Maria Stout

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.&...

Melanie Gold spent more than three decades as a research attorney for California appellate courts. She primarily worked with the justices of the Fourth District Court of Appeal in San Diego, but also with those of the Sixth District Court of Appeal in San Jose as well as the California Supreme Court in San Francisco. During that time, Melanie analyzed thousands of briefs, motions, and petitions, advised justices on hundreds of appeals, and developed a deep understanding of how appellate court...

Christopher C. Bolten is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Christopher C. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher C. Bolten since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christopher C. Bolten is held by other lawyers.

HFM Trusts & Estates Partner Brian Tsu is a Fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel and California Certified Legal Specialist. Mr. Tsu represents high-net-worth individuals in the areas of domestic and international estate planning, related areas of taxation and closely-held family business planning. He also advises fiduciaries in complex trust and estate administrations, particularly when tax or cross-border issues are present. His work includes: International Estate ...

Michael Neil, a trial lawyer and senior partner of the firm, specializes in civil litigation with emphasis in personal injury, professional liability, products liability, as well as business litigation. Mr. Neil has tried over 140 Superior Court cases to jury verdict. He is a past Secretary/Treasurer and the current President of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. Mr. Neil is a past President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and holds the rank of Diplomat...

Ben Coughlan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Ben practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Ben Coughlan since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ben Coughlan is held by other lawyers.

Jenny Dixon represents individuals and companies in business and employment disputes, corporate and securities fraud, and violations of antitrust and competition laws. She has represented employers in proceedings before the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Labor Commissioner’s office, Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), and the Civil Rights Department (CRD). With over 25 years of experience in both the pursuit and defense of complex claims, Jenny has the...

Guillermo A. Escobedo is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Guillermo A. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Guillermo A. Escobedo since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Guillermo A. Escobedo is held by other lawyers.

Adam Hepburn is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Adam practices law in Carlsbad, California Best Lawyers has recognized Adam Hepburn since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Adam Hepburn is held by other lawyers.

Aaron Olsen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Aaron practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Aaron Olsen since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Aaron Olsen is held by other lawyers.