News

Farella 2024 Partner Elevations: Cynthia Castillo and Greg LeSaint

January 17, 2024 Announcement

Northern California legal powerhouse Farella Braun + Martel is pleased to announce the election of two lawyers to partnership effective Jan. 1: Cynthia Castillo and Greg LeSaint.

“We are thrilled to elevate Cynthia and Greg to the partnership. Both are exceptional, hard-working lawyers who play key roles within the firm and for their clients, as well as dedicating significant time and energy to their communities,” said Farella Managing Partner Brian Donnelly. “We congratulate them for their achievements and look forward to working with them as they continue to excel and build on the firm’s success.”

A trial lawyer, Cynthia Castillo handles high-stakes, complex civil cases with a focus on contractual disputes and consumer class actions, particularly Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) class actions. Her clients have included private equity firms, cannabis companies, large technology companies, startups, nonprofits, and individuals. The breadth of her litigation experience allows her to quickly spot risks and develop creative solutions for her clients.

Cynthia sits on the board of directors for the San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association and is co-chair of the Latina Committee, which she co-founded to serve as a network for Latina lawyers practicing in the Bay Area. She was named among The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in Commercial Litigation (2024). Cynthia served as a law clerk for the Honorable Philip Martinez of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. She received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law (2014), her M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania (2009), and her B.A. from the University of Texas (2007).

Greg LeSaint advises operating companies, private funds, family offices, lenders, entrepreneurs, investors, key employees, and multi-generational businesses in complex transactions, corporate governance matters, and succession planning. He represents acquirers and targets in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions; advises private equity investors and real estate developers on investment vehicle formation, securities offerings, recapitalizations, and exits; advises founders and entrepreneurs on critical company issues; advises secured borrowers and lenders; advises key employees and service providers; and serves as outside general counsel to emerging and mature companies, including family-owned and closely held businesses. Greg works across multiple industries, including technology and software, wine, real estate, apparel, and professional services.

Greg serves on the Pro Bono Advisory Board for Swords to Plowshares. He was named among The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch in the Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law categories (2024). Greg received his J.D. from Harvard Law School (2011), his M.S. from Pace University (2006), and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Xavier University (2004).

About Farella

Farella Braun + Martel is a leading Northern California law firm representing corporate and private clients in sophisticated business and real estate transactions and complex commercial, civil, and criminal litigation. Clients seek our imaginative legal solutions and the dynamism and intellectual creativity of our lawyers. We are headquartered in San Francisco and maintain an office in the Napa Valley that is focused on the wine industry.

Contact:
Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
415.954.4433 / [email protected]

Firm Highlights

Publication

Corporate Transparency Act Imposes New Disclosure Obligations on Business Entities Effective January 1, 2024

Corporate Transparency Act Guide - PDF If you own an interest of 25% or more in any business entity or have any substantial control over any business entity (including as a manager or senior...

Read More
Publication

Corporate Transparency Act: State of the Law and Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements

Key Points: Despite ongoing legal challenges, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) generally remains in effect and enforceable. Clients should continue to abide by its regulations. Initial reports for entities formed in 2024 are due within...

Read More
Publication

What Nonprofit Leaders Need To Know About the Corporate Transparency Act

Welcome to  EO Radio Show – Your Nonprofit Legal Resource. I'm Cynthia Rowland, and today on EO Radio Show , we are discussing a new law that will have implications for many nonprofit organizations...

Read More
News

Farella Braun + Martel Earns 2024 Best Law FirmsĀ® Rankings

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
News

North Coast Industry Insiders Weigh In on Why California Cannabis Tax Revenue Slipped in 2023

Jeff Hamilton spoke to Susan Wood with the North Bay Business Journal for the article "North Coast Industry Insiders Weigh In on Why California Cannabis Tax Revenue Slipped in 2023." Read the article with Jeff's...

Read More
Publication

Corporate Transparency Act: A Guide on Beneficial Ownership for Nonprofit Executives

The Corporate Transparency Act, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, represents a significant shift in regulatory requirements for entities across the United States. This act, set to...

Read More