Boom in Eateries Heats Up Lawyers’ Practices

March 12, 2010

Chefs and restaurant owners have been opening new eateries in Oakland, Calif., right through the recession, and lawyers have been eager for a seat at the table. Local firms like Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean are stepping up their marketing efforts and plumbing their personal networks to raise their profiles. Chef Daniel Patterson, who is married to Wendel Rosen associate Alexandra Foote, says word of mouth is invaluable in the tight-knit culinary community, noting, "Restaurateurs are not very lawyer-savvy."