COJK attorneys John Denkenberger, Fran Jagla, Rhys Lawson, Jerry Nagae, George Renzoni, David Sheldon, and John Whitaker were selected for inclusion in the 2021 list of The Best Lawyers in America, and attorneys Stasiu Nowak and Juan Zheng were named to the publication's new category, "Ones To Watch."

John Denkenberger, a co-managing member of COJK and chair of the litigation practice group, is recognized for his work in IP litigation and patent law; Fran Jagla, chair of the trademark practice group, is selected for her work in trademark law; Jerry Nagae is acknowledged for his work in copyright, patent, and trademark law; and John Whitaker is recognized for his work in patent law and patent litigation. Named to the list in recognition of their work in patent law are Rhys Lawson, a member of the firm's life sciences and mechanical practice groups; George Renzoni, a firm co-managing member and head of the life sciences practice group; and David Sheldon, head of the firm's patent practice group.

Best Lawyer's "Ones to Watch" recognizes attorneys who are earlier in their careers, for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Stasiu Nowak and Juan Zheng are both patent attorneys in the firm's life sciences practice group. Best Lawyers recognitions are based entirely on peer review. The methodology is designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical and legal practice areas.