Sean M. Gaffney

Peter K. Hahn is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Patent. Peter K. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Peter K. Hahn since 2013. 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 Peter K. Hahn 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...

Catherine Swafford is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Catherine practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Catherine Swafford 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 Catherine Swafford 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. ...

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.

Ellen Bronchetti represents a range of employers in both employment matters and traditional labor disputes. She litigates on behalf of employers in wage and hour matters, trade secret misappropriation cases, and matters involving whistleblowers, statutory leave, breach of contract claims, and accusations of wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Ellen’s litigation practice spans both state and federal courts, including complex class actions and representative...

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 ...

Aaron Olsen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Aaron practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Aaron Olsen 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 Aaron Olsen 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...

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...