Christopher V. Hawkins

Steven Cologne was elected Managing Partner of the Firm in 2016. He devotes his practice to complex Tort and Commercial litigation in State and Federal Courts. In 2020, Mr. Cologne achieved the distinction of being certified as a Fellow in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) effective May 2020. On May 4, 2020, he was admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia. Mr. Cologne joined Higgs Fletcher & Mack in 1999 after previously enjoying 15 years as an associate, partner ...

Matthew C. Bernstein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. Matthew C., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 ...

For over twenty years, Mr. Gibson has represented numerous types of clients, small and large, local and international, in all types of commercial disputes. Mr. Gibson’s direct approach as a business litigator and advisor has delivered successful results in commercial, construction and real estate disputes. His balanced practice includes representation of local, national and international companies, as well as individuals. Previously, he co-chaired the San Diego County Bar Association&rs...

Deyan P. Spiridonov is a member of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice. He is a member of the California State Bar Association. Deyan practices in the area of mergers and acquisitions and has represented public and private companies in the telecommunications, semiconductor, software, technology-related defense contracting, biotechnology and financial industries. Mr. Spiridonov has experience in structuring and negotiating all aspects of acquisition transactions, including sto...

John P. Cleary is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. John P., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gordon R. Levinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Gordon R., who practices law in Carlsbad, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gordon R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Greg Pyke is a partner in HFM’s Corporate and Securities Law and Real Estate Law practice groups. Mr. Pyke is highly experienced in the structuring and operations of businesses in a variety of industries and sectors. His clients include manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, retail and service businesses. He also represents real estate developers and owners, as well as commercial borrowers and lenders. Additionally, Mr. Pyke is very familiar with high-tech and bio-tech startups, includ...

Christopher W. Olmsted is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Christopher W., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rachel R. James is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Rachel R., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rachel R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.