June 2026

When “Good Enough” Compliance Is No Longer Good Enough

Many companies still treat compliance as a set of policies, notes Jennifer Trowbridge. Regulators, investors, and boards are asking a different question: does the program actually work? Business operations evolve, and the compliance program needs to keep up. That means aligning policies with real risks, modern communication tools, and clear reporting channels that surface issues early. A program that exists on paper offers limited protection, Jennifer writes. Corporate executives should embed compliance in operations to reduce exposure, support better decisions, and strengthen credibility with stakeholders.

California Contractor Licensing: Where the Line Blurs on Equipment Installation

California companies that manufacture, supply, or install complex equipment on construction projects should pay attention to a recent appellate decision interpreting Business and Professions Code section 7045, notes Laurence Phillips. In a recent case, a court held that whether installed equipment becomes a “fixed part of the structure” is often a factual question that cannot be resolved early in litigation. That distinction can determine whether a contractor’s license is required and whether a company can enforce payment for its work. The decision also reinforces the importance of project documentation and expert testimony in licensing disputes involving specialized equipment installations.

Compliance Booster: What Charter Schools Should Do Now for 2026-27

With the summer here, charter schools should be preparing for several new legal requirements taking effect soon. In a new article, Education Partner and Practice Group Leader Greta Proctor and Associate Julia Choi focus on key highlights, some of which are due as early as the beginning of July 2026. 

SEC Proposes Major Public Company Reporting and Capital-Raising Reforms

The SEC has proposed two sweeping rule packages designed to encourage small and midsize companies to consider going public. If adopted, they could significantly reshape public company reporting obligations and access to registered capital markets, particularly for companies below $2 billion in public float. Learn more in this new article by Jennifer Trowbridge.

Chambers Honors for Procopio Continue to Grow with New Legal Practices and Attorneys Recognized

Big news! Chambers has recognized Procopio in multiple legal practices in two states as well as three attorneys for 2026. The practices honored are:

• Construction Law in California (named for more than a decade)

• Construction Law in Nevada (first year)

• Native American Law in California (second year)

• Patent Prosecution in California (first year)
  

The Procopio attorneys honored are:

• Construction Law Partner Laurence Phillips (first year)

• Construction Law Senior Counsel Jeffery Garofalo (first year)

• Native American Law Partner Kerry Patterson (second year)

Here’s a breakdown of what some of our clients told Chambers researchers about Procopio:

• "The attorneys at Procopio are prompt and communicative and show a genuine interest in our company and people."
• "The results with Procopio have far exceeded our expectations."
• "Procopio has an excellent understanding of the business, technical and legal issues we face."
• "Procopio provides high level of competence and attention to detail. I am very satisfied with the work they perform."
• "My communication with Procopio is flawless, informative and always fast, with quick response times in all matters. We are always pleased with the quality of work they provide to us."

Chambers describes itself as the leading legal data and intelligence partner for lawyers, firms and in-house teams. It notes its “independent, rigorous and trusted research identifies the exceptional talent and crucial insights on which success is built.”

These accolades are only the latest for Procopio and its attorneys, with other recognition coming from Legal 500, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, and more.

Procopio Patent Practice and Five Partners Named to 2026 IAM Patent 1000 List

Procopio’s award-winning patent prosecution practice and five intellectual property partners were named to the 2026 Patent 1000 list by IAM, a leading source of worldwide news, analysis and data on IP management.

The five recognized attorneys—IP Team Leader Miku Mehta, Life Sciences practice co-leader Xiaofan “Frank” Yang, Trade Secrets practice leader Mindy Morton, ANDA litigator Jeremy Edwards and Patent Prosecution Partner Ernest Huang—represent clients in a wide array of industries with dedicated intellectual property law services. 

Here’s what IAM had to say about Procopio’s IP practice, based on feedback from clients and others in the IP world:

“Procopio offers a full-service patent practice with particular strength in prosecution, complemented by growing capabilities in litigation and trade secrets. The California-based team is especially active in life sciences, AI and emerging technologies, supporting clients with portfolio development, strategic counselling and enforcement. Its ability to integrate prosecution with commercial and contentious considerations makes it a strong partner for growth-stage and established innovators alike.”

Procopio’s intellectual property practices have also been recognized by other industry players such as Patexia, WIPR, WTR, and Juristat, with its patent practice recently recognized by Chambers. Our attorneys and practice groups are routinely named to various legal rankings lists, including Chambers, Legal 500, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and more.

Attending BIO 2026 in San Diego? Join Us

Procopio is hosting two complimentary events at this year's 2026 BIO Conference in San Diego, California, a lunch and learn panel discussion and an evening reception:

• June 23:  "Lunch and Learn: U.S. Market Entry: IP, Privacy & Funding Strategies for Life Sciences Companies." Hear from Paul Johnson on early-stage deals, Elaine Harwell on data privacy, and Frank Yang on IP due diligence. The event will be in the IGA Hospitality Suite in the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
• June 24: “Procopio Life Sciences BIO Reception." Take a break from the BIO International Convention and join Procopio life sciences attorneys for a lively reception with delicious hors d’oeuvres, local beer and wine and live music on the 22nd floor of our downtown San Diego office.

These events are complimentary; registration is required.

Managing IP Disputes: Decisions that Drive Outcomes – A Webinar Series

Join Procopio and ACC San Diego for a webinar series for in-house counsel tackling today’s most pressing litigation and dispute resolution challenges. Each hour-long session begins at 12:00 pm PT and features experienced legal leaders sharing practical strategies on managing litigation, mitigating risk, handling internal investigations, navigating e-discovery, and more.

Here are the remaining sessions:

• June 17: “IP Litigation Playbook: Strategic Tools for Protecting and Enforcing Your Rights” with Procopio Counsel Lyndsey Heaton and Asana Head of Litigation-IP Scott Lonardo.
• July 1: “Winning the Endgame: Damages, Injunctions, and IP Remedies That Matter” with Procopio Counsel Lyndsey Heaton.

This webinar series is complimentary; registration is required.

2026 Procopio International Litigation & Arbitration Retreat  | San Diego, CA

Procopio attorneys will speak alongside numerous legal experts at PILAR, an annual forum where litigators from the United States and Mexico come together to analyze the legal challenges impacting both jurisdictions. Major policy shifts in the U.S. and Mexico will be among the topics discussed. 

2026 Procopio International Tax Institute | San Diego, CA

Held again in collaboration with the Graduate Tax Program of Georgetown University and International Fiscal Association, this premier educational and networking event is again dedicated to the latest developments in U.S. and Mexican international tax law. This year's PITI comes as tax policies are evolving with the U.S. and Mexican presidential administrations.

SoCal Lumber Client Embarks on Strategic Partnership with Florida-Based Outdoor Living Materials Provider

Kudos to client and premium outdoor building materials provider J&W Lumber on its new corporate partnership with Decks & Docks Company, a leading pure-play specialty distributor of composite decking and outdoor living building products. In a strategic investment that is part of Florida-based Decks & Docks’ West Coast expansion, the company acquired San Diego-based J&W Lumber and its six retail locations. J&W Lumber’s owner and team will remain, ensuring continuity of customer service while retaining the same brand name that dates to the company’s founding in 1958. 

Procopio Mergers & Acquisitions Co-Leader and Partner Paul Johnson led the negotiations on behalf of J&W Lumber, assisted by Corporate Partner Trent Andrews and Associate Gabriela Turner and Tax Partner John Miles.

Welcome to Procopio, Victoria Manfredonia! She represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial litigation, including class actions, data privacy disputes, contract disputes, and real estate matters in state and federal courts. Victoria counsels clients throughout all phases of litigation and develops strategic, business-oriented solutions to help clients navigate risk and achieve their objectives. She has been recognized in various legal categories the last two years by Best Lawyers as a One to Watch, including Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law.

We're pleased to announce a new addition to our Native American practice, Wyatt Williams! Based in our Scottsdale office, he advises tribal governments, tribal enterprises, and commercial counterparties on transactional, governance, regulatory, and economic development matters. Wyatt's practice focuses on gaming, hospitality, real estate development, financing, and other initiatives that support tribal economic development. He is admitted to practice in Arizona and before the Wilton Rancheria Tribal Court, grew up on the Walker River Paiute Reservation, and has been recognized as a Best Lawyers One to Watch for Real Estate Law.

Please give a warm welcome to our newest IP attorney, Robert Selfaison! Robert focuses on patent prosecution, including drafting, portfolio management, clearance and freedom to operate analyses, and strategic intellectual property counseling. He represents clients across a range of technology-driven industries, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, software, power devices, heavy machinery, and medical devices, and is based in our Scottsdale office. Robert brings significant experience managing and developing patent portfolios for Fortune 500 companies and emerging growth businesses, along with a strong technical foundation in electrical and computer engineering.

Real Estate Partner Sara Neva has received yet another recognition! SD Metro Magazine has named her to its 2026 40 Under 40 list, which the magazine has conducted since 1999. She has earned this recognition several times in the past, including last year. This is hardly the only recognition Sara has received. She is recognized by both Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. Sara has also won several San Diego Business Journal awards, including being named a Leader of Influence in the Law and a Top 40 Under 40, as well as other accolades from SD Metro.

Kudos to Matt Abbot on being named to the Board of Directors of Cleantech San Diego! Matt focuses on energy law, including power purchase agreement and energy service agreement negotiation. He also works with clients on projects requiring compliance with the Clean Water Act, California Water Code, CEQA/NEPA, Hazardous Waste Control Law, Proposition 65, and other state and federal permitting and regulatory requirements. Matt is a former naval aviator and has logged over 3,400 hours of flight time in multiple aircraft. He served as the commanding officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 51 based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and he continues to serve in the Navy Reserve as an Aviation Culture Workshop facilitator for Commander, Naval Air Forces.

Procopio Partner Jorge Obén-Cuadros has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel (ACTC). The honor recognizes experienced tax attorneys with demonstrated achievement, integrity, and contributions to the field. Jorge advises multinational corporations, investment funds, and global clients on complex U.S. and international tax and trade matters. Learn more about Jorge and the ACTC.

As you expand your company into a global market, you must understand cybersecurity compliance obligations and enforcement trends in the U.S. while understanding the nuances of international frameworks and cross-border rules. Procopio Privacy and Cybersecurity Attorney Danielle Ocampo Hull addresses that topic in a California Lawyers Association webinar June 16, eligible for 1 hour of participatory MCLE credit. She will be joined by three other accomplished professionals in a lively and timely discussion.

Did you know Capital Markets and Securities co-leader Jennifer Trowbridge has authored two chapters in the 2026 Counseling California Corporations volumes from CEB Publishing? She wrote Chapter 2, “Advising the Board,” in Volume 1, and Chapter 9, “Establishing a Corporate Compliance Program,” in Volume 2. Jennifer focuses on a wide array of corporate law, including securities law, corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, and Exchange Act reporting and compliance. She represents public and private companies, investment funds and underwriters in regards to federal and state securities laws and investment and capital-raising transactions such as PIPEs, private equity, debt and venture capital transactions & SPACs. 

We marked our 80th anniversary with an all-attorney retreat at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. The firm has grown a lot since our founding by two scrappy World War II vets, Alec Cory and Edward Schwartz, in downtown San Diego in 1946. We're now an AmLaw 200 firm with two offices in San Diego as well as in Orange County, Silicon Valley, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., an active practice in Los Angeles, and clients around the world, especially in Latin America and Asia. Here's to the next 80 years!

Let's Work Together.