Robert L. "Buzz" Hines
About Robert L. Hines
Robert L. Hines is a lawyer based in San Francisco, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2010. Robert L. Hines is recognized in the following practice area:
- San Francisco, California
- Environmental Law
Current Firm: Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Education: Golden Gate University, J.D., graduated 1985, Golden Gate University, graduated 1985, and University of California Berkeley, graduated 1980
Location: San Francisco, CA
Nearby Lawyers
Attorney R. Brent Wisner is a managing partner of Wisner Baum (formerly Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman), a nationwide law firm based in Los Angeles, California. He focuses his practice on holding negligent and sometimes malicious corporations accountable through pharmaceutical product liability, toxic torts and consumer fraud and class action litigation. One of the firm’s leading trial lawyers, Brent oversees the mass tort litigation department. He is actively involved in all litiga...
Holding Corporations Accountable Robert J. Nelson has played a leading role in the firm’s False Claims Act (fraud against the government law), automotive , defective products , mass torts , tobacco , consumer fraud and environmental cases, taking on many of the world’s largest corporations and holding them accountable. He has served as court-appointed Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in numerous state and federal coordinated proceedings, as well as in more than 40 class actions. Robert lik...
Ben Riley is a Principal of the firm and serves on its Executive Committee. He has tried nearly 30 cases to verdict including jury trials, court trials, and complex arbitrations. His practice focuses on Intellectual Property Litigation, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and license disputes. He also has an active practice in Business Litigation, including class action defense, defense of “consumer claims” under the Lanham Act and unfair competition statutes,...
John W. Lucas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. John W., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Matthew P. Vafidis is a partner specializing in commercial litigation, with an emphasis on shipping and environmental law. Mr. Vafidis began his legal career as a barrister in London at the Bar of England and Wales, to which he was called in July 1979. Since 1981, he has practiced in San Francisco, first as an associate and partner at a major California law firm, and thereafter as a partner at Holland & Knight and one of its predecessors, an internationally-renowned shipping and aviation ...
Andrew B. Sabey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Litigation - Land Use and Zoning. Andrew B., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Colin T. Kemp is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Colin T., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Colin T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Eustace de Saint Phalle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Eustace, who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eustace is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Garry is a senior class action litigator and strategist at Littler Mendelson, resident in the San Francisco office. He has personally supervised the firm's attorneys on more than 1,000 employment and labor litigation matters and currently defends employers in complex wage and hour, and discrimination class action cases. He also represents clients before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in arbitration, mediation, and collective bargaining and offers advice on: Class action avoidance,...
John R. Heisse II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. John R., who practices law in San Francisco, California, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer