SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2008 - Farella Braun + Martel has elevated three attorneys to partner: David J. Lazerwitz, David E. Stoll and Carl E. Switzer.

"We are thrilled to welcome David, Dave and Carl to our partnership. These outstanding lawyers have already made significant contributions to the firm and our clients," said firm Chairman Steve Lowenthal. "They embody Farella Braun + Martel's blend of high quality legal services and creativity and dedication to our clients."

Lazerwitz represents and counsels public and private clients in environmental and natural resources compliance, permitting and litigation matters.  His practice focuses on water quality, wetlands, endangered species, environmental impact analysis and hazardous waste regulation.  Lazerwitz received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Indiana University School of Law (1995), his M.P.A. in environmental policy and natural resources management from Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (1995) and his B.A., cum laude, in political science from Colorado College (1988).  He is a former appellate litigator with the U.S. Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division.

Stoll concentrates on intellectual property and business transactions, splitting his time between the firm's San Francisco and St. Helena, Calif. offices.  Stoll advises a variety of businesses on the development, exploitation and protection of intellectual property, particularly technology transactions and trademark prosecution and protection.  He also counsels winery and vineyard clients in regard to grape contracts, mergers and acquisitions, consulting arrangements and on the use and protection of wine-related trademarks and trade names.  Additionally, he represents many emerging growth companies in all aspects of corporate and LLC formation, governance and financing strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnering and technology sharing arrangements.  Stoll earned his J.D. from Stanford University (1998) and his B.A. in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles (1993).

Switzer maintains a construction litigation practice emphasizing complex disputes, such as those involving delay, defect and breach of contract claims.  He also litigates on behalf of a variety of other businesses involved in partnership, real estate and contractual disputes.  Switzer served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Santa Clara County Superior Court.  He earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law (2000) and his A.B. in political science and rhetoric and communications from the University of California, Davis (1996).   

Since its founding in 1962, Farella Braun + Martel has achieved a national reputation for the acumen of its business practice, the high profile cases of its complex commercial litigation practice and its prestigious client base. Based in San Francisco, the firm serves a diverse group of clients from multinational corporations to emerging businesses. The firm also has an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry and related businesses. Farella Braun + Martel is a Green Business.