Carol K. Kao

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...

Brian Fish focuses his practice on land use, public/private partnerships, public contracting, environmental and real estate matters. Mr. Fish assists public and private clients with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, coastal permitting, planning and zoning issues, Subdivision Map Act processing, Williamson Act issues, condominium conversions and prevailing wage analysis. He also negotiates and drafts all other manner of documentation required to acquire, develop, finance,...

Amy K. Todd is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Amy K. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Amy K. Todd 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 Amy K. Todd is held by other lawyers.

Regina Petty is a partner in the San Diego and Los Angeles offices. She practices in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels and is experienced in multi-district and class action litigation. Regina advises employers and public agency boards and handles litigation for private and public employers. She successfully argued Jones v. The Lodge at Torrey Pines Partnership (2008) 42 Cal.4th 1158 before the California Supreme Court, a case noted on Bender's California Labor & E...

Luis E. Lorenzana is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Luis E. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Luis E. Lorenzana 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 Luis E. Lorenzana is held by other lawyers.

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. ...

In her practice, Jody A. Landry handles employment litigation matters of a broad variety, including both single plaintiff and class actions, that generally stem from claims of: Overtime misclassification Failure to provide meal/rest breaks Wrongful termination Sexual harassment Employment discrimination Retaliation Breach of contract Other wage and hour violations Appearing in state and federal courts, she regularly handles class actions involving a variety of wage and hour issues arising und...

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.

Adam Hepburn is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Adam practices law in Carlsbad, California Best Lawyers has recognized Adam Hepburn 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 Adam Hepburn is held by other lawyers.

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.