December 22, 2004

PALO ALTO –  Veteran litigation attorney William J. Goines has joined Greenberg Traurig, LLP, as a shareholder in its Silicon Valley office, bringing more than 30 years of experience in business, real estate and employment litigation. Previously, Goines served two terms as managing partner at Berliner Cohen in San Jose. A successful trial attorney, he has represented a variety of clients, from individuals to large publicly traded corporations, in a wide array of business disputes in courts throughout Northern California. Goines also serves as a judge pro tem, settlement conference judge, special discovery master, mediator, and arbitrator through private and court-coordinated programs.

“Bill has a fantastic reputation in the Valley as a veteran trial lawyer with an extraordinary knowledge of the local court system and a knack for winning lawsuits,” said Todd Rumberger, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Silicon Valley office. “Our clients will benefit tremendously from his seasoned approach to problems and extensive Valley trial experience. We are excited to have him on our team.”

Aside from his role as managing partner at Berliner Cohen, Goines also frequently served as chair of the firm’s litigation department, managing 15 attorneys in addition to his own practice as an active litigator with a full case load.

“Greenberg Traurig offers me a unique platform to continue to maintain my client relationships in Silicon Valley while also enabling me to provide more expansive services,” said Goines. “I look forward to representing clients in their litigation needs and helping Greenberg Traurig further expand the influence and reputation of its Silicon Valley office.”

Goines’ academic credentials include a law degree from Hastings College of Law at UC San Francisco, where he was associate editor of Law Review and named to Order of the Coif and the Thurston Honor Society. He received his bachelor of arts degree with honors in rhetoric from UC Berkeley.

Larry Watanabe of Watanabe Nason & Seltzer brokered the move.