Michelle R. Bernard

David Amaya is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. David practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized David Amaya 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 David Amaya is held by other lawyers.

Matthew C. Smith has extensive experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and mediations. Matt represents individuals and business clients on a wide variety of professional and business litigation matters. He has served as lead counsel or co-counsel in more than a dozen trials and arbitrations. Matt also handled several successful appeals and has argued before the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Matt earned his Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee Univer...

Catherine M. McBain is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Catherine M. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Catherine M. McBain since 2026. 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 profes...

Robert Brown focuses on tax structuring and deal-making across a broad range of transactions, with particular emphasis on multifamily, mixed-use, and office/retail investment real estate. Robert synthesizes tax structuring into his transactional practice with a combination of sophistication. creativity and pragmatism. He has served as lead counsel for approximately $15 billion in transactions over the last five years. Robert’s practice encompasses negotiating and closing large-scale inv...

Vik Nagpal is the managing partner of Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara LLP’s San Diego offices, as well as directing the firm’s business development. He has practiced law in both Northern and Southern California since 2000. Mr. Nagpal is admitted to practice law before all State Court in California, as well as in the Central and Southern District Federal Courts. Mr. Nagpal has extensive experience in handling all general liability matters to trial and arbitration, including ...

AnneElise P. Goetz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. AnneElise P. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized AnneElise P. Goetz 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 AnneElise P. Goetz is held by other lawyers.

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...

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 ...

Kevin V. Desantis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants and Transportation Law. Kevin V. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Kevin V. Desantis since 2017. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition refle...

Chris Hoffman is the founding and managing partner of the San Diego office. He has represented hundreds of employers in matters ranging from class action litigation, to traditional labor matters and general employment advice. While litigation remains a significant portion of his practice, Chris also spends a significant amount of time counseling clients regarding day-to-day employment issues and assisting them to find practical and proactive solutions to their legal problems. Chris was select...