Umberg/Zipser Secures Jury Verdict Eliminating Punitive Damages Exposure for MGA Entertainment

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Umberg/Zipser Secures Jury Verdict Eliminating Punitive Damages Exposure for MGA Entertainment

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Umberg/Zipser Secures Jury Verdict Eliminating Punitive Damages Exposure for MGA Entertainment (July 2, 2026)

Umberg/Zipser congratulates Mark Finkelstein and Ellen Kim, who, together with co-counsel at McKool Smith, secured a unanimous federal jury verdict finding that MGA Entertainment and its CEO, Isaac Larian, are not liable for $125 million in punitive damages in the company’s long-running litigation involving rapper T.I. Harris and MGA’s L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls.  This significant result reflects the dedication, collaboration, and advocacy of the entire legal team.

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Umberg/Zipser Recognized as an Orange County Best Place to Work for 2026

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We are honored to be recognized by the Orange County Business Journal as one of Orange County’s Best Places to Work for 2026.

At Umberg/Zipser, we believe our success begins with our people. This recognition reflects our culture of collaboration, respect, professional growth, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients.

As we continue to grow, we remain focused on fostering an environment where talented professionals can do meaningful work, support one another, and build rewarding careers.

Thank you to every member of the Umberg/Zipser team for making this recognition possible. We are proud of what we’ve built together and grateful to be recognized among Orange County’s best workplaces.

Mark Finkelstein Named to Orange Coast Magazine’s Best of O.C. Legal 2026 for Intellectual Property Litigation

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Congratulations to Umberg/Zipser LLP Managing Partner Mark Finkelstein on his selection to Orange Coast Magazine’s Best of O.C. Legal 2026 for Intellectual Property Litigation.

This year’s selection process combined attorney peer feedback, community input, independent research, and analysis guided by a former Super Lawyers publisher to recognize attorneys for excellence in their practice areas.

Umberg/Zipser is proud of Mark’s recognition, which reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to providing strategic counsel to its clients.

Umberg/Zipser LLP Welcomes Jeremy G. Suiter as Partner

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IRVINE, Calif., March 23, 2026 — Umberg/Zipser LLP is pleased to announce that Jeremy G. Suiter has joined the firm as a partner in its litigation practice.

Suiter brings more than two decades of experience representing businesses and individuals in complex business litigation, including shareholder and partnership conflicts, fraud and business tort claims, trade secret matters, and contract disputes. His practice focuses particularly on disputes involving closely held companies and founders, where litigation often intersects with sensitive business relationships and strategic decision-making.

“Jeremy is an outstanding litigator with a reputation for thoughtful advocacy and practical judgment,” said Mark Finkelstein, Managing Partner of Umberg/Zipser. “His experience handling high-stakes business disputes for companies and entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with the type of matters our clients face. We are excited to welcome him to the firm.”

Prior to joining Umberg/Zipser, Suiter was a partner at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, where he represented clients in complex litigation matters in state and federal courts as well as arbitration proceedings.

“I’m thrilled to join Umberg/Zipser,” said Suiter. “The firm has built a strong reputation for sophisticated litigation and intellectual property work while maintaining the collaborative culture and entrepreneurial mindset of a boutique practice. I look forward to working with this talented team and continuing to serve clients facing complex business disputes.”

Umberg/Zipser LLP is an Irvine-based boutique law firm known for its strength in business litigation, intellectual property, and lawyer liability and legal ethics. The addition of Suiter further deepens the firm’s litigation bench and enhances its ability to represent clients navigating complex disputes.

For more information, visit www.uzllp.com.

Mei Tsang Featured in Super Lawyers Southern California

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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

2026 Super Lawyers Honorees

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Umberg/Zipser LLP is pleased to share that seven firm partners have been named to the 2026 Southern California Super Lawyers list, an honor awarded to no more than five percent of attorneys statewide.

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:

Additionally, Priti Phukan, Ph.D., has once again been selected as a Southern California Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in Intellectual Property Law. This marks her seventh consecutive year receiving that distinction.

Umberg/Zipser LLP Elects Mark Finkelstein as Managing Partner

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IRVINE, Calif., January 5, 2026 — Umberg/Zipser LLP announced today that partner Mark Finkelstein has been elected Managing Partner, becoming only the second managing partner in the firm’s history. Founding partner Dean Zipser, who has served as the firm’s sole managing partner since its inception, will continue his active legal practice while supporting the firm’s leadership transition.

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: Tier One for 2026 in Best Law Firms Rankings

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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.

Tier One Rankings (Orange County – Metropolitan):
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Copyright Law
  • Litigation – Banking and Finance
  • Litigation – Intellectual Property
  • Litigation – Real Estate
  • Trademark Law
We are honored to be ranked at the highest level across these highly competitive practice areas. These distinctions underscore our commitment to delivering strategic counsel, trial‑tested advocacy, and exceptional client service.

Honored 7 Years Running!

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Umberg/Zipser LLP is proud to be recognized for the 7th consecutive year as one of The Civic 50 Orange County by OneOC and Points of Light. This honor celebrates the 50 most community-minded companies in Orange County and reflects our ongoing commitment to leveraging time, talent, and resources to make a lasting impact. We are grateful to be part of this important initiative and congratulate all of this year’s honorees.

Umberg/Zipser LLP proudly celebrates Martin’s recognition for the third consecutive year in the IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2025.

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Umberg/Zipser LLP proudly celebrates Martin’s recognition for the third consecutive year in the IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2025.

This prestigious honor highlights Martin’s exceptional ability to craft and implement innovative intellectual property strategies that deliver real value to clients worldwide. His continued recognition is a testament to his leadership, insight, and dedication to excellence in the field of IP.

Please join us in congratulating Martin on this well-deserved achievement!