Tom Umberg Again Named to the “OC 500” by Orange County Business Journal

Umberg/Zipser is pleased to announce that co-founding partner Thomas J. Umberg has been selected again for the Orange County Business Journal’s “OC 500 Directory of Influence” in 2018. This list honors the most influential individuals from throughout Orange County. Honorees range from top executives at the largest publicly traded or privately held companies to up-and-comers, as well as a diverse group of governmental, philanthropic, religious and other civic representatives who contribute to the community of business.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the OCBJ alongside these distinguished community leaders. I have dedicated my career to the law and Orange County community. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve our clients and community,” said Tom Umberg.

Tom Umberg has extensive trial experience in both federal and state courts. He has successfully tried over 100 cases to verdict or judgment; including complex matters involving health care, real estate, work place harassment, construction defects, employee pension plans, etc. As a federal criminal prosecutor, he tried numerous white collar and civil rights cases, including tax evasion schemes. Tom has been selected for the prestigious publication “The Best Lawyers in America®” in commercial litigation for 11 consecutive years. He is a retired Army Colonel, veteran of Afghanistan, and Bronze Star recipient.

Umberg/Zipser Again Included in the Civic 50 Orange County List for 2018

Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) is honored to be named again one of Orange County’s 50 most community minded companies at the 2018 Civic 50 OC Awards, presented by the Orange County Business Journal in partnership with OneOC, Points of Light and True Impact. This is the second year that Umberg/Zipser has been honored with the award.

The Civic 50 OC Awards recognize the 50 most community-minded small, mid-size, and large Orange County companies as determined by a national survey. By benchmarking and celebrating best practices, the recognition provides visibility and a framework for how local companies can use their employees’ time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in our community.

“We are pleased to be recognized again in the Civic 50 for its second year. One our  our firm’s core values is commitment to give back meaningfully to the community. We are proud of the contributions of our attorneys to the legal profession and the community we serve,” said Dean Zipser, co-founding partner.

In addition to the Civic 50 Orange County List, special category awards will be announced at the Civic 50 Orange County Awards Luncheon on October 11, 2018 at the Hotel Irvine.  For more information go to www.ocbj.com/bizevents.

The Civic 50 Special Report and List will publish on October 15, 2018 in the Orange County Business Journal.

Dean Zipser, Scott Garner and Todd Smith Present at OCBA Corporate Counsel Section Meeting – The Rules, They Are A-Changing: California’s New Rules of Professional Conduct

Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) attorneys Dean J. Zipser, Scott B. Garner and Todd W. Smith presented at the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) Corporate Counsel Section Meeting, “The Rules, They Are A-Changing: California’s New Rules of Professional Conduct” on September 11, 2018. The program discussed the new Rules of Professional Conduct, which will go into effect November 1, 2018. Dean, Scott and Todd focused their discussion on the more significant changes to the existing rules and some notable new rules, including the conflict of interest rules, ethical screens, communication with clients, and discrimination.

Dean served as the co-vice-chair of the California State Bar Commission for the Revision of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Scott served as a member of the California State Bar’s Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct from 2011-2016, serving as the Committee’s Chair from 2014-15. Both Scott and Todd have decades of experience representing lawyers and law firms in professional liability related matters, and each of them has presented a number of Continuing Legal Education courses on legal ethics and professional responsibility issues.

Umberg/Zipser Sponsors Liberty in North Korea’s Annual Gala

Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) was proud to sponsor the 2018 Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) Gala on September 8 in Beverly Hills. The gala raised over $900,000, which is enough to help rescue 300 North Korean refugees.

LiNK is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing North Korean refugees hiding in China and resettling them in South Korea or the United States. The organization seeks to raise awareness of human rights issues in North Korea through media production, conducting research, and through semiannual tours and events. Learn more here: https://www.libertyinnorthkorea.org

Umberg/Zipser Continues to Grow IP Group with Addition of Mark Finkelstein and Priti Phukan

Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) is pleased to announce that partner Mark Finkelstein and associate Priti Phukan, Ph.D. have joined the firm. The addition of Mark and Priti further strengthens the firm’s full-service Intellectual Property Practice Group, and dedicated to identifying, procuring, shepherding, and defending our clients’ intellectual property rights.

Mark Finkelstein has more than 23 years of intellectual property and complex litigation experience in some of the nation’s largest firms. He advises clients on matters involving patent, copyright, trademark, and trade dress infringement, as well as misuse of trade secrets, unfair competition, and other commercial disputes. Mark is the immediate Past President of Orange County’s Association of Business Trial Lawyers and has significant first-chair trial experience in both state and federal courts, and has argued before the Federal and Ninth Circuits.

Priti Phukan concentrates her practice on patent and trademark prosecution across various technology industries, including chemistry, life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, and mechanical engineering. Priti began her career as a chemist and molecular biologist and then ultimately made the choice to start her career in patent law in 2012.

“We are excited to strategically grow our IP practice and continue to offer our clients the highest caliber of legal services. I have known Mark for many years.  He is an exceptional lawyer with extensive IP litigation and trial experience. His IP focus and tireless commitment to community involvement makes him a perfect fit,” said co-founding partner, Dean Zipser.

“Priti brings a unique background that includes a blend of bioscience expertise and legal skills. We are thrilled to bring the value of this combination of experience to our clients. She is a fantastic addition to the Umberg/Zipser team,” added IP partner, Mei Tsang.

Mark commented, “I am delighted to join the talented team at Umberg/Zipser and to offer increased flexibility in the delivery of legal services to my clients. I have known and had the pleasure of working with many of the firm’s lawyers in various capacities over the years and greatly admire and respect the way they approach solving clients’ business issues.”

Priti also commented, “It is an honor to join U/Z. I am delighted to be working with such a talented legal team with deep ties to the Orange County legal, business and technology communities.”

About Umberg/Zipser LLP

Umberg/Zipser is a premier business litigation and intellectual property boutique.  Drawing on its lawyers’ many decades of experience in some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious law firms, as well as national and state government service, Umberg/Zipser provides clients with unparalleled legal services. Named one of the Daily Journal’s Top Boutique Firms, Umberg/Zipser is a go-to firm for litigation and intellectual property in Orange County and around the state. https://umbergzipser.com/

Umberg/Zipser Attorneys Featured Prominently at OCBA Judges’ Night

Umberg/Zipser proudly sponsored and supported 2018 Judges’ Night & Annual Meeting hosted by the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) on Thursday, January 18, 2018 in Irvine.  This event featured the installation of Nikki P. Miliband, Esq. as 2018 OCBA President, the installation of the OCBA Officers and Directors and the OCBA Charitable Fund Directors, and the presentation of the Franklin G. West Award, the highest honor bestowed by the OCBA.

The firm’s attorneys have decades of service to the OCBA, and the most recent Judges’ Night was an example.  U/Z’s Scott Garner was sworn in as the 2018 OCBA Treasurer and a board member of the Charitable Fund, and Mei Tsang was sworn in as a board member of both the OCBA and the Charitable Fund.

U/Z’s co-founding partner Dean Zipser, a former OCBA President and the 2017 recipient of the Franklin G. West Award, spoke at the event. In addition, Zipser recently co-authored the OCBA article: January 2018 Cover Story – Nikki Presley Miliband: We’re Not Returning to Sender!, highlighting the accomplishments of the newly appointed OCBA president, Nikki Presley Miliband. Click here to read the full article.

 

About Umberg/Zipser LLP

Umberg/Zipser is a premier business litigation and intellectual property boutique.  Drawing on its lawyers’ many decades of experience in some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious law firms, as well as national and state government service, Umberg/Zipser provides clients with unparalleled legal services. Named one of the Daily Journal’s Top Boutique Firms, Umberg/Zipser is a go-to firm for litigation and intellectual property in Orange County and around the state.