Independence Lawyers

Former Honors attorney for the Department of Homeland Security now leads North County Immigration law firm. We offer comprehensive legal aid to on all immigration issues ranging from citizenship, permanent residence, asylum, visas and deportation defense. We specialize in handling challenging cases as our prior experience working for ICE helps our clients. Our immigration lawyers are all multi-lingual and have decades of experience winning cases. Founding attorney Anna Hysell learned her legal skills from some of the leading government attorneys and will aggressively advocate her client's cases.

Michael Semanchik is the Managing Attorney at Semanchik Law Group. He comes to the team with nearly a decade of experience working for the California Innocence Project (CIP). Michael began as a student at CIP while in law school and found himself as a staff attorney several years later. In 2013, California Lawyer Magazine named him Attorney of the Year for his work on the Brian Banks case. Several months after receiving the award, he embarked on a 712 mile walk to deliver clemency petitions to Governor Brown for 12 innocent clients.

In the fall of 2013,...

Matthew H. Springmeyer received a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Literacy Studies (writing emphasis) from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2010. Mr. Springmeyer attended law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego, CA. Mr. Springmeyer graduated in the top ten of his class with Magna Cum Laude Honors in 2013.

While in law school, Mr. Springmeyer was the Co-Chair of the Community Outreach Committee, which focused on providing law students with volunteer opportunities. He was also on the Dean’s Honor List every trimester and received Pro Bono and Public Service...

Stefano is proud to be a San Diego criminal defense lawyer. He is a partner at the Law Offices of David P. Shapiro, where he brings experience representing diverse clients facing a variety of charges. Stefano has helped waiters, lawyers, construction workers, doctors, CEOs, teachers, and others who have been accused of crimes ranging from theft, fraud, DUIs and drug possession, all the way to vehicular manslaughter, robbery, aggravated mayhem, sex crimes and murder. Regardless of the client or charge, each case is handled with the same thoroughness and passion. Stefano enjoys every aspect of being a criminal defense lawyer...

Jesse Young is a Senior Shareholder at Sommers Schwartz who represents clients in serious employment disputes, including but not limited to issues of severance negotiations, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing activity, employment contracts, terminations, and compliance. His clients include individuals and businesses. As a founding member of the firm's national wage-and-hour practice, Jesse has appeared in hundreds of wage-and-hour lawsuits and hundreds more arbitrations arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and similar state laws. In this regard, he represents clients nationwide dealing with the payment of minimum wages and/or overtime, classification of employees, “off the clock” work, meal breaks, donning and...

Dwight Ritter is a trial attorney at Ritter & Associates in San Diego, California. He holds degrees from Indiana University Law School and the London School of Economics. He is also licensed in California, Arizona, Indiana, and the Island of Guam, as an expert on maritime law. Having built his reputation on personal attention to detail, Dwight strives to create a personal relationship with his clients. With a specialization in personal injury, Dwight is prepared to handle cases that involve wrongful death, sexual harassment, auto accidents, and civil rights claims. In addition, he has earned the title of Master Trial...

Jenna M. Rangel is a partner with Haeggquist & Eck and represents employees in claims involving wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour violations at work. To Jenna, every detail matters — and she prides herself on developing and nurturing open, trusting relationships with her clients. Jenna approaches every day as an opportunity to stand up for employees, to help right the wrongs perpetrated by employers, and to provide closure to her clients so they can move forward with their lives. She has represented clients against such employers as the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Herbalife, and Wyndham, and...

Ian Pike is an associate at Haeggquist & Eck, LLP and focuses his practice on representing employees in a wide range of matters throughout California for claims including wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and wage theft. A former columnist whose career included a lengthy stint at the San Diego Reader covering food, theatre, and the arts, Ian graduated summa cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law. While at USD, he received CALI Awards for the highest grades in contracts, legal writing and research, evidence, remedies, civil rights theories, administrative law, and discrimination law. Ian was the...

Aaron M. Olsen is a partner in the employment law and complex consumer litigation departments of Haeggquist & Eck. Aaron has resolved hundreds of individual labor and employment law cases on behalf of employees. He has recovered millions of dollars in damages. Notably, Aaron was on the trial team in a unique associational disability discrimination matter against Kaiser Permanente that resulted in one of the top 50 largest labor and employment verdicts in California in 2017 on TopVerdict.com. Aaron has served as co-lead counsel prosecuting class action suits, including consumer fraud actions, product defect cases, wage and hour actions, and unfair...

Alreen Haeggquist is on a mission to stand up with individuals to enrich their lives and inspire change by dismantling fear and shame and empowering those who have faced discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and sexual assault to stand up and demand accountability. Today, the overwhelming majority of Alreen’s clients are women who have suffered egregious wrongs at the hands of their employers. No defendant is too large or powerful for her to tackle: she has recently represented plaintiffs in employment claims against such major corporations as Trader Joe’s, Sharp Healthcare, Wyndham, Kaiser Permanente, and the Grand Del Mar. ...

My practice has been focused on criminal defense since 2003. I have experience at every stage of proceedings from the first court appearance through trial.

In addition to the years of practice and dozens of jury trials, I served as a Deputy Public Defender and still regularly accept court-appointments to represent those clients who are unable to afford private representation.

Before practicing law, I worked in the telecommunications sector in the mobile phone industry and later for one of Washington State's first internet service businesses.

Broad experience across the country in complex civil matters of significance, worked in Maine, New York, Delaware, Tennessee, Wisconsin and all courts in California. Experienced mediator, skilled listener. Served as a Superior Court Temporary Judge in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, and Siskiyou Counties. Former Adjunct Law Professor.

Jeannette Darrow is an experienced Orange County civil litigation and construction attorney helping individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in a variety of industries resolve disputes and litigation.

LITIGATION AND BUSINESS: Jeannette handles contract drafting and review, as well as claims involving breach of contract (including breach of lease, breach of equipment lease, claim and delivery, breach of warranty, breach of guaranty), interference with contract, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, negligence, and a wide variety of other civil litigation and business disputes, including business-to-business disputes, claims involving employees or former employees, vendor and supplier disputes, and claims by or against competitors...

Founded High Tide Legal Group, PC in 2020 to bring my unique blend of over 15 years of legal, business and entrepreneurial experience to clients throughout California. Offering legal services for all business transactional matters ranging from real estate matters, corporate formations, complex commercial transactions, EPC drafting and negotiation, and alternative energy and industry support and more.

From 2017 until 2020, I served as COO/Partner for GWC and GWL, a consulting company and law firm respectively, servicing clients throughout the State of California. From 2011 until 2017, I served as VP & Senior Legal Counsel of AP Wireless leading...

U.S. registered patent attorney with many years of experience in obtaining patents and obtaining favorable results in federal court in the field of intellectual properly litigation. Mr. Nielsen is the current chair person of the Intellectual Property Section of the Marin County Bar Association. For potential clients who are unable see Mr. Nielsen in Marin County, web conferences and/or telephone conferences are available. Mr. Nielsen currently serves clients located throughout the world.

I exclusively handle employment law and personal injury cases. With regard to employment law, I represent only employees in a wide range of employment law matters, including employment discrimination, disability discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, FMLA issues, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations. I also offer a flat rate pricing option for severance package and employment contract reviews. In my personal injury practice, I represent people who have been seriously injured in automobile, slip and fall, or other types of accidents. Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming without an experienced advocate on your side. My clients are...

As a partner at Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP (SSEK Law Firm), Kirk G. Smith focuses his practice on securities law. Representing individual and institutional investors against banks, brokerage firms and trust companies, Mr. Smith generally handles cases involving issues such as retirement losses, broker and brokerage firm misconduct, investment derivatives, fraud and financial product failures. He serves clients throughout the U.S.

Before earning a Juris Doctor from the South Texas College of Law Houston, Mr. Smith attended Loyola University New Orleans. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Previously working as an investment advisor for a large brokerage firm and...

Attorney Elliot Silver is a seasoned and experienced veteran criminal defense attorney. Since the age of five, Elliot always knew he wanted to be in court fighting for justice. Elliot is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law. Elliot has a reputation for getting his clients the results they want, whether it’s case dismissed, a fair and reasonable plea deal, or hearing a jury say “Not Guilty". Elliot has represented thousands of clients in various criminal matters and continues to provide inimitable dedication and unparalleled tenacity for his clients.

Ms. Seeley is a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. Seeley’s practice focuses on dissolution cases involving high asset and complex financial issues such as the division of interests in closely-held businesses, real estate, and equity compensation, including stock options and RSU’s. Ms. Seeley also has extensive experience with high-conflict custody matters and relocation/ move-away cases. Ms. Seeley brings over 40 years of civil litigation experience to the firm and represents clients through all phases of family law litigation before private judges and in public...

Karen Dena Shrira Steinitz attended University of California San Diego where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with Honors, in Political Science in 1997. She subsequently earned her Juris Doctorate degree at Loyola University of Los Angeles in 2001.

In the early stages of her legal career, Ms. Steinitz represented employers, insurance companies, and self-insured entities. She gained extensive experience with the handling of complex litigation cases involving high exposure, multiple defendants, 132(a) discrimination claims as well as serious and willful misconduct allegations.

Since joining the law firm of Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos in 2012, she has decided to...

I am a skilled San Mateo attorney, dedicated to Personal Injury, Insurance Bad Faith, Employment Discrimination and Professional Negligence matters. For decades, I have pursued justice for those that have been injured or wronged. I aggressively advocate for the best possible outcomes. Having recovered millions for my clients, I will fight for what you deserve.

I am a successful California Injury Attorney, focused on cases involving catastrophic injuries and death. With over 15 years of litigation experience, I am known for my expertise in understanding complex medical injuries.

I stand up to insurance companies and have recovered millions for injury victims, many in jury trials. I am a passionate advocate that will fight for your rights and interests.

Lynn Sherrell is in solo-practice in Berkeley California, following a dozen years in San Francisco law firms practicing personal injury, products' liability and worker's compensation law. Lynn has achieved a Specialization in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law of the State Bar of California Department of Legal Specialization. Lynn is client oriented and serves individuals, families, small businesses and small owner investors in many aspects of civil law and litigation. When you need an advocate on your side, get a woman on your case. Lynn is a graduate of Golden Gate University Law School with an emphasis in public interest...

Jesse Lloyd is a certified specialist in immigration and nationality law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and has helped certify new specialists as a member California State Bar Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Council. He is a past chair of the Alameda County Bar Association Immigration Section, American Immigration Lawyers Association national ICE liaison committee, and Northern California Chapter. He has appeared on numerous television, web, and radio stories regarding immigration matters.
Jesse focuses on family-based immigration, removal defense, naturalization, asylum, and the immigration consequences of criminal convictions.

Over his 18 years of practice in the Bay Area, Kevin Martin has developed a reputation as a fair- minded but tough negotiator representing client’s interests in intellectual property, business, real estate and personal injury actions. Kevin’s practice includes trademark, copyright and patent litigation, prosecution, licensing, business disputes, commercial litigation, personal injury claims, employer/employee disputes, trade secret and unfair competition claims, real estate litigation, contract disputes, and general advice and counsel. Mr. Martin maintains a regular blog on legal and other issues at www.landshark5000.wordpress.com. Mr. Martin regularly appears in both State and Federal Courts throughout California, before the Trademark...

Vincent Tong is an award winning, community oriented lawyer. He is the founder of TONG LAW, an employment business law firm located in beautiful downtown Oakland, California. Vincent exclusively represents employees in employment litigation and businesses in business-to-business disputes. In his business transactions practice, Vincent counsels individuals on forming and growing their social ventures. Connect with Vincent online at www.tong-law.com.

I began practicing law in 1990. Prior to beginning my career, I attended UCLA from 1983-1987 with a B.A. in History. I then attended the University of California College of the Law San Francisco from 1987 to 1990. I have also been a licensed California Real Estate Broker since 1996. My main practice areas include Probate and Trust Administration, and full-service Real Estate attorney and broker services. I have brokered hundreds of real estate transactions throughout the Bay Area since 1996. Call me for a free consultation at 510.292.0193. If you prefer...

The Law Office of Matt Sullivan is dedicated exclusively to criminal defense. The office defends individuals accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses throughout the Bay Area. The office has successfully defended many clients, including small business owners, tech workers, college students, nurses, firefighters, police officers, attorneys, and regular citizens. Matt Sullivan is a University of San Francisco Law School graduate. Mr. Sullivan was selected to the 2018-2024 Northern California Super Lawyers list in the practice area of criminal defense. Prior to opening his own office he was a trial attorney in the Marin Public Defender's Office, and he also worked...

Attorney licensed in California but traveling the world. Business law, contracts, and emerging technology nerd. I'm a specialist in startups and technology, so we're a perfect match if you: - need a contract or agreement written or reviewed, even if it's not tech-related - are a DAO, startup, or established business looking for legal help (even funding related!) - are a software developer or working with software devs and programmers - are interested in or planning on issuing a crypto token - have a legal question unique to technology Currently, I run my own law firm, teach Transactional Drafting at UC Boulder Law as an...

Mr. Kouretchian provides strategic counseling and customized legal service to individuals, families, entrepreneurs, estates and businesses. He specializes in the areas of Wills and Trusts and Corporate/Business Law (Formation, Governance, Finance).

If you are trying to obtain disability benefits because you are unable to do your job as a result of an illness or injury, my law firm can assist you. We can also help with any type of insurance claim that has been wrongfully denied whether it be medical insurance, homeowner’s claims, property damage or personal injury claims. Mr. Kalkin has practiced in the areas of Long Term Disability, ERISA Litigation, Personal Injury, Civil Appeals and Insurance Bad Faith for over thirty-five years. In 1989 he was elected to the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association and...

Shahzeen Karim is an accomplished litigator, well-known for her fervent support of her clients and her authoritative presence in courtrooms. Her deep experience in immigration law and her passion for impactful advocacy shape her proactive approach to legal practice. Her journey began in Chicago, where Shahzeen made her mark by handling various criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, in the courts of Cook County. Upon her move to Texas, Shahzeen honed her focus on immigration law. She initially worked with family-related immigration cases, helping clients with VAWA benefits, U Visas, hardship waivers, adjustment of status, and naturalization processes. Subsequently, she transitioned...

With decades of immigration and business immigration experience, Angela Warren has helped hundreds of individuals, families and businesses navigate US immigration issues and procure legal US visas.

Christie is an accomplished and resourceful attorney with more than three decades of successful experience in legal practice and business. As a former engineer, Christie understands what it’s like to have big ideas and struggle to realize them. She can talk you through the fundamentals of what you need to start up and grow in a language you can understand.

Feras Mousilli is a founding partner of Lloyd & Mousilli and regularly advises business clients on a range of technology law issues. He specializes in counseling technology companies from start-ups in their early formation and development, through support of multi-billion dollar business operations of the largest companies in the world.

Mr. Mousilli has served as Senior Corporate Counsel for both Apple Inc. and Dell Inc., where he counseled clients on product development and intellectual property matters, including advertising & marketing, copyright, and trademark strategies and risks. Prior to serving as corporate counsel, Mr. Mousilli practiced with DLA Piper in the intellectual...

Ryan is the founder of Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. Ryan formed the law firm in 2005 on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.

Ryan has handled numerous six, seven, and eight figure cases to successful resolution or verdict. Ryan’s recent litigation success includes the following verdicts and settlements: a settlement in the case of D.L. v. HMS Construction, Inc. et al. for $21.5 million; a jury verdict in the case of Rittger v. The Cliffs et. al. for $6.7 million; a settlement in the case...

Shay Aaron Gilmore provides superior corporate, commercial, and outside general counsel services to cannabis and hemp operators and investors throughout the legal California supply chains. Focusing on mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and other transactional matters, Shay has counseled and guided some of the most successful operators and investors in the U.S. cannabis and hemp markets. Shay is the Chair of the California Lawyers Association Cannabis Practitioners Group and has been recognized by The Los Angeles/San Francisco Daily Journal as one of the Top 20 Cannabis Lawyers in California. Super Lawyers Magazine has listed Shay as a Northern California Super...

I provide legal counsel surrounding Intellectual Property, Brand Protection and Creative Content, including the life-cycle of Trademarks and Copyrights, from registration and licensing to enforcement.

Brandon is a business and startup attorney, focusing on assisting new and emerging businesses in all of their transactional matters. He has represented clients from a wide array of industries, including tech and app developers, filmmakers, breweries, wineries and restaurants, real estate companies, and even chocolate makers. He has counseled clients on corporate formation, late stage preferred financing rounds, mergers & acquisitions, and everything in between. He also serves as outside-inside counsel, providing general counseling on all day-to-day matters, including licensing, brand management, and employee stock incentive plans. Brandon was formerly a computer programmer in the U.S. Air Force, and...

Vaughan has been serving clients internationally for over 35 years. He began his practice in California in 1981 with a clear vision of ensuring that his clients have the critical information they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

As the son of an immigrant, Vaughan understands firsthand the importance of the decisions his clients are making when they choose to pursue EB-5 for themselves and their families. He knows that it is much more than an investment decision – it shapes the future for his clients' families, including generations to come.

Vaughan is a 1981 Cum Laude...