Ian R. Friedman

Patty M. DeGaetano is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Patty M., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patty M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christian Salaman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Christian, who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steven D. Hamilton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Steven D., 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 Steven D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Known for being a clear thinker and articulate writer, HFM Partner John Morris uses his expertise to creatively negotiate compensation, representing plaintiffs and defendants as both appellants and respondents. Mr. Morris' practice is devoted exclusively to civil appeals, and during his nearly 38 years at HFM, he has served as lead appellate counsel in hundreds of cases in California Courts of Appeal and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. He has also appeared before the California Supreme ...

Denise M. Visconti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Denise M., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Denise M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mike Hurvitz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Mike, 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 Mike is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Karen Albence is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Karen, 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 Karen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Balfour is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law. David, 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 David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Partner Alexis S. Gutierrez is the Chair of HFM's Litigation Department, in addition to serving on the firm’s Executive and Management Committees. With over 20 years of first chair experience, Mr. Gutierrez provides business and employment counseling and complex commercial litigation support to public and private entities, and non-profit organizations. He enjoys Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating (“AV Preeminent”) for Legal Ability and General-Ethical Standards. ...

John E. Wehrli is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice. John E., who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.