Amy Allemann

Partner Alexis S. Gutierrez is the Chair of HFM's Litigation Department, in addition to serving on the firm’s Executive and Management Committees. With over 20 years of first chair experience, Mr. Gutierrez provides business and employment counseling and complex commercial litigation support to public and private entities, and non-profit organizations. He enjoys Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating (“AV Preeminent”) for Legal Ability and General-Ethical Standards. ...

Eric Acker is a partner and trial lawyer in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group. Mr. Acker has tried more than 50 trials (including more than 47 jury trials) in courtrooms across the country. Mr. Acker’s recent trials have involved a variety of technologies and significant legal issues. In the high-profile SCO v. Novell case, following a three-week trial, the jury affirmed our client Novell’s ownership of the copyrights to the UNIX software code and rejected SCO’s c...

Charles G. La Bella is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Charles G. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Charles G. La Bella since 2024. 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 Charles G. La Bella is held by other lawyers.

Mary R. Robberson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Mary R. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Mary R. Robberson since 2024. 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 Mary R. Robberson is held by other lawyers.

Kenneth M. Fitzgerald is a highly experienced trial lawyer, practicing business litigation with an emphasis on complex commercial cases and intellectual property disputes. Before joining the firm, Mr. Fitzgerald was a partner at Latham & Watkins, where he successfully tried numerous cases to verdict in state and federal courts throughout the country. Mr. Fitzgerald has handled a wide variety of commercial litigation matters involving contracts, business torts, trademarks, trade dress, cop...

Andrew Botros is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Andrew practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Andrew Botros 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 Andrew Botros is held by other lawyers. Andrew J. Botros is one of the few attorneys in California certified as both a Fam...

Elizabeth L. Brann is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Patent. Elizabeth L. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth L. Brann since 2026. 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 Elizabeth L. Brann is held by other lawyers.

HFM Partner Mitch Dubick concentrates his practice in tax controversy matters, representing individuals and business entities before the IRS and all state taxing authorities, and his work also includes business, real estate, and tax planning. Mr. Dubick’s years of experience and cost-effective solutions have made him the choice of clients, accountants, and other lawyers to handle their tax disputes, including audits, overdue returns, offshore accounts, appeals, collection matters (inclu...

Bryn Spradling is a Shareholder in the Firm’s San Diego office and member of both the Corporate Practice Group and Health Care Practice Group. Mr. Spradling practices general business and corporate law, health care law and real estate law, focusing on contractual arrangements in business transactions, representing both individuals and entities, with a large portion of his practice involving clients in the health care field.

Rachel R. James is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Rachel R. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel R. James 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 Rachel R. James is held by other lawyers.