Eric R. Deitz

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...

David Sanford is the Chairman and co-founder of Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP. He has recovered more than one billion dollars for individual clients and the United States government since 2004. David represents C-suite executives and non-managerial hourly employees throughout the US. He has served as lead counsel in more than 50 class actions and numerous qui tam cases around the country and represented more than 100 general counsel and attorneys (in-house and outside counsel) in contract dispute...

Samer S. Habbas is the Founder and Managing Partner of Samer Habbas & Associates , a California personal injury law firm focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation. With more than 20 years of experience , Mr. Habbas represents individuals and families in complex, high-exposure cases involving commercial trucking collisions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, motorcycle and pedestrian accidents, and premises liability. Over the course of his career, Mr. Habba...

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

Christian Salaman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Christian practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Christian Salaman 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 Christian Salaman is held by other lawyers.

Paul Leeds is a Commercial Litigation attorney with over 20 years of experience navigating the minefields of bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings for clients in state and federal courts. He frequently represents court appointed fiduciaries, creditors, and business owners looking to maximize recovery from distressed assets.Mr. Leeds first goal- always- is to find a cost-effective business solution to a complex dispute. When a business solution isn’t available, his in-depth knowledge of ...

Melanie Gold spent more than three decades as a research attorney for California appellate courts. She primarily worked with the justices of the Fourth District Court of Appeal in San Diego, but also with those of the Sixth District Court of Appeal in San Jose as well as the California Supreme Court in San Francisco. During that time, Melanie analyzed thousands of briefs, motions, and petitions, advised justices on hundreds of appeals, and developed a deep understanding of how appellate court...

Cynthia R. Chihak is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Cynthia R. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Cynthia R. Chihak since 2007. 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 Cynthia R. Chihak is held by other lawy...

Helen is a partner in the private client and tax team at Withers Bergman LLP. She is a trusts and estates attorney who focuses on exempt organizations and international tax planning for inbound and outbound transactions. She assists clients in all aspects of estate planning, estate and trust administration and charitable planning. Helen brings a diversity of experience to her clients. After graduating from Stanford Law School, she practiced international corporate tax law in China and Califor...

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