Cheston J. Larson

Michael Neil, a trial lawyer and senior partner of the firm, specializes in civil litigation with emphasis in personal injury, professional liability, products liability, as well as business litigation. Mr. Neil has tried over 140 Superior Court cases to jury verdict. He is a past Secretary/Treasurer and the current President of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. Mr. Neil is a past President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and holds the rank of Diplomat...

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...

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

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...

Lindsay Stevens joined the San Diego, California, offices of Baron & Budd’s Environmental Litigation Group as a shareholder in 2025. Ms. Stevens’ desire to utilize her lifelong passion for writing as a tool for advocacy eventually led her to pursue a legal career where she is honored to have a positive impact on the lives of the people she represents. Ms. Stevens’ practice has focused on protecting what’s right by holding some of the largest corporations in the wor...

Stacey E. James has practiced exclusively in the field of labor and employment law, with an emphasis on advising management on: Wage and hour matters Employee discipline and termination Leave of absence and disability accommodation situations Employment policies and procedures Employee benefits Fair employment practices Stacey has extensive experience defending employers in class actions and related matters in state and federal court and before numerous state and federal administrative agenci...

Robert M. Bedgood is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Robert M. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Robert M. Bedgood 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 Robert M. Bedgood is held by other lawyers.

Robin Wofford is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Robin practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Robin Wofford 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 Robin Wofford is held by other lawyers.

Michael (Mike) is a partner in the San Diego office, former chair of the Tax and Joint Venture practice, and a member of the firm's Strategic Planning Committee. He advises clients in development, finance, and tax matters. Mike also has vast experience in the acquisition, development, joint venture, and financing of industrial, data center, senior and assisted living, shopping center, hospitality, and all manner of commercial real estate projects. His clients include some of the nation's lead...

Gordon L. Gerson is managing principal of GERSON LAW FIRM APC, concentrating nationwide in all aspects of real estate and commercial real estate finance. Mr. Gerson has an active institutional and mortgage banking practice. He has substantial experience in commercial real estate finance with a particular emphasis on the origination, workout and enforcement of a loan with a particular emphasis on real estate finance for the capital markets. His past and current engagements include some of the ...