Hoge Fenton

The firm combines:

• Trial-ready litigators
• True subject-matter specialists (not generalists dabbling in multiple areas)
• A collaborative internal structure where cross-practice issues are handled seamlessly

This allows Hoge Fenton to compete effectively with larger firms while maintaining a more balanced and sustainable attorney lifestyle model.

Core Practice Strengths

Business Litigation

Hoge Fenton’s litigation team is widely respected for:

• Trial readiness and courtroom strength
• Strategic portfolio management for complex disputes
• Acting as managing counsel in multi-jurisdictional litigation
• Representing clients from startups to multinational public companies

The firm handles:

• Shareholder and partnership disputes
• Trade secrets litigation
• Commercial contract disputes
• Business torts
• Franchise disputes
• Multi-district litigation coordination

The team is known for being business-minded litigators who align legal strategy with client business objectives.

Employment Law

Hoge Fenton has a strong employer-side employment practice navigating California’s uniquely complex regulatory environment.

Services include:

• Preventative counseling
• Workforce management advice
• High-exposure wage & hour litigation
• PAGA defense
• Agency proceedings (EEOC, DFEH/CRD, Labor Commissioner)
• Trial-level employment defense

The group is known for:

• Practical compliance counseling
• Strong trial capability
• Long-standing client relationships
• Efficient resolution strategies

Intellectual Property & Technology Transactions

The firm’s IP practice is composed of true IP specialists, not general commercial lawyers handling IP matters opportunistically.

Strengths include:

• Trade secrets litigation
• IP portfolio strategy
• Patent and trademark structuring
• Cross-border IP protection (leveraging Mackrell network)
• Technology licensing
• R&D agreements
• Joint development agreements
• Manufacturing agreements
• Complex international tech transactions

The Tech Transactions group is particularly aligned with Silicon Valley

companies and cross-border innovation ecosystems.

Real Estate & Land Use

Hoge Fenton has deep local knowledge of Northern California real estate markets and regulatory bodies.

Capabilities include:

• Land use and entitlement strategy
• Public-private development
• Real estate transactions
• Real estate disputes
• Strategic stakeholder navigation

The firm’s long-standing local relationships are often a competitive advantage in securing approvals and resolving disputes.

Trusts & Estates

The firm provides cradle-to-grave planning and litigation services for high-net-worth individuals and families, including:

• Sophisticated estate planning
• Cross-border estate matters
• Tax structuring
• Fiduciary litigation
• Foreign asset considerations

The practice is known for conservative, thoughtful planning and long-term client relationships.

Family Law

Founded by renowned Northern California practitioner Phil Hammer, the Family Law Group handles:

• High-net-worth divorce
• Complex asset division
• Business owner marital disputes
• Custody matters
• Adoption and guardianship

The group is known for:

• Sophisticated financial analysis
• Discretion
• Strategic litigation where necessary
• Maintaining client dignity and long-term relationships

What Makes Hoge Fenton Different

1. True Subject Matter Specialists

IP lawyers are IP lawyers. Employment lawyers are employment lawyers. Family law attorneys are family law specialists.

This creates credibility with clients and stronger internal collaboration.

1. “Walk Down the Hall” Collaboration

The firm’s integrated platform allows seamless cross-practice coordination:

• Real estate issues in M&A deals
• Tax structuring in estate plans
• Employment issues in corporate transactions
• IP implications in business disputes

This multidisciplinary approach is a major differentiator in a regional firm.

1. Silicon Valley Location Without BigLaw Bureaucracy

Hoge Fenton offers:

• Proximity to innovation economy clients
• High-level matters
• Direct client access
• Faster path to meaningful responsibility
• Real partnership potential

But without:

• National firm politics
• Massive overhead pressures
• Hyper-leverage staffing models

1. Global Reach via Mackrell International

Through Mackrell International, the firm provides:

• Access to vetted firms in 60+ countries
• Cross-border deal coordination
• International dispute management
• Global IP enforcement capabilities

Mackrell has been recognized by Chambers Global as a leading law firm network.

Culture & Work Environment

Hoge Fenton describes itself as:

• Trusted by clients and community
• A benefit to the community
• Committed to the legal profession
• A business that cares about employee well-being

Key cultural traits:

• Collaborative and collegial
• Regional loyalty and long tenure
• Direct partner access
• Community involvement
• Sustainability initiatives
• Focus on employee well-being

The firm is particularly attractive to attorneys seeking:

• Meaningful client interaction
• Trial opportunities
• Partnership path clarity
• Long-term regional platform
• Sustainable career model

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