Elizabeth Pipkin
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Create an account to contact this attorney
Recognized as one of California’s top trial lawyers, Elizabeth focuses her practice on technology, trade secrets, business disputes, and civil rights. She also manages day-to-day operations of the firm.A courtroom veteran, Elizabeth brings keen strategic thinking to every step of litigation. In addition to her trial work, she has handled many sensitive investigations and frequently assists clients in risk management. Clients have described Elizabeth as “an excellent trial lawyer” who “communicates well” and has a “strong ability” to solve difficult problems.Elizabeth has been quoted in The New York Times, Wired Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, The San Jose Mercury News, The Los Angeles Times, and Techdirt, and she has appeared on broadcast outlets such as KQED, NBC Bay Area, and Al Jazeera America. She has spoken at Stanford Law School, the SMU Dedman School of Law, and the Practising Law Institute.Elizabeth serves as president of the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley’s board of directors. She recently co-chaired the Northern District of California lawyer representatives committee. Recognized as one of California’s top trial lawyers, Elizabeth focuses her practice on technology, trade secrets, business disputes, and civil rights. She also manages day-to-day operations of the firm. A courtroom veteran, Elizabeth brings keen strategic thinking to every step of litigation. In addition to her trial work, she has handled many sensitive investigations and frequently assists clients in risk management. Clients have described Elizabeth as “an excellent trial lawyer” who “communicates well” and has a “strong ability” to solve difficult problems. Elizabeth has been quoted in The New York Times, Wired Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, The San Jose Mercury News, The Los Angeles Times, and Techdirt, and she has appeared on broadcast outlets such as KQED, NBC Bay Area, and Al Jazeera America. She has spoken at Stanford Law School, the SMU Dedman School of Law, and the Practising Law Institute. Elizabeth serves as president of the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley’s board of directors. She recently co-chaired the Northern District of California lawyer representatives committee.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024
Pamela Smith
I retained Elizabeth Pipkin at McManis Faulkner for a significant business dispute involving alleged trade secret misappropriation, an area where her Daily Journal recognition is clearly warranted. Her deep experience, particularly in technology-related litigation, was evident in her strategic approach to the case. She is undoubtedly a sharp and formidable attorney, and her 24-year track record speaks for itself. The outcome we achieved was ultimately satisfactory. However, the experience was not without its frustrations. Communication was sometimes inconsistent; there were periods where responses to emails took longer than expected, and updates felt reactive rather than proactive. While her team handled the day-to-day operations competently, I occasionally felt like just another file in a very high-powered practice. For the premium level of her expertise, I had hoped for a more consistently attentive client experience. She is highly capable, but managing client expectations could be improved.