Why Us?

Trial presentation. We deliver moving opening and closing arguments, and devastating cross-examinations. Our trial presentations are the result of meticulous preparation that begins the moment a case comes in the door.

Appellate presentation. We cut through the noise, arguing our clients’ appeals with clarity and impact. We write exceptional briefs that simplify, synthesize, and persuade. At oral argument, we seize on opportunities to resolve confusion, address lingering questions, or change a judge’s mind.

Out-of-court presentation. Navigating any complex dispute requires persuading not only judges and juries, but also employees, investors, customers, and the public. How, when, and what you communicate—often through broadcast and print media—are essential to success. We develop and execute effective communication strategies.

Investigate. We begin each case with a deep dive into the facts and surrounding circumstances. This work lays the foundation for everything else we do.

Evaluate. We map facts onto law to assess claims, defenses, and probable outcomes.

Strategize. We identify key themes and craft persuasive narratives, carefully positioning each case for its optimal resolution.

Execute. We persuade judges, juries, and arbitrators. We also handle every step leading to those climactic moments—taking depositions, preparing experts, managing press, and everything in between.

Complex Substance. Our lawyers thrive in the most complex areas of the law. We have deep experience with wide-ranging statutory and common law regimes, including Copyright Act, Lanham Act, Patent Act, Securities Exchange Act, Medicare Secondary Payer Act, ERISA, Affordable Care Act, contracts, business torts, remedies, trust law, fiduciary duty, and more.

Complex Procedure. In some cases procedure comes to the forefront. We regularly litigate mission-critical procedural battles over topics such as arbitration, personal jurisdiction, subject matter jurisdiction, venue, class and collective action procedure, preemption, multi-district litigation, and justiciability (including Article III standing).

Challenging Facts. We untangle complexity, contextualize difficult facts, and tell impactful stories that show decisionmakers why the only right answer is to rule for our clients. From judges and juries to the media and public, we know our audience and design our messaging accordingly.

Unsettled Law. We combine our powers to shape the legal landscape. We take cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, where our lawyers are among the most active in the nation. We also routinely handle major precedent-setting issues in appellate and trial courts from coast to coast.

National Boutique of the Year, The American Lawyer (2019, 2022)
This award recognizes firms “at the core of industry-changing matters, leading the charge on their clients’ most important cases and operating at a level that sets them apart from their peers.” In 2019, we were one of seven finalists in the country (winner: Susman Godfrey). In 2022, we were again one of seven finalists (winner: pending).

Appellate Hot List, The National Law Journal (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
This list highlights firms that have won at least one significant, high-stakes appellate victory in the prior year. Typically reserved for Am Law 100 firms, we are a four-time recipient.

Band 1 (national), Chambers USA (current)
We are one of three firms in the country who hold Chambers USA’s highest rank for ERISA plaintiffs-side litigation.

Top 150 Under 150, Vault (current)
Identifying us as a leading smaller firm, Vault writes, “Los Angeles-based litigation boutique Stris & Maher is small but mighty—its 17-attorney team is a go-to for high-stakes trials.”

Firms to Watch: Appellate, Legal 500 (current)
Recognizing our appellate capabilities, Legal 500 writes, “The team at California’s Stris & Maher LLP may be more compact than many of its competitors, but sources attest its lawyers are ‘experts in Supreme Court and appellate practice’.”