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]