A litigation boutique based in Oakland, California, representing plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil litigation.
Three Norton Law Attorneys Named to 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation
The Norton Law Firm is pleased to announce that Matt Ohlheiser, Celine Purcell, and Gil Walton, who were elevated to Counsel earlier this year, have been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation Guide.
The Lawdragon editors stated, “The remarkable lawyers featured here chose a path to the law, sacrificed the long hours and investment required to get through law school and the bar and start a career. The sleepless nights, the terror of getting on your feet in court, in a boardroom, putting yourself on the line. When it matters…And we applaud this year’s Lawdragon 500 X crew for their own accomplishments and as representatives of the dream of becoming a lawyer. A good lawyer. A great lawyer. They chose to believe in themselves and the law.”
Further, the editors stated, “These lawyers have made their mark in fewer than 15 years in practice, with entire careers ahead of them to be the change they want to see in the world. We received a huge number of outstanding submissions for this guide, which we researched through our journalistic process. We also talked to lawyers and peers familiar with the candidates’ work and contributions. The law belongs to us all. Let’s take a moment to appreciate those who will carry it forward.”
About Matt Ohlheiser
Matt Ohlheiser litigates on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants in complex matters including business disputes, class actions, mass torts, civil rights cases, and consumer actions. He has experience in all aspects of cases before state and federal courts, administrative bodies, and arbitration tribunals.
Matt, along with lead counsel, co-argued a motion for summary judgment on behalf of a civil rights plaintiff resulting in a denial of qualified immunity for malicious prosecution and fabrication of evidence claims against defendants. The Ninth Circuit recently affirmed the order in a published opinion following briefing and oral argument.
Matt has also represented pro bono clients who suffered injuries and constitutional violations at the hands of prison staff, achieving favorable results.
About Celine Purcell
Celine Purcell represents plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of commercial litigation and white collar matters, including contract disputes, consumer class actions, and SEC investigations. In 2025, she represented a bipartisan group of lawmakers as amici in the Trump tariffs case, taking a lead role on briefing in the U.S. Supreme Court, the Federal Circuit, and the Court of International Trade.
She is also part of the Norton team that authored the amicus brief in Anthropic PBC v. U.S. Department of War, et al., case number 26-1049 (D.C. Cir.) on behalf of Freedom Economy Business Association and a group of values-led investors, in support of Anthropic PBC in its challenge to recent actions by the Department of War. She has also successfully represented pro bono clients seeking domestic violence restraining orders and prisoners asserting constitutional claims.
About Gil Walton
Gil Walton represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes criminal and civil litigation at all levels of the judiciary. He has briefed and argued dispositive motions, jury instructions, and evidentiary rulings; examined witnesses; and drafted appellate briefs in state and federal court, including the United States Supreme Court. He recently argued an appeal in the Second Circuit on behalf of a criminal defendant challenging his federal fraud conviction.
Gil is part of the Norton team that authored the amicus brief filed in the D.C. Circuit on behalf of attorneys in support of a permanent injunction of Executive Orders targeting law firms.