Debra J. Vella
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018 About Debra J. Vella
Debra J. Vella is a lawyer based in San Diego, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2018. Debra J. Vella is recognized in the following practice area:
- San Diego, California
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Vella Law
Education: University of California Los Angeles, J.D., graduated 1996
Location: San Diego, CA
Nearby Lawyers
Steve Coopersmith is the founder and Managing Partner of The Coopersmith Law Firm, LLP in San Diego, California. The Firm represents clients throughout Southern California in a wide range of business and corporate litigation matters, including those stemming from corporate and partnership dissolutions, securities and financial fraud violations, bet-the-company litigation, executive-level business employment disputes, and fine art law disputes. Mr. Coopersmith also handles select planning and ...
Gordon R. Levinson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Gordon R. practices law in Carlsbad, California Best Lawyers has recognized Gordon R. Levinson 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 Gordon R. Levinson is held by other lawyers.
Laura Nichols is a Shareholder in Buchalter’s San Diego office, and a member of the Tax, Benefits and Estate Planning practice group. Ms. Nichols is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and is also certified as an Accredited Estate Planner® by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Only approximately five percent of California’s attorneys are certified as specialists...
Mr. Herbert handles a wide variety of divorce cases, from the very simple to the very complex. He seeks to resolve matters in a cost effective and amicable manner to avoid incurring legal fees that diminish the value of the marital estate. However, he remains prepared to go to trial if necessary. His trial experience includes litigating the issues of support, property division, custody, visitation and virtually every other type of issue arising in family law. Mr. Herbert understands, and is s...
Callie A. Bjurstrom is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Trade Secrets Law. Callie A. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Callie A. Bjurstrom since 2019. 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 Callie A. Bjurstrom is held by other la...
Vik Nagpal is the managing partner of Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara LLP’s San Diego offices, as well as directing the firm’s business development. He has practiced law in both Northern and Southern California since 2000. Mr. Nagpal is admitted to practice law before all State Court in California, as well as in the Central and Southern District Federal Courts. Mr. Nagpal has extensive experience in handling all general liability matters to trial and arbitration, including ...
Chris Hoffman is the founding and managing partner of the San Diego office. He has represented hundreds of employers in matters ranging from class action litigation, to traditional labor matters and general employment advice. While litigation remains a significant portion of his practice, Chris also spends a significant amount of time counseling clients regarding day-to-day employment issues and assisting them to find practical and proactive solutions to their legal problems. Chris was select...
David Balfour is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. David practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized David Balfour 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 David Balfour is held by other lawyers.
Explore and Learn
What AI Visibility Means for Lawyers
by Josh Rupall and Bryan Driscoll
AI tools increasingly interpret lawyers public information. Clear, consistent and credible sources help ensure they describe legal expertise accurately.
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2027: Recognizing the Nation's Top Legal Talent
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring established leaders and rising practitioners across Canada's legal profession.
2027 Best Lawyers Awards: Honoring Excellence in the Legal Profession
by Jamilla Tabbara
Recognizing the outstanding attorneys leading top practice areas nationwide.
2027 Best Lawyers Awards in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
Explore key findings from the awards, including recognition figures and emerging legal talent.
Announcing the 2027 Best Lawyers Awards: Austria, Germany and Switzerland
by Jamilla Tabbara
Celebrating the legal professionals throughout Central Europe.
The Best Lawyers in France 2027: Peer-Reviewed Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Seventeen editions of peer trust, a growing profession and a dynamic legal market.
Who Can Override a Power of Attorney?
by Bryan Driscoll
A power of attorney carries real legal authority, but it isn't absolute. Here's who can step in to revoke, restrict or set it aside.
Inside the 2027 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
A closer look at the research process, methodology and key statistics behind the 2027 editions.
How to Get an Eviction Off Your Record
by Bryan Driscoll
Whether an eviction can be removed, sealed or corrected depends on your state, your case and where the record appears.
How Peer Review Works: Best Lawyers Methodology Explained
by Jamilla Tabbara
Understanding the independent, data-driven framework that defines professional legal standing.
