Katherine Philippakis Receives 2012 Women in Business Award from the North Bay Business Journal

SAN FRANCISCO / ST. HELENA, CALIF., June 29, 2012 – Farella Braun + Martel Partner Katherine Philippakis received a 2012 Women in Business Award from the North Bay Business Journal at a gala reception and dinner on June 28. The single honoree in the “Law” category, Philippakis was recognized among a select group of outstanding women leaders, innovators and visionaries.

Philippakis leads Farella’s renowned Wine & Beverage Alcohol Industry Practice Group. In an area dominated by men, Philippakis has uniquely established herself as the go-to female deal lawyer in the California wine and beverage industry. While many of her matters are confidential, she has recently completed winery acquisition deals valued at more than $100 million. She also assists cult, super premium and premium wine brands with their efforts to protect or grow their business by acquiring or divesting assets, renegotiating with lenders and increasing debt or equity investments. Her practice extends to counseling clients through the various land use, environmental and beverage alcohol regulatory and diligence issues presented by their wine-related development projects, and she has particular expertise in the title and diligence matters associated with winery and vineyard acquisitions. In addition to her winery practice, Philippakis maintains a general land use practice focused on obtaining use permits and other entitlements for hospitality, commercial/industrial and residential uses.

Philippakis was selected as one of the Daily Journal’s “Top 25 Corporate and Transactional Lawyers” in California for 2011. A leader in the community, she is a member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Issues Committee and served on the St. Helena Planning Commission for nine years, five of which were spent as the group’s chairman.

Farella Braun + Martel represents clients throughout the United States and abroad in sophisticated business transactions and high-stakes commercial, civil and criminal litigation. Founded in 1962, the firm is headquartered in San Francisco and maintains an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry. Farella Braun + Martel lawyers are known for their imaginative legal solutions, dynamism and intellectual creativity. With an unwavering service ethic and interdisciplinary team approach, the firm is committed to advancing clients' objectives in the most effective, coordinated and efficient manner. Farella Braun + Martel is a green business. www.fbm.com

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

Melinda Hepp / Traci Stuart                 
Blattel Communications                                  
415.397.4811                                                   
[email protected] / [email protected]