style that reflects our firm’s values. I am proud of what we’ve built together and confident that Mark is the right person to lead the firm into its next chapter.”
Mark has been a key leader within the firm, and is known for his stellar legal and business judgment, client-first mindset, and ability to navigate complex challenges. As Managing Partner, he will focus on guiding the firm’s long-term strategy while maintaining the culture of excellence and collegiality that has defined Umberg/Zipser since its founding.
“It’s an honor to step into this role and to follow Dean, whose leadership and vision shaped the firm from day one,” said Mark. “Umberg/Zipser has always been about unwavering legal advocacy, a commitment to our community, and working as a team to deliver unmatched service to our clients. I look forward to building on the foundation that Dean tirelessly built for over a decade.”
About Umberg/Zipser LLP
Umberg/Zipser LLP is a leading law firm based in Irvine, California. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, the firm is known for its sophisticated business litigation and intellectual property practices. Umberg/Zipser is recognized for delivering strategic, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s business objectives.
Media Contact:
Kristina Hawfield
Communications Consultant to Umberg/Zipser LLP
949-278-0973
[email protected]
Umberg/Zipser LLP is proud to announce that we have once again earned Tier One recognition in the 2026 Best Law Firms® rankings for the Metropolitan Orange County area. This honor reflects our continued leadership and excellence in key litigation and intellectual property arenas.
Umberg/Zipser LLP proudly congratulates our partner Mei Tsang on receiving the President’s Award from the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association (Cal-APABA). We also extend our congratulations to this year’s distinguished honorees and express our gratitude to Cal-APABA for its vital work in advancing justice, supporting the APA legal community, and fostering the next generation of leaders.
