Hoffman & Forde, Attorneys at Law, A.P.C.

Are you feeling unsure about which area of law to focus on in your studies? Many law students hesitate to explore different areas and instead stick to one field. This can lead to a narrow understanding of the law and limit their chances of discovering what they truly enjoy. Attorney Daniel R. Forde encourages you to try different areas of law during your studies. Clerk at a real estate firm one semester, then explore litigation or estate planning another time. This helps you see what fits you best and lets you make informed decisions about your future. 🧑⚖️ Daniel shares his own experience: When he began clerking at a securities litigation firm, he didn’t realize how important it was to explore other fields. Now, he understands that trying various areas can help you find what you love and also narrow down where you want to focus. While exploring is important, getting really good at an area you like will help you succeed in your career. On the other hand, Attorney Ian McKinley offers a different, yet equally valuable perspective "Law school gives you the basics, but real learning starts in practice. Focus on the important rules, not the small details. Instead of trying many clerkships, choose one area you love and get really good at it. This will help you succeed in your practice.” ✨ Ian's advice highlights the importance of depth over breadth. While trying different fields can give you perspective, specializing early in an area that excites you allows for deeper learning and expertise. Specialization is key to building confidence and success as you progress in your legal career. Both approaches have merit. Exploring helps you understand your interests, but once you find your passion, focusing on excelling in that area will be key to long-term success. Start by seeking clerkship opportunities in different fields to see what resonates with you. But once you find that area of law you truly love, commit to it, and build expertise for a successful and fulfilling career. To learn more about Daniel R. Forde, our Shareholder, and his approach, visit our website. Link in bio! Follow us for valuable advice and insights from experienced legal professionals on your path to success! ⚖️ --- #hoffmanandforde #californiaattorneys #californialawfirm #sandiegoattorneys #sandiegolawfirm #sdlawyers #sdattorneys #legalservices #attorneyadvice #studentlawtips #lawschoolcommunity #prelawlife #lawstudent

Starting out in law school and your career can be challenging. Here’s some valuable advice from Ian McKinley, a leading attorney at our firm. 👇 Ian McKinley recommends focusing on the key rules and specializing in one area of law instead of switching between different clerkships. This focused approach helps you build strong skills and stand out in your career. Understanding and applying this advice is important for long-term success. By dedicating yourself to one area, you gain valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit your career. To learn more about Ian Mckinley and his approach, visit our website. Link in bio! Follow us for valuable advice and insights from experienced legal professionals on your path to success! ⚖️ --- #hoffmanandforde #californiaattorneys #sandiegoattorneys #sdattorneys #attorneyadvice #lawschooltips #lawschoolcommunity #lawstudentdiscussion #prelawlife #legalcareergoals #futureattorneys

Meet Michael Stuart, Esq. – Our 'Of Counsel' Criminal Defense Attorney. Michael started as a public defender in 2005, gaining valuable experience and a reputation for dedication and skill. In 2009, he opened his practice, helping around 2000 clients with criminal charges and 400 with restraining orders. Areas of Expertise: 🔹Criminal Defense 🔹Traffic tickets 🔹Misdemeanors 🔹Felonies 🔹Restraining Orders 🔹Domestic violence restraining orders 🔹Civil harassment restraining orders 🔹Civil Litigation 🔹Administrative Law Specializing in criminal defense, Michael handles everything from traffic tickets to serious crimes and restraining orders. His commitment and personalized approach have led to many success stories and positive reviews. Why Choose Michael? 🔹 Nearly 20 years of experience 🔹 Personalized attention 🔹 Proven success Michael’s philosophy: “I have dedicated my career to defending clients in criminal cases and restraining order matters, striving to provide effective representation and achieve favorable outcomes.” To learn more about Michael Stuart background, visit his profile on our website. Link in bio! 👉 NEED LEGAL ADVICE? If you or someone you know needs reliable criminal defense, contact us at 619-546-7880 and schedule a consultation. Our intake specialist will converse with you and collect the essential information needed to assess your matter. Take the first step towards securing your defense! --- #hoffmanandforde #californiaattorneys #californialawyers #californialawfirm #sandiegoattorneys #sandiegolawyers #sandiegolawfirm #sdlawyers #sdattorneys #legalprofessional #legalservices #legalindustry #lawyerlife #attorneyhighlight

Our outstanding H&F female attorneys enjoyed a delightful luncheon at Mister A’s!  It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share insights, and celebrate each other’s achievements in a beautiful setting. Here’s to strong women empowering one another and making a difference every day! --- #hoffmanandforde #californialawyers #californialawfirm #sandiegolawyers #sandiegolawfirm #californiaattorneys #sandiegoattorneys #sdlawyers #womeninlaw

We are excited to announce Joelle Garfinkel as the newest paralegal at Hoffman & Forde! Joelle’s impressive background and dedication make her an excellent addition to our team. With a solid foundation in real estate law and civil litigation, she is well-prepared to offer outstanding legal solutions to our clients. 🎓 Joelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and a paralegal certification from the University of San Diego School of Law. Her educational background supports her role in providing excellent legal support. 💼 Her career includes significant work in Trusts, Estates, Probate, and Real Estate, coupled with valuable business experience that gives her a unique perspective as a paralegal. Joelle's commitment to providing great service and her ability to handle challenging legal matters will be invaluable to our firm. We are confident that her skills will enhance our team’s ability to serve our clients effectively. Please join us in welcoming Joelle to the Hoffman & Forde family! To learn more about Joelle, visit her profile on our website. The link is in our bio! --- #hoffmanandforde #sandiegolawfirm #californialawfirm #sandiegoparalegal #sandiegoparalegals #californiaparalegal #californiaparalegals #realestate #lawfirmparalegal #newteammember #realestatelaw #newparalegal #legalprofessionals

Considering a legal career? Here’s some advice from Michael Dicks, our Senior Trial Attorney. 👇 Starting a career in law is a major decision, and gaining practical experience is essential. Michael Dicks, our respected Senior Trial Attorney, emphasizes the importance of internships and observing experienced attorneys. This hands-on approach provides a clearer picture of what working in law truly involves. Why is this advice important? Mastering the law goes beyond memorizing rules and cases. It involves understanding the reasoning behind legal principles and learning how to apply them in various situations. Michael stresses that real courtroom experience helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making your learning more effective. How can you apply this advice? Engage in internships and observe legal professionals to develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of how the law functions in real life. This experience not only enriches your knowledge but also prepares you for the complexities of a legal career. Interested in starting your legal journey? Follow Michael’s advice and look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience to build a strong foundation for your future in law. To learn more about Michael Dicks and his approach, visit our website. Link in bio! Follow us for valuable advice and insights from experienced legal professionals on your path to success! ⚖️ --- #hoffmanandforde #californialawyers #californialawfirm #sandiegolawyers #sandiegolawfirm #sdlawyers #lawschooltips #studentlawtips #lawschoolcommunity #lawstudentdiscussion #womeninlaw

We are proud to feature Lily Korpman, whose path from Ukraine to becoming a dedicated paralegal at Hoffman & Forde is truly inspiring. After moving to the U.S. for her college education in law and business, Lily faced the challenge of transitioning from academic learning to a fast-paced legal environment. Lily approaches these challenges with her guiding motto, “One challenge at a time.” This strategy helps her manage her workload and handle difficult matters effectively. By focusing on one project at a time, she ensures thorough and careful completion of each task. Her story underscores the value of perseverance and organization in overcoming the difficulties of the legal field. Lily’s dedication and adaptability serve as a powerful example of achieving success. 👉 Want to learn more about our team at Hoffman & Forde? Follow us for more inspiring stories and insights, and get in touch if you’re looking for skilled legal support. To learn more about Lily Korpman, visit our website. Link in the bio! --- #hoffmanandforde #californialawyers #californialawfirm #sandiegolawyers #sandiegolawfirm #sdlawyers #legalindustry #legalprofessional #attorneyhighlight

Meet Dalia Astalos, whose journey is marked by integrity and passion. Dalia's path to becoming an attorney was guided by her grandfather’s encouragement. His belief in her potential sparked a passion for law that she has carried throughout her career. With a strong foundation in real estate and litigation, Dalia now combines her knowledge and experience to succeed in landlord-tenant law, personal injury, general civil litigation, partnership disputes, and business litigation. Dalia's method of building relationships with clients is based on honesty and clear communication. "When asked about my approach to building relationships and gaining clients' trust, I said it's all about honesty and transparency. By being straightforward, we earn our clients' trust. This trust not only guides us through the litigation process but also leads to heartfelt recommendations." Dalia’s story is a testament to the dedication and resilience needed to succeed in the legal field. For more about Dalia Astalos, visit our website. Link in the bio! --- #hoffmanandforde #californialawyers #californialawfirm #sandiegolawyers #sandiegolawfirm #sdlawyers #legalindustry #legalprofessional #attorneyhighlight #legalcareer #womeninlaw

We're excited to introduce Alanna Haefner, our new Associate Attorney at Hoffman & Forde! Alanna's dedication and skills make her a valuable addition to our team, and we are thrilled to share her journey with you. ABOUT ALANNA HAEFNER Alanna brings a wealth of experience in real estate transactions, litigation, and tax consulting. Her commitment to the clients and her ability to handle challenging legal situations ensure that our firm continues to deliver top-quality legal solutions. Education Background 🔹 Juris Doctorate (J.D.), Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University 🔹 Dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and Political Science, Penn State University 🔹 Studied international reporting in Hong Kong Professional Experience 🔹 Interned at local news stations 🔹 Worked as a production assistant for an international news bureau in Washington, D.C. 🔹 Legal intern for the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and the Innocence Project 🔹 Began career in tax consulting, providing planning and compliance services 🔹 Moved into real estate law, representing clients in residential and commercial transactions, civil litigation, and contractual disputes 🔹 Member of the San Diego County Bar Association and the Los Angeles County Bar Association Her commitment to clients and her ability to handle challenging legal situations make her a valuable addition to our team. Welcome, Alanna! Learn more about Alanna on our website, the link is in our bio! --- #hoffmanandforde #californialawyers #californialawfirm #sandiegolawyers #sandiegolawfirm #sdlawyers #womeninlaw #californiaattorney #newteammember #realestatelaw #litigation #taxconsulting

What makes a day fulfilling for you? For Stefan Seper, it's the joy of working with colleagues and achieving positive client outcomes. Stefan's journey to becoming an attorney was unique. He was accepted to Georgetown Law School but chose to spend 13 years as an EMT paramedic instead. The call to law always lingered, and he eventually answered it, bringing a wealth of life experience to his practice. 💼 "My favorite aspect of this current job is my colleagues. Completing a task or resolving a dispute favorably for a client is also highly enjoyable. Legal disputes are lengthy, so positive outcomes are special." As an Associate and Head of the Landlord-Tenant department at Hoffman & Forde, Stefan guides clients through their legal journey, ensuring they understand every step. His approach is rooted in empathy and clear communication, making challenging legal issues manageable. Stefan's commitment to law extends beyond his practice. He has taught Mock Trial courses, inspiring high school students and fostering a love for the legal field. When asked what inspires him in his legal career, Stefan finds meaning in this quote: "Your legal career is but a means to an end, and... that end is building the kingdom of God." - Amy Coney Barrett, 2023. His advice to aspiring attorneys? "It's a marathon, not a sprint." We are truly fortunate to have Stefan on our team. His expertise and dedication make a significant impact on Hoffman & Forde! For more about Stefan Seper, visit our website. Link in the bio! --- #hoffmanandforde #californialawyers #californialawfirm #sandiegolawyers #sandiegolawfirm #sdlawyers #legalindustry #legalprofessional #attorneyhighlight