Alexis J. Schuler

In his practice, HFM Partner James “Jim” Peterson focuses on business and employment litigation. Mr. Peterson advises and litigates disputes for a number of business clients on various aspects of the employment relationship, including misappropriation of trade secrets and proprietary information, protection of customer lists and employees, discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, wage and hour laws, and wrongful termination. Mr. Peterson is an expert on employment-re...

David is a founding partner of Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick, LLP. For over a decade, his practice in Southern California has included business and corporate representation, commercial litigation, including class action and employment matters of all types, and professional liability defense. He regularly appears in California trial and appellate courts. He also regularly represents and counsels businesses on strategic, non-litigation and risk management matters.From 2006-2008, David serve...

Laura Nichols is a Shareholder in Buchalter’s San Diego office, and a member of the Tax, Benefits and Estate Planning practice group. Ms. Nichols is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and is also certified as an Accredited Estate Planner® by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Only approximately five percent of California’s attorneys are certified as specialists...

Tara K. McGrath is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Tara K. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Tara K. McGrath since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Tara K. McGrath is held by other lawyers.

Jeffrey Padilla is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jeffrey practices law in Encinitas, California Best Lawyers has recognized Jeffrey Padilla since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jeffrey Padilla is held by other lawyers.

Chris Hoffman is the founding and managing partner of the San Diego office. He has represented hundreds of employers in matters ranging from class action litigation, to traditional labor matters and general employment advice. While litigation remains a significant portion of his practice, Chris also spends a significant amount of time counseling clients regarding day-to-day employment issues and assisting them to find practical and proactive solutions to their legal problems. Chris was select...

Known for being a clear thinker and articulate writer, HFM Partner John Morris uses his expertise to creatively negotiate compensation, representing plaintiffs and defendants as both appellants and respondents. Mr. Morris' practice is devoted exclusively to civil appeals, and during his nearly 38 years at HFM, he has served as lead appellate counsel in hundreds of cases in California Courts of Appeal and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. He has also appeared before the California Supreme ...

When it really matters, lawyers throughout California and across the United States have confidently relied on Mediator Douglas A. Glass of Signature Resolution to get their best client's toughest cases settled. Doug has been selected as the mediator in over 4,000 cases since 2001 proving that he is one of the most trusted, experienced and respected mediators in California. In 2017, Doug was honored as Lawyer of the Year for Mediation in San Diego by Best Lawyers in America(R). He is also amon...

Sanjay Bhandari is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Sanjay practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Sanjay Bhandari since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Sanjay Bhandari is held by other lawyers.

Thomas Millikan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Patent. Thomas practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Thomas Millikan since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Thomas Millikan is held by other lawyers.