Clifford E. Yin - Coblentz Law

Details

P 415.677.5240

F 415.989.1663

cyin@coblentzlaw.com

Education

J.D., cum laude,

Harvard University (1994)
B.A., magna cum laude,

Brown University (1991)

Practices

Industries

Professional Services

Technology

Construction

Cliff Yin has thirty years of experience litigating high-stakes business, real estate, and employment disputes, including first-chairing multiple jury trial and arbitration victories. He is known for his reasoned approach to problem-solving and for his unique combination of responsiveness, efficiency, and tenacity.

Because his clients come from a wide range of industries—advertising, professional services, real estate, retail, supermarket, technology, and more—Cliff is adept at quickly understanding his clients’ business and strategic objectives and placing them in an optimal position to resolve or win their disputes.

Cliff is the former chair of the Litigation practice group.

Cliff is a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) (a trial lawyer honorary society) and was co-chair of the Asian American Bar Association (AABA) Partners Committee. For the past 30 years, he has been a mock trial coach for two San Francisco public high schools, including the San Francisco School of the Arts. For several years, his teams have won the San Francisco County championship and placed in the Top 20 in the California state competition. He has also served on the Firm’s Management Committee and Compensation Committee.

Cliff earned his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1994 after attending Brown University and earning his B.A., magna cum laude, in English and economics in 1991.

Obtained a seven-figure jury verdict in a five-day breach of lease trial on behalf of a major real estate developer, including award of all requested attorney fees.

On behalf of Fortune 200 company, successfully defeated motion for preliminary injunction, obtained early dismissal of lawsuit, and obtained award of 95% of requested attorney fees.

Obtained for mobile services provider a complete defense verdict in one FCA arbitration and won summary judgment on all claims in another.

Won a complete defense verdict in a five-day NLRB unfair labor practice proceeding on behalf of a private security company.

Obtained high six-figure jury verdict in a five-day breach of contract trial on behalf of a major telecommunications company.

Reached favorable settlements in wrongful termination lawsuits brought against a Fortune 500 technology company.

Reached a favorable $150,000 settlement in a breach of contract action even though the plaintiff claimed damages in excess of $21 million and had won summary adjudication on several claims.

Litigated several offbeat cases, including cases involving the alleged theft of three Dachshunds and the ownership of an award-winning Airedale Terrier.

Cliff is recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a Litigation Star in the Labor and Employment, Real Estate, and General Commercial litigation categories. He has been named a “Northern California Super Lawyer” by San Francisco Magazine (2011-2024) and in 2009, was profiled as a Rising Star. Cliff was profiled by Law360 as a Minority Power Broker. He has received recognition for his trial-advocacy work from the Constitutional Rights Foundation and the San Francisco Unified School District. In 2008, he won an “Adult Advocate of the Year” award for outstanding dedication and commitment to California youth. In 2022, Cliff was honored with the Crystal Award for Diversity Educational Programs by the Justice & Diversity Center.

News

News - July 30, 2024

Santa Clara Superior Court Jury Awards $14.2 Million in Damages to Sutter’s Place, Inc. dba Bay 101 Against Its Landlord, S.J. Bayshore Development LLC

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News - October 3, 2023

Coblentz Named to Benchmark Litigation’s 2024 list of “Recommended Firms”

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News - October 31, 2022

Six Coblentz Attorneys Honored by the Justice & Diversity Center as Outstanding Volunteers in Public Service

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