Firm

Alumni

Featured Alumni: Michael Yarne

Company/Organization: Social Construct Company
Current Title: Cofounder
Years at Farella: 2001 – 2005

What is your fondest memory of your time at Farella?

Working for then-Partner Mary Murphy; benefiting from her humor and professional mentorship. I also enjoyed the collegial, intellectual and “family-oriented” tone of the office.

How did Farella help you get to where you are today?

My time at the firm improved my thinking and writing skills and introduced me to a diverse group of successful professionals in the real estate & development field. Equally important, I established lasting friendships and professional “mentorships” with many Farella partners. I have drawn on these relationships over the years for both professional and personal advice.

What do you like most about what you do in your current job?

I’m working with a talented, fun, kind and creative group of entrepreneurs who share a common vision of and passion for changing multifamily construction to drive down costs to benefit the forgotten middle class.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

Not being afraid to take risks in my career, change jobs, and speak truth to power when I was working for Mayor Newsom at City Hall.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned while at Farella? How has this lesson impacted you post-Farella?

Always be open to constructive criticism; it’s a gift when given with honesty and clarity.

What piece of advice would you give to [attorneys] starting their legal career?

Listen more than you speak, ask questions, re-state what you think you heard and be humble.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you get into it?

Wilderness backpacking. I started backpacking in 10th grade and have never stopped.

Do you serve on any non-profit boards, and if so which ones and why?

Yes, I’ve served on at least eight boards: Urban Ecology, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, City CarShare, Friends of City Planning, Build Public, Place Lab, EcoDistricts, and now the San Francisco Parks Alliance.

Firm Highlights

News

Farella Braun + Martel Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2023

Farella Braun + Martel is pleased to announce that our Private Client Industry Group and Family Wealth Partner Mark Weaver were recognized in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide 2023 in the Private Wealth...

Read More
Publication

Life Is Too Short for Bad Wine Distribution Agreements: 10 Key Considerations

If you are like most wine brands, DTC through your tasting room, club, and website can only take you so far. Success usually means accessing the general on- and off-premise markets, and accessing those...

Read More
Event

All the Legalese: What You Need to Know About the New Pay Transparency Law and Other Legal Updates

Holly Sutton is a Winejobs.com 2023 HR Summit speaker for the session "All the Legalese: What You Need to Know About the New Pay Transparency Law and Other Legal Updates." Session Overview: It can be...

Read More
Event

19th Annual Renewable Energy Law Conference

Dirk Mueller is speaking at the 19 th Annual Renewable Energy Law Conference on "Mineral Issues’ Impact on Real Estate Documents, Siting and Planning: Texas vs. California."

Read More
Publication

Nonprofit Tenants and Lease Agreements: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid

Welcome to  EO Radio Show – Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . I'm Cynthia Rowland, and today, we are again lucky to have Farella real estate partner Quinn Arntsen with us to talk about leasing...

Read More
Publication

Real Estate Leasing Tips for Nonprofits

Welcome to  EO Radio Show – Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . I'm Cynthia Rowland, and today, we are lucky to have Farella real estate partner Quinn Arntsen with us to talk about leasing issues for...

Read More
News

Brian Donnelly Named a Distinguished Leader Award Finalist by The Recorder

Brian Donnelly Headshot
Read More
Publication

IRS Moves to Target Wealthy Taxpayers in Historic Compliance Drive

This month, the IRS announced that it is using the long-term funding approved by Congress through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to shift its attention to wealthy taxpayers in an effort to “identify sophisticated...

Read More
Event

CalCPA Wine Industry Conference 2023

Holly Sutton and Rebecca Stephens are speakers at the CalCPA Wine Industry Conference 2023 for the session "Labor Law Update." Session Overview: Explore the critical distinctions between employees and contractors, delve into wage and hour regulations, gain...

Read More
News

Who’s Who Legal 2023 Recognizes Farella Lawyers

Six Farella Braun + Martel lawyers have been recommended by Who’s Who Legal 2023 as leading practitioners in their fields. Who’s Who Legal – Environment 2023 James Colopy Robert Hines David Lazerwitz Chris Locke...

Read More