Jeffrey T Makoff

I litigate, arbitrate and mediate business disputes. Business disputes typically concern the ownership, management or control of a business, diverse contractual issues, financial torts, and/or government regulatory issues.  I also handle many cases in the media and technology industries, with particular experience in First Amendment defense (anti-SLAPP motions) and motion picture, TV and video game disputes.

Beyond acting as trial counsel in court, I assist clients (or act as a neutral mediator) in the acquisition, management and disposition of business interests in dispute. These matters often involve partner-shareholder buyouts, community property division and business management (or contractual relationship) restructuring. Business dispute negotiations may arise from a pending court case or a desire by the parties to resolve an issue outside the judicial system. I often am retained by attorneys and other professionals to assist with the business aspects of a broader relationship or dispute, such as the termination of a trust, marital dissolution proceedings or key manager severance.

I have practiced law for 28 years and am admitted to the Bar in California and the District of Columbia. I was trained at the international law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom under reknown California lawyers Frank Rothman, Bill Masterson, Michael Diamond and James Lyons. I was named a Northern California "Super Lawyer" by Thomson Reuters in 2005, 2012 and 2013.

Our 18-attorney law firm, Valle Makoff LLP, advises and represents corporations/LLCs, partnerships, trusts and individuals in contested cases, mediations and negotiations throughout California. We have offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Walnut Creek, and have practiced in most California counties.