Maria K. Pum

William Smelko is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. William, 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 William is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Patiño is a partner with Cozen O'Connor and a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. He represents companies in high-stakes commercial and intellectual property disputes. Mr. Patiño has argued before the courts of 20 different states and has particular experience with patent litigation-specific proceedings, including before the International Trade Commission, and as special intellectual property counsel in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Among prominent represen...

Stephen J. Oddo represents the firm's clients in complex litigation. Mr. Oddo spent more than a decade representing individual and institutional shareholders in corporate merger and acquisition class actions. In so doing, he has secured tens of millions of dollars of additional consideration for shareholders whose investments have been adversely impacted by corporate transactions. Mr. Oddo has also achieved disclosure of material information to shareholders ensuring they are informed on the t...

William A. Miller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. William A., 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 William A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Haeggquist & Eck partner and trial attorney Amber Eck is a tenacious advocate for employees, consumers, and shareholders, and has been for the past 28 years. Amber has taken cases to trial in both state and federal court as lead trial attorney and has recovered millions of dollars for her clients in settlements, including multiple six- and seven-figure settlements. Amber doesn’t shy away from high-profile defendants — a fact well-illustrated by her role as co-lead counsel in t...

Laura Nichols is a Shareholder in Buchalter’s San Diego office, and a member of the Tax, Benefits and Estate Planning practice group. Ms. Nichols is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and is also certified as an Accredited Estate Planner® by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Only approximately five percent of California’s attorneys are certified as specialists...

Jim’s practice, throughout his career, has focused on defending and advising professionals, including attorneys, accountants, architects, engineers, construction management companies, doctors and other health professionals, real estate professionals, insurance agents and brokers, directors and officers, and financial advisors. He also has extensive experience providing general business representation, including risk management counseling and contract review/drafting, and handling comple...

Van Allyn Goodwin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Van Allyn, who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Van Allyn is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

P. Camille Guerra is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. P. Camille, 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 P. Camille is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Frederick Schenk, managing partner of the Schenk Law Firm, achieved the largest verdict ever in San Diego against an asbestos manufacturer – Owens Corning Fiberglass – obtaining a $2.4 million verdict in punitive damages as well as economic losses.In addition, he is a specialist in auto collision litigation and co-author of the LexisNexis California Automobile Litigation Handbook. Over the years, Schenk has received numerous awards and honors for his work – including recogni...