Hanson Bridgett Attorneys Named in 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
SAN FRANCISCO – Aug. 21, 2025 – Hanson Bridgett LLP is pleased to announce that 20 of the firm’s attorneys will be included in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers within the The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers' Ones to Watch® categories.
In addition, we'd like to especially congratulate San Francisco–based partner and health and senior care practice group leader, Pamela Kaufmann, who has been named Lawyer of the Year for nonprofit/charities law in San Francisco, one of the publication’s most distinguished honors awarded to only a single lawyer in each practice area and geographic region annually.
Best Lawyers recognition is determined entirely through peer review, reflecting the consensus of leading attorneys regarding the professional excellence of their colleagues within the same practice and geographic legal markets.
Hanson Bridgett's 2026 Best Lawyers in America Honorees
Los Angeles, CA
Alex R. Baghdassarian (Recognized since 2015) – Construction Law
Claire Hervey Collins (Recognized since 2016) – Real Estate Law
Tamar Terzian (Recognized since 2022) – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Sacramento, CA
Daniel I. Spector (Recognized since 2024) – Litigation - Trusts and Estates; Trusts and Estates
San Francisco, CA
Samir Abdelnour (Recognized since 2024) – Environmental Law
Howard William Ashcraft, Jr. (Recognized since 2006) – Construction Law; Litigation - Construction
Paul A. Gordon (Recognized since 2016) – Litigation - Health Care
Pamela S. Kaufmann (Recognized since 2009) – Nonprofit/Charities Law (Lawyer of the Year)
Kristina D. Lawson (Recognized since 2019) – Land Use and Zoning Law
Robert A. McFarlane (Recognized since 2024) – Litigation - Intellectual Property
Garner Weng (Recognized since 2024) – Litigation - Intellectual Property
Walnut Creek, CA
James F. Eastman (Recognized since 2016) – Real Estate Law
Hanson Bridgett's 2026 Ones to Watch Honorees
Los Angeles, CA
Alexa Galloway (Recognized since 2024) – Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Stella Padilla (Recognized since 2025) – Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Litigation
Heather K. Rizza (Recognized since 2026) – Litigation - Construction
Sewar K. Sunnaa (Recognized since 2024) – Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Litigation - Construction
Sacramento, CA
Kendall Fisher-Wu (Recognized since 2025) – Litigation - Labor and Employment
San Francisco, CA
Josue Aparicio (Recognized since 2023) – Litigation - Labor and Employment
Niran S. Somasundaram (Recognized since 2023) – Commercial Litigation
Rebecca Dunlevy Takacs (Recognized since 2026) – Construction Law
About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is an elite global network of legal professionals recognized through trusted, peer-reviewed distinction. Each year, more than 13 million confidential evaluations are collected worldwide, contributing to one of the legal industry’s most rigorous and trusted vetting processes. Only about 5% of lawyers in the United States and 3% globally are recognized, reflecting the selectivity and credibility of the results. Proprietary safeguards are in place to reduce bias and uphold the accuracy of the peer feedback.
About Hanson Bridgett LLP
Hanson Bridgett LLP is an Am Law 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys and offices across California. Rooted in California and well-versed in its complex legal landscape, the firm proudly serves clients nationwide. The firm is structured to support businesses, public agencies, nonprofits, and individuals spanning industries including: construction, corporate and risk management, government and transportation, employer services, health and senior care, wealth management, real estate and environment, and more. As the first law firm certified as a B Corp, Hanson Bridgett is deeply committed to public service, sustainability, and advancing the communities where we live and work – in California and beyond.