Phillip L. "Phil" Jelsma

Partner Martin Eliopulos is the head of HFM's Bankruptcy Practice Group. Mr. Eliopulos is one of HFM’s home grown and more seasoned attorneys having joined the firm in 1990 and was admitted to practice law in all courts for the State of California that same year. He is also admitted to practice law in all four Federal Judicial Districts within the state of California including all Bankruptcy Courts, all District Courts, the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel and the Ninth Circuit ...

Lonny Zilberman has been practicing employment law for over 30 years and is a partner in the firm's Employment Law Practice Group. Lonny works with employers to find practical, cost-effective strategies to their workplace problems. Lonny is an expert storyteller. Every organization has a story to tell: the value created for customers; the contributions made to communities; the opportunities created for employees. If an employer is not telling their story well, then an adversary will tell a di...

Roberta Taylor Winston is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Roberta Taylor practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Roberta Taylor Winston 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 Roberta Taylor Winston is held by other lawyers.

Lindsay Stevens joined the San Diego, California, offices of Baron & Budd’s Environmental Litigation Group as a shareholder in 2025. Ms. Stevens’ desire to utilize her lifelong passion for writing as a tool for advocacy eventually led her to pursue a legal career where she is honored to have a positive impact on the lives of the people she represents. Ms. Stevens’ practice has focused on protecting what’s right by holding some of the largest corporations in the wor...

Robert J. Francavilla is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Robert J. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Robert J. Francavilla since 2010. 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 Robert J. Francavilla is he...

Cheryl Dunn Soto's practice has focused on representing commercial policyholders in insurance coverage matters and insurance/bad faith litigation since 2008. Her clients include law firms, accountants, contractors, developers, real estate professionals, medical groups, broker-dealers, HOAs, distributors and manufacturers, and other companies throughout California. Cheryl handles a wide variety of coverage matters and has significant experience with liability policies, including directors and ...

Jonah A. Toleno is Of Counsel at Shustak Reynolds & Partners PC in San Diego, California. She is licensed to practice law in California and Arizona. Her practice focuses on Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Banking and Finance, with additional experience in financial services law, securities arbitration and litigation, business disputes, and alternative dispute resolution. Ms. Toleno represents individuals and businesses in matters pending before state and federal courts, as well as ...

Douglas A. Pettit has extensive trial and litigation experience in the areas of civil litigation, business litigation, and professional liability. He has tried over 50 cases in California. His extraordinary record of favorable outcomes and exemplary client service has resulted in recognition by his peers over the years. He was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2007 as the youngest member of the San Diego Chapter and has achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating f...

Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr. is a founding partner of Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire. He specializes in plaintiffs' litigation with an emphasis in business disputes, condemnation, and major injury cases. A tenacious litigator, Bartolotta is recognized annually by Woodward/White as one of the Best Lawyers in America -- a recognition he's received every year since 1987. "There's really no secret about what I do," he says, "I really do care for my clients; each case gets a piece of my soul." Bartolot...

Nicole M. Martinez is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Nicole M. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Nicole M. Martinez 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 professional regard in which Nicole M. Martinez is held by other lawyers.