Roots & Values
Originally focused exclusively on litigation, the firm earned a reputation for high-quality, aggressive, no-nonsense litigation in both state and federal courts. Nevertheless, over the past two decades clients have insisted that the firm's characteristic pragmatism be also applied to corporate, general business and transactional matters. Beyond advice on governance and contracts, this has included the formation of software, hardware, telecommunications, consulting, construction, retail, and professional services companies. Consequently, the Law Offices of Basil P. Fthenakis provides general counsel to several closely held or developing growth businesses that prefer well-reasoned simplicity over legal complexity in their business affairs.
Because of its independence and its reputation for quality, the firm has developed advantageous relationships with corporate legal departments as well as other law firms both within and outside of Silicon Valley. The firm regularly serves as separate counsel to individuals and entities in situations involving potential conflicts of interest, and serves as local counsel in litigation venued in the Bay Area. For example, on numerous occasions, the firm has served as separate counsel to mobile employees in trade secret and unfair competition claims involving large publicly held companies. Similarly, the firm has represented outside directors in shareholder and securities litigation. The firm also serves as litigation counsel in association with other boutique law firms that specialize in matters such as patent prosecution, or real estate and corporate transactional matters. The firm regularly handles patent infringement litigation in conjunction with firms that limit their practice to patent prosecution. The firm has also conducted internal audits and investigations at the request of in-house counsel.