Christopher A. Araujo

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.

HFM Trusts & Estates Partner Brian Tsu is a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel and California Certified Legal Specialist. Mr. Tsu represents high-net-worth individuals in the areas of domestic and international estate planning, related areas of taxation and closely-held family business planning. He also advises fiduciaries in complex trust and estate administrations, particularly when tax or cross-border issues are present. His work includes: International Estate ...

Steven D. Hamilton is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Steven D. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Steven D. Hamilton since 2023. 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 Steven D. Hamilton is held by other lawyers.

Christine De Santis is a Partner at HFM and is certified as a legal specialist in family law by the State Bar of California. Ms. De Santis specializes in handling dissolution of marriage and paternity cases, child custody and visitation, child support and spousal support, and division of assets and debts, and mediations. She also handles step-parent adoptions and child support cases through the San Diego County Department of Child Support Services. Ms. De Santis has been named a San Diego Sup...

Michelle Graham focuses her practice on estate planning and tax planning strategies for domestic and international clients. She advises U.S. and non-U.S. individuals on tax planning matters, including strategies to minimize global taxation and IRS compliance regarding foreign reporting. Michelle works with non-U.S. individuals investing in the United States and U.S. individuals residing abroad on their U.S. tax filings and global estate planning. Her cross-border experience spans Latin Americ...

Adam B. Levine is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Adam B. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Adam B. Levine 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 B. Levine is held by other lawyers.

Claudia P. Martorell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Claudia P. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Claudia P. Martorell 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 Claudia P. Martorell is held by other lawyers.

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.

Keith Cochran is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Keith practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Keith Cochran since 2023. 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 Keith Cochran is held by other lawyers.

Louis Mezzullo’s principal areas of practice are Taxation, Estate and Business Succession Planning, and Employee Benefits. He was on the faculty of the University of Miami School of Law Graduate Program in Estate Planning from 2004 to 2007 and on the faculty of the University of San Diego School of Law in 2009. He was an adjunct professor of law at the University of Richmond Law School from 1978 until 2006. He is listed in Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in Emerging Leaders and Who...