Richard Patch is noted in the Law360 article “In-House Counsel Name Client-Friendly Litigators” by Juan Carlos Rodriguez

“Law360, New York (February 03, 2014, 7:56 PM ET) — Nearly 100 litigators were chosen by corporate counsel as being the most client-friendly thanks to their commitment to understanding business’ needs and goals and finding the right solution to problems that can seem to have many possible answers.

The litigation specialists were among 330 lawyers nominated by their clients in the 2014 BTI Client Service All-Stars report from The BTI Consulting Group Inc.

BTI president Michael Rynowecer said the winning attorneys were recognized by their corporate counterparts for their client focus, innovation, business competency, value provided, legal skills and ability to get good results.

“What really stands out in litigation is clients are looking for flexibility and understanding,” Rynowecer said. “Clients are trying to settle more cases and manage these matters and cases before they ever get to trial.”

He said the all-star litigators have a deep understanding that many clients now want to now get rid of lawsuits instead of try them, and have the wherewithal to act accordingly. . . .

. . .  litigators singled out by general counsel for stellar client service include . . . Richard Patch of Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP.

–Additional reporting by Jake Simpson. Editing by Rebecca Flanagan.”

Richard Patch has been named among the best litigators for client service by corporate counsel in BTI’s 2014 Client Service All-Star list.

The annual list, developed by The BTI Consulting Group Inc., is based on direct feedback from general counsel of Fortune 1000 companies recognizing attorneys around the country for their dedication to client service. These lawyers were chosen by corporate counsel for being the most client-friendly due to their commitment to understanding business’ needs and goals and finding the right solution to problems that can seem to have many possible answers.

Patch is one of 142 litigators selected nationally, among only 22 litigators in California, and one of only a handful in a mid-sized firm. As a senior trial and appellate lawyer, Patch is widely regarded as one of the leading cable, satellite and telecommunications lawyers in the country.

“I am honored to have been listed among such other outstanding all-star litigators, especially for recognition in client service, a hallmark of the Coblentz firm’s philosophy and culture. We pride ourselves on providing comparable skills and experience to large, international law firms, yet we deliver focused client service and a creative approach to each case at a better value,” said Richard Patch.

Click here to read the press release.

Coblentz is pleased to welcome trial lawyer and former Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Timothy P. Crudo to the firm. Crudo will head the firm’s White Collar Defense and Government Enforcement Practice. Prior to joining Coblentz, Crudo was a partner in the San Francisco office of Latham & Watkins. From 2003-2009, he served as an AUSA in the Securities Fraud Section of the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. In the final year of his tenure there, Crudo was Chief of the Securities Fraud Section.  His practice currently focuses on representing companies and individuals in a range of industries in investigations and cases brought by criminal prosecutors, government regulators, and shareholders in white collar, securities, and corporate governance matters.  Crudo also defends clients in trade regulation, unfair competition, and other complex business and civil cases brought by regulators, consumers, and competitors.

Click here to read the press release.

By Sarah Drinkwater, Supervising Attorney, Tax Project – originally published in The BASF Bulletin, February 2014.

The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) is pleased to recognize Coblentz partner Jeffry Bernstein as their volunteer of the month for his work with JDC’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). Jeff has volunteered with JDC since 2000, and since 2009 has represented or advised taxpayers on over 30 cases. He is driven to volunteer because he enjoys helping individuals navigate the complexities of the United States tax system and providing them comfort during such a stressful time. For example, Jeff represented a low-income taxpayer who routinely had to travel to Alaska for work. The IRS had disallowed his business expenses, resulting in a large tax liability and the taxpayer had petitioned the tax court to dispute the assessment. As a result of Jeff’s representation, the IRS allowed the deductions, resolving 100 percent of the tax liability.

Jeff chairs Coblentz’s tax department and through his leadership, the firm regularly accepts full-scope cases on behalf of low income taxpayers. Coblentz is also a strong supporter of other JDC projects and the Right to Civil Counsel Pilot Program.  Jeff is a native of Queens, New York, but has lived in the Bay Area since 1977. When not practicing law, he “loves being outdoors, even though lawyers spend so much time inside.”

Read the full article here.

Coblentz is pleased to announce the promotion of Rees Morgan and Charmaine Yu to partnership, effective January 09, 2014.  Charmaine and Rees are talented attorneys who have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to our clients and to our firm. We are extremely proud of what they have accomplished in their careers.

Click here to read the press release.

Paul Tauber, chair of Coblentz’s Business group, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of TAGLaw®, the esteemed international alliance of independent law firms. Paul is one of three recently appointed new board members, joining attorneys from around the world on TAGLaw’s Advisory Board. The charge of the Advisory Board includes assisting TAGLaw’s management in reviewing prospective new members, offering feedback for the planning of international conferences and providing valuable guidance on future plans and initiatives.

“I’m honored to serve on the Advisory Board of TAGLaw, one of the most prestigious global alliances of law firms, said Mr. Tauber. “I’m looking forward to working with the other members of the Advisory Board to further TAGLaw’s mission of enhancing the delivery of exceptional client service and legal expertise by the TAGLaw firms to their respective clients around the world.”

“Board members have to be experienced in the practice of law, knowledgeable about TAGLaw and sophisticated in their understanding of the global economy, said Robert Sattin, President of TAGLaw. We’re thrilled to have Paul lending his insight and perspective.”

Read the full press release.

Congratulations to Family Wealth lawyer, Jaime Mannon, on becoming a member of the San Francisco Estate Planning Council (SFEPC) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). SFEPC is a highly recognized interdisciplinary organization established in 1953 for San Francisco professionals involved in estate planning. STEP is an international organization for professionals dealing with family inheritance and succession planning, with 18,500 members across 80 jurisdictions.

Paul Tauber represented Rentmatic LLC in the purchase of its assets by Discover Home Network, Inc. (“Lovely”).  Founded over eight years ago, Rentmatic is an online secure software company that enables landlords to automate rent payments for reliable and consistent monthly cash flow, making it easier for landlords and tenants to work together.  Rentmatic connected with rental platform and marketplace, Lovely, earlier this year – both on a similar quest to offer landlords and tenants the best technology.  By combining forces, Rentmatic and Lovely close the loop and offer landlords the best vacancy marketing, tenant screening, and rent payment technologies.

Paul Tauber represented HKI Systems and Service, LLC (“HKI”) in the purchase of the assets of the Systems Group of PACECO Corp.  HKI manufactures and supports electronic and software products in the port, rail, shipping, and industrial environments.  Utilizing the latest technology, HKI offers unique custom solutions for improving processes and information management in terminal and rail yard operations.  Many of the HKI systems are cloud-based, and utilize cameras and analog and digital sensors connected via wireless networks to allow for streamlined solutions to increase productivity and scalability of business processes.  Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP has been included in BTI Consulting Group’s annual Client Service A-Team 2014: The Survey of Law Firm Client Service Performance. The San Francisco-based law firm is just one of a few mid-sized law firms in the region ranked as a top firm for overall client satisfaction.

Highlighted among 650 firms nationally, Coblentz was ranked for consistency in meeting core scope, handling client problems, dealing with unexpected changes, the quality of their legal skills, advise on businesses and their innovative approach.

Read the full press release.