Foley Continues Northern California Growth with Two Litigation Partners
Firm expands litigation capabilities in Innovative Technology Sector
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Rajiv Dharnidharka and Jeanette Barzelay have joined the firm’s San Francisco office as partners in its Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice and Innovative Technology Sector. Both come to Foley from DLA Piper, where Dharnidharka served as co-chair of its Trade Secrets Practice.
“The addition of Rajiv and Jeanette builds on the impressive growth and success we have experienced in Northern California, with 23 attorneys joining over the past three years. We continue to expand our team in the Innovative Technology Sector to meet the evolving needs of our clients in the Bay Area,” said Thomas Carlucci, managing partner of Foley’s San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices. “Rajiv and Jeanette bring extensive experience representing public and private companies, from startups to Fortune 50 multinationals. We are pleased to welcome them to the team.”
Dharnidharka navigates business and potential disputes, with a focus on intellectual property, technology, and corporate matters. He addresses these issues through counseling, negotiation, litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Dharnidharka’s practice centers on trade secrets and software copyright litigation, and he is a recognized thought leader on technology-related issues. He has represented public and private companies across numerous industries, including technology, manufacturing, defense, transportation, and financial services.
Barzelay is an experienced commercial litigator focusing on complex business disputes involving a broad range of sectors and legal issues. With a demonstrated track record representing and advising clients in commercial pre-litigation and litigation matters in state and federal court, Barzelay represents clients in commercial matters involving trade secret and technology disputes, contractual disputes, and employment mobility, as well as unfair competition and related business torts. Barzelay also has significant experience defending consumer class actions, including the successful defeat of three federal putative class actions brought by employer-purchasers of an innovative workers’ compensation insurance product.
“We’ve been looking for outstanding litigation talent to meet the needs of our clients in Northern California and beyond—Rajiv and Jeanette do that,” said Lisa Noller, chair of Foley’s Litigation Department. “This team has an outstanding history representing and advising clients in pre-litigation and litigation matters in both state and federal court. Their addition strengthens our Northern California presence as we continue to grow to meet our clients’ needs.”
In a joint statement, Dharnidharka and Barzelay said, “We are excited to join Foley and collaborate with a team that shares our commitment to delivering strategic and effective solutions to clients. Foley’s strong presence in Northern California, coupled with its national platform, offers us the opportunity to continue developing our practices and supporting clients at the forefront of technology and business sectors. We look forward to contributing to the firm’s growing litigation capabilities and working alongside talented colleagues to help our clients navigate their most complex challenges.”
Dharnidharka and Barzelay are the latest additions to Foley’s San Francisco office, following shortly after partner Brian Wheeler, who joined the firm in June.
About Foley & Lardner LLP
Foley & Lardner LLP is a preeminent law firm that stands at the nexus of the Energy, Health Care and Life Sciences, Innovative Technology, and Manufacturing Sectors. We look beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and act as trusted business advisors to deliver creative, practical, and effective solutions. Our 1,100 lawyers across 26 offices worldwide partner on the full range of engagements from corporate counsel to intellectual property work and litigation support, providing our clients with a one-team solution to all their needs. For nearly two centuries, Foley has maintained its commitment to the highest level of innovative legal services and to the stewardship of our people, firm, clients, and the communities we serve.
