Dickenson Peatman and Fogarty has existed for 47 years, through three generations of partners. The key to its success has always been a strategic passing of the torch. Core partners have ensured that the next generation was prepared to serve their clients as well as they did. Client trust and service is paramount in this exchange, and the firm’s growth in Sonoma County is another key element for future success. “We’ve grown our second office at a measured rate, and our Santa Rosa location now complements and reflects our Napa office with business, litigation, alcoholic beverage and labor and employment practice groups,” says Gregory Walsh, lead director in the company’s labor and employment group.
DPF has had an outstanding year in both growth and positioning. Walsh explains, “Our Santa Rosa office increased its transactional presence in Sonoma County by adding Elizabeth Palmer, formerly a partner with another excellent local firm, and Caroline Boller, a talented business associate.” In Napa, it began the process of moving into 16,000 square feet of new downtown office space at the Napa Square development. Its new hires and new location are an exciting part of the continued transition strategy.
Following the build-out of its Napa Square location, the firm will restart its Speakers Series, a lecture series in which clients and prominent community leaders provide private lectures and Q&A sessions for DPF clients. The first scheduled speaker is Brian Clements, a principal in Turrentine Brokerage, who will provide a private state of the industry analysis. It’s also launching a lunchtime continuing legal education program that will help local practitioners and in-house counsel stay up-to-date on changes in the law.
How does DPF differ from the other law firms? Walsh says, “Dickenson, Peatman and Fogarty distinguishes itself on three levels: locally, regionally and nationally. Locally, we believe we’re the most complete full-service law firm in the North Bay. Regionally, we distinguish ourselves in the fact that every single one of our lawyers works on something wine industry-related each day. Our overlapping disciplines give us reach and breadth beyond most full-service firms in this industry. Nationally and internationally, we’re recognized as a leader in alcoholic beverage regulation and intellectual property, representing industry clients on six continents.”
The firm has succeeded in difficult times through the breadth and quality of its practice. DPF differentiates itself by connecting clients with top-quality in-house lawyers who have expertise in their particular needs. Walsh explains, “For instance, a winery owner may have questions regarding passing the family business to her children. In a single meeting, that client can consult with Mike Mann, a former director of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regarding regulatory compliance; Jim Terry, a business attorney with decades of winery-focused practice; and Scott Thomas, a nationally renowned trust and estates lawyer.” This level of in-house expertise leads to efficiencies in the advice given and a superior end product based on experience.
The firm would like to thank NorthBay biz readers for this award, says Walsh, and adds, “We value your trust, and we’ll do everything we can to keep earning it.”
