J. Rod "Rod" Betts

Robert Frank, Senior Trial Lawyer, joined Neil Dymott in 1980. He has been a shareholder in the law firm since 1988. Mr. Frank specializes in civil litigation defense trial work and administrative licensing hearings for various types of healthcare professionals, with an emphasis on medical, dental, chiropractic and nursing specialties. He also handles a variety of other general civil litigation including, professional liability, medical malpractice and administrative licensing matters as well...

Geoffrey M. Thorne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Geoffrey M., 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 Geoffrey M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dick Semerdjian is a founding partner of Schwartz Semerdjian and heads up the firm’s litigation department. Dick’s clients range from Fortune 100 and 500 publicly traded companies to small businesses and individuals. Dick is also experienced in both plaintiff and defense side work which lends to his unique ability to formulate creative and effective legal and resolution strategies in even the most complex of litigation matters. Over the span of his over 31 year career, Dick has be...

Leslie Ryland is a seasoned attorney who has spent the last three decades representing clients in all types of family law matters, with a special focus on custody issues. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist, a special designation from the State Bar of California reserved for attorneys who have “demonstrated a high level of experience in the specialty field, fulfilled ongoing education requirements and been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with their work.&...

Jeffrey Padilla is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jeffrey, who practices law in Encinitas, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Rowles is Chair of the San Diego Corporate Group and former co-chair of the firm’s Emerging Company Venture Capital Group and Private Equity Fund Formation Group. He has practiced in San Diego for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience as corporate counsel to public and private companies, and the venture capital and private equity funds that invest in those companies. Mr. Rowles has extensive industry experience in telecommunications, software, internet, semiconductors, entert...

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.

Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr. is a founding partner of Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire. He specializes in plaintiffs' litigation with an emphasis in business disputes, condemnation, and major injury cases. A tenacious litigator, Bartolotta is recognized annually by Woodward/White as one of the Best Lawyers in America -- a recognition he's received every year since 1987. "There's really no secret about what I do," he says, "I really do care for my clients; each case gets a piece of my soul." Bartolot...

HFM Partner Susan Moriarty Hack practices general tort and business litigation. With over 30 years of experience as a trial lawyer, Ms. Hack primarily handles business disputes, personal injury, premises liability, professional medical and business negligence, and product liability matters. She is also dedicated to meeting the needs of her clients, as well as raising the standard of practice within HFM and the broader San Diego legal community. Often noted for her considerable enthusiasm for ...

Rebecca L. O'Toole is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Rebecca L., 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 Rebecca L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.