Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, whether you’re facing a complex business issue, seeking justice in a personal matter, or simply planning for the future. That’s where top lawyers come in. To help narrow your search should you need one, we turned to national research firm Professional Research Services to survey local attorneys and produce our inaugural list of the region’s top lawyers—as selected by their peers and all in good standing with The State Bar of California. With the expertise needed to tackle whatever challenge you may face, these individuals are who you want on your side.
A ltern Ative D ispute r esolution
Melissa Blair Aliotti Judicate West 916-394-8490
Ronald A. Arendt Arendt ADR 916-925-1151
Edward J. Corey Jr. Weintraub Tobin 916-558-6017
Kenneth D. Harris Law Office of Kenneth D. Harris 916-882-3835
Ernest A. Long
Ernest A. Long ADR 916-442-6739
Nicholas Kirk Lowe Law Offices of Nicholas K. Lowe 916-565-2100
David L. Perrault Judicate West 916-394-8490
Donald R. Person JAMS 916-921-5300
Fred G. Wiesner Law Office of Fred G. Wiesner, Professional Corporation 916-203-3112
Russ J. Wunderli Judicate West 916-394-8490
Daniel Yamshon Daniel Yamshon Arbitration & Mediation 916-446-4817
A ppell Ate
Brendan J. Begley Weintraub Tobin 916-558-6024
Harry W.R. Chamberlain II Buchalter 213-891-5115
Michael E. Chase Boutin Jones Inc. 916-321-4444
Jay-Allen Eisen Downey Brand LLP 916-520-5290
Stephanie J. Finelli Law Office of Stephanie J. Finelli 916-443-2144
Alexandra K. LaFountain Downey Brand LLP 916-520-5245
Sheila Wirkus Pendergast Sheila Pendergast Law Corp. 916-238-1100
Steven M. Silva Nossaman LLP 916-930-7707
John A. Whitesides Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff Attorneys at Law 916-564-6100 ext. 201
B A nking & F in A nci A l s ervice
Gary L. Bradus Weintraub Tobin 916-558-6012
Benjamin M. Heuer Buchalter 916-945-5195
Robert S. McWhorter Buchalter 916-945-5188
Jarrett S. Osborne-Revis Buchalter 916-945-5190
B A nkruptcy
A n D c re D itor / D e B tor
Bashar Ahmad Boutin Jones Inc. 916-321-4444
J. Russell Cunningham Desmond, Nolan, Livaich & Cunningham 916-443-2051
William D. Taylor Hanson Bridgett LLP 916-551-2939
w ork E r ’ s c omp E nsation
Tiffany Boyland Wintersteen Casarez 916-429-3229
Lupe Carrasco Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation 916-438-1819
Jonathan D. Char Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. 916-446-4692
Douglas T. Green Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. 916-446-4692
John R. Holstedt Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. 916-446-4692
Craig E. Johnsen Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. 916-446-4692
Amy Marks Wintersteen Casarez 916-429-3229
Ilona Rincon Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi LLP 916-441-4065
Erin M. Scharg Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation 916-438-1819
Kyle K. Tambornini Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation 916-438-1819
Stuart C. Woo Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. 916-446-4692
A Growing Firm of Great Lawyers Committed
to Our Clients and Sacramento
7 8 42 33 500 1
7th largest firm in Sacramento
After opening here only 8 years ago
With 42 lawyers already
33 of which (79%) were voted by their peers as Top Lawyers
In a firm of 500 business transaction and litigation lawyers
Who treat their clients as No. 1
Featured Profiles
Your guide to the Sacramento region’s Top Lawyers
Rediger Labor Law LLP
Robert L. Rediger, Candice K. Hanratty, Arielle M. Rediger & Justin R. Rediger
Rediger Labor Law LLP is a family-owned law firm that advises and represents employers in labor and employmentrelated matters. Our clients range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, many of which we have advised and represented for decades.
The attorneys of our firm have successfully represented companies in:
• Countering union organizing campaigns, NLRB elections and unfair labor practice proceedings.
• Multi-employer collective bargaining negotiations with various unions.
• Class actions and representative PAGA actions alleging violations of wage and hour laws.
• Discrimination proceedings involving the CRD, and in federal court against the EEOC, jury trials to verdict and appeals.
We continue to be peer rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, its highest ratings for legal ability and ethics, and included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in the category of Labor and Employment Law. We enjoy the highest client rating of 5.0 on Lawyers.com.
555 CAPITOL MALL, STE. 1240
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
916-442-0033 | REDIGER.LAW
Back row (L to R): Zachary Merliss, Keegan Smith, Joe Alexander, David Cohen, Joel Weinstein & Sarah Einhorn
Second row (L to R): Danielle Nygren, Angel Sanchez, Amber Zehrung & Barry Zimmerman
Front row (L to R): Danielle Keller, Alison Cohen & Camille Halley
Cohen Defense Group, Inc.
The Cohen Defense Group, Inc., is the largest private practice criminal defense firm in the foothills. Our attorneys have repeatedly been recognized as Top Lawyers in the region by Sacramento Magazine and featured in Northern California Super Lawyers. This year, Sactown Magazine honors five of our lawyers: Zachary Merliss, Joe Alexander, Amber Zehrung, Camille Halley and Barry Zimmerman, who runs a thriving personal injury practice in addition to his criminal work. They join our firm’s prior recipients of recognition, David and Alison Cohen. Zachary Merliss runs our DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Unit and is one of our most successful litigators. Joe Alexander supervises our Nevada County offices and is on our Major Crimes Team. Amber Zehrung is an experienced felony attorney who supervises our Placer County offices. Camille Halley is an invaluable member of our DUI team, specially trained to defend DUI cases at every stage. Barry Zimmerman is certified by the California State Bar as a Specialist in Criminal Law and has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer. He has handled thousands of cases, tried many of them to verdict, and argued before the California Supreme Court. He now takes on our most serious cases, including sex crimes and murder. We are proud of our incredible team of lawyers, which includes two State Bar Certified Specialists in Criminal Law and the most experienced juvenile defense team in the area.
This year, the Cohen Defense Group is pleased to announce that we are expanding. In addition to our existing offices in Auburn and Roseville, we have newly opened offices in Nevada City and Truckee, making it easier for us to provide services throughout Nevada County and into the Eastern Sierra. The Cohen Defense Group represents people in Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, and Sacramento counties, at all stages of proceedings, including pre-charging representation, pre-trial negotiations and motions, jury trials, DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) hearings and post-conviction proceedings (record sealing, expungement, removal from the sex offender registry).
Our team is qualified to handle cases in all criminal and juvenile courts in California. The best lawyers are supported by the best team, and the lawyers and staff of the Cohen Defense Group are here to help when you need it most. LOCATIONS IN AUBURN, ROSEVILLE, NEVADA CITY & TRUCKEE 916-596-2700
Joe Alexander Cohen Defense Group, Inc.
Joe Alexander joined the Cohen Defense Group after a distinguished career as a prosecutor. He was the Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and Chief Deputy District Attorney for El Dorado County, where he led the El Dorado Cold Case Task Force and gained extensive experience handling cases involving DNA evidence. His masterful handling of complex legal issues around investigative techniques, search and seizure, and interrogation earned Joe recognition as a regional Prosecutor of the Year by the California Narcotics Officers Association. Joe’s high-level experience prosecuting criminal cases gives him invaluable insight into the motivations and practices of the DA’s office. In other words, Joe brings a lot of fire power to defending his clients. “I have handled every imaginable type of crime, from misdemeanors to murder,” he says. “I know exactly how the investigation proceeds, and how the DA views their case. I am skilled at finding the weakness in the government’s case.” Supervisor of the Cohen Defense Group’s Nevada County team, Joe came to defense work because he wanted to help individuals navigate what may be the most difficult phase of their life. According to colleague Amber Zehrung, “Joe treats every client like they are the only one on his caseload. He listens to them and advocates fiercely on their behalf, both in and out of the courtroom. Joe knows what he is doing and believes in what he does. He is the criminal defense attorney I would want on my side if I were in trouble.”
LOCATIONS IN AUBURN, ROSEVILLE, NEVADA CITY & TRUCKEE
530-687-3009
COHENDEFENSE.COM
Rojas & Nickelson Family Law Attorneys, Inc.
Tara M. Rojas
Tara Rojas is the founding shareholder at Rojas & Nickelson. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist, certified mediator and collaborative attorney. She has been practicing family law for her entire career. Tara is a zealous advocate in the courtroom, and attentive to each of her clients, working quickly to tailor a sound strategy to each client’s particular needs. She works on the entire range of family law cases, including high asset divorce and property division, child and spousal support, and custody issues. Tara knows that this process can be heartbreaking and works with her team to take as much of the pressure as possible off each client. She also teaches Family Law and Community Property at McGeorge School of Law.
Keeley L. Nickelson
Keeley Nickelson is a shareholder at Rojas & Nickelson. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist, certified mediator and collaborative attorney. Her practice spans the breadth of family law issues, including divorce, prenuptial agreements, asset division, child and spousal support, and custody issues. Reaching settlements outside of court is always at the top of her mind no matter the case. She has been practicing family law for her entire career and has been able to hone her skills both in and out of the courtroom. She is dedicated to her clients and practices with compassion and empathy, as she knows just how difficult it is to navigate the world of family law. Outside of attorney, her titles include Dog Mom, Bookworm and Swiftie.
601 UNIVERSITY AVE., STE. 240 SACRAMENTO, CA 95825 916-515-7020
ROJASNICKELSON.COM
Onyx Law Office, APC
Amanda D. Yasbek, CFLS
Amanda D. Yasbek, Certified Family Law Specialist and owner of Onyx Law Office in Folsom, is recognized for her expertise and zealous advocacy in family law and estate planning. Her unwavering commitment to her clients has earned her the distinction of Best Attorney in Folsom for five consecutive years. Onyx Law Office has been recognized as an awardwinning firm for the past several years.
740 OAK AVENUE PKWY., STE 100 FOLSOM, CA 95630
916-932-2362
ONYXLAWOFFICE.COM
Parker Taylor Law Group, PC
Port J. Parker, Myles G. Taylor & Jeffrey S. Einsohn
The firm is honored to have its attorneys Port J. Parker, Myles G. Taylor and Jeffrey S. Einsohn selected as Top Lawyers for 2024.
Port J. Parker founded Parker Taylor Law Group in 2018. For years, Port and his partners Myles G. Taylor and Jeffrey S. Einsohn have been recognized as some of Sacramento’s Top Lawyers in their fields. The firm handles a variety of matters involving business litigation, professional malpractice, corporate counsel, trust and estate disputes, and real property.
Parker Taylor Law Group represents individuals and businesses from many industries, including real estate, construction, biotech, agriculture, retail, financial and professional services, and food and beverage. Their strong team of attorneys and professionals work to provide the best representation possible for their clients.
555 CAPITOL MALL, STE. 1230
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
916-996-0400
CONTACT@PARLAWGROUP.COM
Yee Law Group, Inc.
Michael A. Yee
Prior to founding Yee Law Group, Inc., Michael Yee was an attorney at one of the most well-respected real estate law firms in Sacramento. His practice focuses on estate planning and probate law. Michael is a descendent of Sacramento pioneers and comes from a long line of professionals serving the community. His great-great-grandfather, an herbalist named Dr. Wah Hing, arrived in California during the Gold Rush. Michael’s grandfather, retired dentist Herbert Yee, is also a longtime Land Park resident, commercial real estate investor and community leader. Michael chose the legal field instead of the medical field to better serve his family’s commercial property investments and help families looking for legal expertise in the areas of estate planning. Michael enjoys sitting down with families to educate them on the benefits of having an estate plan in place and guides families who have lost loved ones that may need help navigating through the process of probate.
See our awesome reviews on Yelp!
4010 S. LAND PARK DR., STE. B, SACRAMENTO, CA 95822 1024 IRON POINT RD., STE. 1008, FOLSOM, CA 95630 | 919 RESERVE DR., ROSEVILLE, CA 95678
Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP is a Sacramento-based law firm specializing in family law, particularly divorce and legal separation. With over 125 years of combined experience, they assist clients in navigating complex issues like child custody and property division.
4740 FOLSOM BLVD. SACRAMENTO, CA 95819
916-455-5200
DIVORCEWITHRESPECT.COM
Back Row (L to R): Stuart C. Woo,* Douglas T. Green,* Phillip R.A. Mastagni,* Jonathan D. Char,* Sean D. Currin,* Grant A. Winter,* Taylor Davies-Mahaffey, David E. Mastagni,* Sean D. Howell,* Steven W. Welty* & Joseph A Hoffmann Front Row (L to R): Kenneth E. Bacon,* John R. Holstedt* & Kathleen N. Mastagni Storm* 2024 Top Lawyer honorees notated by an asterisk next to their names.
Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C.
Celebrating Excellence: Mastagni Holstedt Attorneys Receive Sactown’s Top Lawyer Honor
For over 47 years, Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C. has provided unparalleled and aggressive representation to public employees and their associations, law enforcement, firefighters, private sector unions and private citizens. The firm’s attorneys provide skilled counsel in labor and employment, FLSA, personal injury, criminal defense, retirement and workers’ compensation. The firm’s labor practice has obtained some of the largest public employee labor contracts in the state and established case law protecting the rights of public employees and their organizations. The firm has been
instrumental in representing law enforcement officers before the legislature, including passage of the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights, obtaining the passage of binding arbitration (S.B. 402) and reform to municipal bankruptcy law. The firm has secured favorable outcomes in complex litigation involving product liability, aviation accidents and catastrophic injuries. We are honored to spotlight our 2024 Top Lawyer honorees who continue to shape the future of California’s legal landscape.
1912 I ST., SACRAMENTO, CA 95811 WITH
Amber Zehrung
Cohen Defense Group, Inc.
Amber Zehrung has been practicing law in Placer County for over twenty years, and she has been with the Cohen Defense Group since its inception. Amber’s honesty and integrity command respect and have helped her forge strong relationships with people throughout the local system. From prosecutors to probation officers, when Amber speaks, they listen. According to David Cohen, head of the Cohen Defense Group, “I count on Amber to represent our firm in many capacities because I know that she is highly respected by the entire legal community, including by our judges.” Amber has spent her career amassing a wealth of resources that benefit our clients. As supervisor of the Cohen Defense Group’s Placer County team, Amber makes customer service a priority and has always believed that our focus on client communication is what sets us apart. “People need to know we’re there to fight for them. They need to know we are going to guide them and give them everything they need to make an informed decision.” If you or a loved one are facing prosecution in Placer County, Amber Zehrung and her team will provide support, guidance and unparalleled representation throughout the court process. There is no one who knows the local system better than Amber, and our clients gain from her experience and knowledge every day.
LOCATIONS IN AUBURN, ROSEVILLE, NEVADA CITY & TRUCKEE
916-596-2700
COHENDEFENSE.COM
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig’s Sacramento office provides high-quality legal services across industries in California. We offer advocacy in California’s Legislature, state agencies and courts, as well as Proposition 65, labor and employment, trade secrets, corporate and products liability, among many other areas of law.
400 CAPITOL MALL, STE. 2400 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
916-442-1111 | GTLAW.COM
BKS Law Firm, PC
Ryan S. Bezerra & Jennifer T. Buckman
Bridging Public and Water Law
BKS Law Firm is proud that two of its principals, Ryan Bezerra and Jeni Buckman, are among Sactown’s Top Lawyers. Since our founding as Bartkiewicz, Kronick & Shanahan in 1989, BKS has focused on representing local agencies and private businesses across the state that rely on water. From the north to the south, and from the Pacific Ocean across the Central Valley to the Sierra Nevada, we help clients navigate the complex state and federal laws and regulations that govern public agencies, surface water and groundwater use, wastewater and recycled water operations and related environmental issues. Whether we’re handling board meetings, working on legislation, appearing before state agencies or arguing in court, BKS applies our deep knowledge and expertise in California water and public law to help our clients achieve their missions and goals.
1600 K ST., STE. 4A, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
916-446-4254 | BKSLAWFIRM.COM
Back row (L to R): Doug Coty, Morgan Biggerstaff, Gavin Ralphs & Zach Castagnola-Johnson Front row (L to R): Jeni Buckman, Holly Jacobson, Ryan Bezerra, Josh Horowitz & Kristin Peer
L to R: Michelle Hallsten, Kurt Kappes, Jeremy Meier, Alice Kessler, Patrick Shannon, Tim Long, Brooke Condran & Todd Pickles
Honorees not pictured: Michael Wertheim, Magaly Zagal, Rebecca Olson & Nikki Dobay
Camille Halley
Cohen Defense Group, Inc.
Camille Halley fights for the underdog and isn’t afraid to take on the government. At U.C. Davis Law, she helped bring a civil rights action against prison officials. At the California Appellate Project, she assisted women facing the death penalty. At the Habeas Corpus Resource Center, she drafted a Freedom of Information Act complaint against the FBI. Camille knows that the state can exert tremendous control over the individual and she is committed to protecting people from government overreach. “When the state wants to restrict someone’s liberty, it is difficult for an individual to fight that level of power. I want to give people a fighting chance when they’re facing an entity that has all that power and all of those resources.” With a practice focused on defending DUI cases, Camille arms herself for battle by engaging in regular training in the investigation methods used by police so that she is ready to challenge every phase of the District Attorney’s prosecution of her clients. She challenges bad acts by police, collects mitigation evidence that can minimize negative consequences for her client, and ultimately prepares herself to stand between her client and the state at trial. According to colleague Amber Zehrung, “Camille does not back down from a fight and never gives up until justice is served. Because of her dedication to her work and care for her clients, she achieves great results. She is a huge asset to the Cohen Defense team.”
916-596-2700
Kaminski Law Group
Kristin M. Kaminski
Your Legacy. Your Story. Our Promise.
At Kaminski Law Group, we understand that estate planning is about more than just legal documents; it’s about protecting your family’s future and preserving your values for generations to come. Led by Kristin M. Kaminski, a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, our firm is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate guidance to families at every stage of life.
With over a decade of experience, Kristin and her team simplify the complexities of estate planning and administration, offering a full range of services, including trusts, wills, probate and conservatorships. Our goal is to provide peace of mind by ensuring that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected, no matter what the future holds.
We’re here to listen, support and guide you every step of the way. Call us today to start a conversation about securing your family’s legacy.
Zachary Merliss
Cohen Defense Group, Inc.
One of the Cohen Defense Group’s most experienced trial attorneys, Zachary Merliss is a fierce litigator who recently earned a “not guilty” verdict on attempted murder charges. Head of our DUI Unit, Zach has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a Northern California rising star in the field of DUI defense, and by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in California for criminal defense. He received the Clients’ Choice Award from AVVO and is now being recognized for the second time as a Top Lawyer in the region. Zach regularly litigates issues of every kind at all stages of criminal proceedings. When DUIs were his focus, he stayed at the top of his game by undergoing the same training programs that police officers attend. He completed the three-day Standardized Field Sobriety Test Academy and the two-day Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Training designed for experienced police officers. He also attended a six-day Serious Science seminar where he prepared blood alcohol samples in a lab, learning the process first-hand in order to more effectively challenge the reliability of blood evidence in court. He brings that same drive to his general felony practice, going above and beyond to prepare his cases for trial. According to founding partner David Cohen, “Zach is a bulldog. He is making the prosecutors work overtime by challenging every potential act of police misconduct. That kind of zeal reaps great results for our clients.”
LOCATIONS IN AUBURN, ROSEVILLE, NEVADA CITY & TRUCKEE
