John Hillsman
About John Hillsman
John Hillsman is a lawyer based in San Francisco, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2003. John Hillsman is recognized in the following practice areas:
- San Francisco, California
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Current Firm: McGuinn, Hillsman & Palefsky
Education: University of California Berkeley, B.A., graduated 1972
Location: San Francisco, CA
Nearby Lawyers
Joshua H. Lerner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Joshua H., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joshua H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Seth Neulight is a dedicated labor and employment attorney with over 20 years of experience serving employers and executives. Seth represents clients in disputes before state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and in arbitrations, with an emphasis on complex class and representative actions. He provides practical, business-oriented advice on matters such as workforce restructuring, restrictive covenants, wage and hour laws, leaves of absence, and labor issues in corporate mergers an...
Richard M. Heimann is one of the nation’s foremost trial attorneys and skilled negotiators, with unparalleled experience in complex securities and investor fraud, antitrust and intellectual property, consumer protection, and personal injury and mass tort cases. Richard led Lieff Cabraser’s work in the Wells Fargo Shareholder Derivative Litigation and was appointed Co-Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel in the case. In April 2020, the Court granted final approval to a settlement includi...
Sophia (Sophie) Castillo counsels domestic and international importers, distributors, national brands, private labels, institutional suppliers, family-owned food processing businesses, and retail grocers on compliance, litigation, and risk avoidance surrounding California’s Proposition 65, as well as other state and national laws related to chemicals and toxics. She advises clients involved in numerous industries across the entire supply chain, including food and beverage, apparel, cook...
Vivek K. Chavan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Vivek K., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Vivek K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kelly is Managing Partner of the San Francisco office of Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP. She is Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law, and a member of the ABA’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council. Kelly specializes in civil rights and employment class and collective actions on behalf of plaintiffs, and individual cases addressing sexual abuse, harassment, and trafficking. Kelly is a nationally-recognized a...
Amy L. Hespenheide is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Amy L., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amy L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Lisa H. Stalteri is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Lisa H., who practices law in Redwood Shores, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lisa H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Justin D. Hovey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions. Justin D., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Justin D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Matthew P. Vafidis is a partner specializing in commercial litigation, with an emphasis on shipping and environmental law. Mr. Vafidis began his legal career as a barrister in London at the Bar of England and Wales, to which he was called in July 1979. Since 1981, he has practiced in San Francisco, first as an associate and partner at a major California law firm, and thereafter as a partner at Holland & Knight and one of its predecessors, an internationally-renowned shipping and aviation ...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.