July 28, 2026|Firm News, News
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Buchalter is pleased to announce that Shawn Christianson has been appointed Managing Partner of the firm’s San Francisco office. A distinguished member of Buchalter’s Insolvency & Financial Law practice and former member of the firm’s Board of Directors, Christianson brings decades of experience representing financial institutions, creditors, technology companies, receivers, and bankruptcy trustees in complex insolvency, restructuring and commercial litigation matters.
Since its opening in 1981, Buchalter’s San Francisco office has grown into one of the firm’s largest and most strategically important locations, serving clients across the technology, financial services, real estate and innovation sectors. The office includes more than 100 attorneys and professional staff delivering sophisticated counsel across a broad range of practice areas, including litigation, insolvency and financial law, corporate, intellectual property and real estate. In recent years, the office has continued to expand its presence in the Bay Area through strategic growth across key practices, including energy, litigation, intellectual property and white collar reflecting the strength of the market and the increasing demand for the firm’s services.
“Shawn is a highly respected leader whose judgment and integrity have earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “Her deep understanding of our firm, our clients and the Bay Area legal market makes her exceptionally well suited to lead our San Francisco office as we continue to strengthen our presence in one of the world’s most dynamic business centers. Shawn embodies the collaborative culture, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to client service that define Buchalter.”
Christianson has long been active in the restructuring and insolvency community through leadership roles with the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), the California Receivers Forum, and the Bay Area Bankruptcy Forum. She was recently recognized by Legal 500 U.S. Elite in Finance and Restructuring and named among Lawdragon’s 500 Leading U.S. Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers.
“It is an honor to serve as Managing Partner of Buchalter’s San Francisco office at a time of tremendous opportunity for both our clients and our firm,” said Christianson. “The Bay Area remains one of the world’s most innovative and influential business markets and our office is exceptionally well positioned to support the evolving needs of companies, investors and entrepreneurs across the region. As we celebrate 45 years in San Francisco, I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by those who came before us, deepening our relationships with clients, attracting and developing exceptional talent, fostering collaboration across our national platform and continuing the strategic growth that has strengthened our presence in this important market.”
Christianson focuses her practice on insolvency, receiverships, and complex commercial litigation, with particular experience in technology-related matters. She represents financial institutions, secured and unsecured creditors, technology companies, receivers, and bankruptcy trustees in state, federal, and bankruptcy court proceedings, as well as alternative dispute resolution matters.
“As we continue to invest in the growth of our San Francisco office and expand our presence in the Bay Area, we are confident that Shawn’s leadership will further strengthen our ability to serve clients and advance Buchalter’s strategic objectives, added Bass.”
About Buchalter
Buchalter is a full-service business law firm representing local, regional, national and international clients across a broad spectrum of industries and practice areas, including Bank and Finance, Corporate, Health Care, Insolvency and Financial Law, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Litigation, Real Estate and Tax and Estate Planning. With more than 630 attorneys, Buchalter has offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The firm is committed to providing practical, business-oriented legal solutions that help clients achieve their strategic objectives.
For more information, visit Buchalter.com
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