Nellie J. Brutocao

Jeffrey Padilla is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jeffrey practices law in Encinitas, California Best Lawyers has recognized Jeffrey Padilla 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 Jeffrey Padilla is held by other lawyers.

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

Kristina A. Hancock is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Nonprofit / Charities Law. Kristina A. practices law in La Jolla, California Best Lawyers has recognized Kristina A. Hancock 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 Kristina A. Hancock is held by other lawyers.

Partner Alexis S. Gutierrez is the Chair of HFM's Litigation Department, in addition to serving on the firm’s Executive and Management Committees. With over 20 years of first chair experience, Mr. Gutierrez provides business and employment counseling and complex commercial litigation support to public and private entities, and non-profit organizations. He enjoys Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating (“AV Preeminent”) for Legal Ability and General-Ethical Standards. ...

Michael Patrick Hernandez is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael Patrick practices law in La Jolla, California Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Patrick Hernandez 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 Michael Patrick Hernandez is held by other lawyers.

Merrili L. Escue is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Merrili L. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Merrili L. Escue since 2021. 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 Merrili L. Escue is held by other lawyers.

Claudia P. Martorell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Immigration Law. Claudia P. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Claudia P. Martorell since 2021. 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 Claudia P. Martorell is held by other lawyers.

Conor J. Hulburt is a San Diego trial attorney and founder of Hulburt Law Firm APC who represents plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation. He concentrates on cases involving defective products , dangerous roadway design , and serious vehicle collisions. He has recovered more than $150 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured people and families. In May 2025, Hulburt served as lead trial counsel in Quiroz v. Caltrans , obtaining a $28.16 million jury ver...

HFM Partner Susan Mercure specializes in representing high net worth clients in sophisticated estate planning and estate and trust administration. On the estate planning side, Ms. Mercure utilizes techniques to reduce the size of an estate for estate tax purposes and employs other techniques to accomplish the distribution goals of her clients. She effectively communicates technical concepts and is able to convey complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. She also assists her client...

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 ...