Paul S. Hunter

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

Carolina Bravo-Karimi is a member of the firm's Employment Law group. Her practice is focused on representing employers in a variety of employment disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wage and hour litigation. Representing both public and private entities, Carolina is an expert in handling complex matters and balancing the needs of several high-profile stakeholders. Carolina also serves as Practice Chair of our recently launched Diversity, Equi...

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...

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.

John Rice, a former federal prosecutor, represents both individuals and corporations in a wide range of complex white collar matters, including SEC enforcement actions, anti-money laundering and bank secrecy act compliance matters, and foreign corrupt practices act investigations. Mr. Rice is an experienced litigator who has tried numerous cases to verdict, including dozens of federal jury trials, and argued cases before federal appellate courts. His practice focuses on white-collar criminal ...

Charles G. La Bella is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Charles G. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Charles G. La Bella 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 Charles G. La Bella is held by other lawyers.

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.

Known for being a clear thinker and articulate writer, HFM Partner John Morris uses his expertise to creatively negotiate compensation, representing plaintiffs and defendants as both appellants and respondents. Mr. Morris' practice is devoted exclusively to civil appeals, and during his nearly 38 years at HFM, he has served as lead appellate counsel in hundreds of cases in California Courts of Appeal and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. He has also appeared before the California Supreme ...

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...

George C. Miller is a partner in the San Diego, California office of Shustak Reynolds & Partners PC . His practice centers on commercial litigation , securities arbitration, and business disputes, with a focus on matters involving the securities and financial services industry. Mr. Miller represents individuals and businesses in complex disputes, including multi‑million‑dollar claims, in arbitration forums and courts throughout the United States. Mr. Miller handles a wide range of matters...