Ad Astra Law Group

Managing Partner: Katy Young [email protected]

Senior Counsel: David Nied [email protected]

Of Counsel: Matthew Kumin [email protected]

Number of partners: 1

Number of other fee-earners: 7

Location: 582 Market Street, 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104

Main Line: 415-795-3579

Ad Astra Law Group, P.C. exists to change people's minds about lawyers by providing the highest level of zealous service possible to their clients so that the client has the analysis they need to make difficult litigation decisions. The firm handles civil litigation in the areas of business, employment, real estate, and trademark. Ad Astra is a certified woman-owned business. They represent individuals and companies of all sizes in disputes ranging from the demand letter stage to trial. The firm likes sticky, messy, bet-the-company litigation. Reflective of the area they serve, Ad Astra represents many bars, restaurants, retailers, technology companies, cannabis businesses, and professional service firms. They do not discriminate: they even once represented a pole dancing studio. While the firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants, it prefers to be on the side of the litigant being taken advantage of, which is sometimes the defendant. The truth always comes out. From wage and hour disputes for mom and pop shops to breach of fiduciary duties involving publicly-traded companies, Ad Astra has handled it all.

Their core values are:

• Energy: Their optimism and commitment to doing what’s right enables them to thrive in an industry that beats people down.
• Momentum: Their commitment to growth, personally and professionally, ensures they are constantly moving forward.
• Candor: Beyond simple honesty, they are completely open and transparent, enabling their clients to grasp the implications of their case and make better choices.
• Curiosity: Deep intellectual curiosity is a prerequisite for working there; it makes them better lawyers and better people.
• Humanity: By considering how their work affects everyone involved, they naturally uncover solutions that move all parties forward.

If Ad Astra were a person, it would be

• Fearless: The firm will never back down from doing what’s right, and we will do everything in their power to win.
• Confident: Their biding belief in their abilities, experience, and purpose naturally cultivates deep trust among clients and colleagues.
• Forward-Thinking: They have the experience and the vision to anticipate what is coming next, allowing them to more effectively capitalize on the unforeseen.

Their expertise ensures they do what’s correct. Their humanity ensures they do what’s good. Ad Astra represents both plaintiffs and defendants in litigation. Their experience being on both sides of the aisle makes them uniquely suited to resolve deeply entrenched disputes. If pre-trial resolution is not possible, Ad Astra really shines at trial. Their seasoned litigators and stellar support staff make for a formidable trial team.

For business litigation, the firm handles all breed of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, trade secrets, and various other business torts like interference claims and unauthorized computer access. Ad Astra can address any business tort or contract claim efficiently and with gusto.

In the employment litigation realm, Ad Astra represents mostly defendants in wage and hour matters, PAGA ("private attorney general action") claims, discrimination, and harassment cases. Their approach is pragmatic and business-focused. Many businesses hire Ad Astra to handle all of their employment claims. Most employment cases settle, but when that is not possible, Ad Astra will take it to trial and win.

Ad Astra prosecutes and defends cases involving real property matters, including lease disputes, non-disclosure, neighbor disputes, and business interests involving real estate. The firm's Managing Partner, Katy Young, is also a real estate broker. Their experience in real estate is deep and wide. The firm prides itself on dealing with high-pressure situations with big assets at stake.

Finally, Ad Astra tackles trademark matters so that business owners can protect their brands. The firm will bring and defend infringement actions, as well as address disputes through the Trademark Trial and Appeals Board.

This group of lawyers truly enjoys their work and that sentiment positively affects the client experience. The firm's clients are always informed and prepared for the next event in the case. The number one complaint about lawyers, aside from cost, is that the lawyers do not keep their clients informed of progress. Ad Astra provides real-time updates in plain English so that its clients are never in the dark about the process. They are responsive: they answer the phone and they return calls and emails.

Per aspera, ad astra means "through difficulties, to the stars." Ad Astra guides clients through complex litigation situations to achieve great results. They hope to help you, too.