John W. Nielsen

Stacey E. James has practiced exclusively in the field of labor and employment law, with an emphasis on advising management on: Wage and hour matters Employee discipline and termination Leave of absence and disability accommodation situations Employment policies and procedures Employee benefits Fair employment practices Stacey has extensive experience defending employers in class actions and related matters in state and federal court and before numerous state and federal administrative agenci...

Adam Hepburn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Adam, who practices law in Carlsbad, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Patrick Hernandez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael Patrick, who practices law in La Jolla, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael Patrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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.

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.

Hayden Trubitt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Hayden, 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 Hayden is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Merrili L. Escue is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Merrili L., 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 Merrili L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric Acker is a partner and trial lawyer in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group. Mr. Acker has tried more than 50 trials (including more than 47 jury trials) in courtrooms across the country. Mr. Acker’s recent trials have involved a variety of technologies and significant legal issues. In the high-profile SCO v. Novell case, following a three-week trial, the jury affirmed our client Novell’s ownership of the copyrights to the UNIX software code and rejected SCO’s c...

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...