Stephen L. Smith

Shannon R. Finley focuses her practice on employment law, representing California employers in disputes ranging from single plaintiff wrongful termination cases to complex class actions, and everything in between. In addition to defending employers in litigation, she provides guidance to employers, advising on best practices to avoid lawsuits before they arise. Ms. Finley is also a speaker and author on issues including best hiring practices, wage and hour law, discrimination, leaves of absen...

Jennifer Santa Maria is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Jennifer practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer Santa Maria 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 Jennifer Santa Maria is held by other lawyers.

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

Mr. Rowles is Chair of the San Diego Corporate Group and former co-chair of the firm’s Emerging Company Venture Capital Group and Private Equity Fund Formation Group. He has practiced in San Diego for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience as corporate counsel to public and private companies, and the venture capital and private equity funds that invest in those companies. Mr. Rowles has extensive industry experience in telecommunications, software, internet, semiconductors, entert...

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...

For more than 30 years, Michael L. Kirby has been involved in civil litigation, trying more than 50 jury trials throughout his career and obtaining total recoveries valued in excess of $275 million as lead counsel. His expertise is extensive and covers a variety of practice areas that involve business, partnerships, real estate and investor disputes. He has received multiple Outstanding Trial Lawyer awards from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. He successfully tried five cases in five diff...

Brian M. Kramer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent and Patent Law. Brian M. practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Brian M. Kramer 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 Brian M. Kramer is held by other lawyers.

Joshua Patashnik is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Appellate Practice. Joshua practices law in San Diego, California Best Lawyers has recognized Joshua Patashnik 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 Joshua Patashnik is held by other lawyers.

Frederick Schenk, managing partner of the Schenk Law Firm, achieved the largest verdict ever in San Diego against an asbestos manufacturer – Owens Corning Fiberglass – obtaining a $2.4 million verdict in punitive damages as well as economic losses.In addition, he is a specialist in auto collision litigation and co-author of the LexisNexis California Automobile Litigation Handbook. Over the years, Schenk has received numerous awards and honors for his work – including recogni...

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...