Hanson Bridgett Elevates Four Attorneys to Partner
January 5, 2026 (San Francisco, CA) - Hanson Bridgett LLP is pleased to announce that the firm has promoted Josue Aparicio, Erica Brinitzer-Graff, David Casarrubias-González, and Elisha Yang to partner, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
“These promotions reflect not only exceptional legal talent, but also a deep commitment to client service, collaboration, and our firm’s values,” said Hanson Bridgett Managing Partner Kristina D. Lawson. “Josue, Erica, David, and Elisha each bring leadership, authentic perspective, and a strong sense of purpose to their work. We are proud to welcome them to the partnership and excited for the impact they will continue to make for our clients and our firm.”
The new partners:
Josue Aparicio specializes in representing public and private employers in state and federal employment litigation involving claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and breach of contract. He also has extensive experience handling complex wage-and-hour class action litigation. He has been recognized by Negocios Now’s 40 Under 40 list (2025), as well as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2025-2026). He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law.
Erica Brinitzer-Graff works closely with private companies on a diverse range of complex land use and real estate matters, including entitling mitigation banks, negotiating conservation easements, acquiring/disposing of mitigation/conservation and development lands, land use entitlements, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, subdivision mapping, zoning law matters, administrative approvals, development agreements, and right of way acquisitions. Erica also has knowledge negotiating the terms of public-private partnerships for large-scale restoration projects throughout the country. She earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of San Diego.
David Casarrubias-González focuses his practice on public agency litigation with an emphasis on complex matters, class actions, and multi-party litigation. With a background in writs, appeals, and law and motion, David brings invaluable knowledge and a unique perspective to his cases. In state court, David is experienced with the California Government Claims Act and the array of defenses it provides to public agencies. In federal court, David routinely defends special districts, counties, and state departments against various constitutional claims. He has been recognized by Lawdragon 500 X’s The Next Generation list (2023-2025), Super Lawyers (2023-2024), and has received the California Lawyers Association’s Wiley W. Manuel Pro Bono Legal Services Award (2018-2024). He received his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach, and his law degree from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings).
Elisha Yang brings a broad array of transactional experience to her commercial and real estate legal matters. She counsels clients in the food and beverage industry in contract negotiations, including procurement contracts, services agreements, co-manufacturing arrangements, and trademark licensing agreements. In her real estate practice, Elisha regularly counsels real estate owners and investors in the acquisition and disposition of commercial real property, including agricultural land, office buildings, and senior care facilities. She has represented both landlords and tenants in commercial leases, and borrowers and lenders in real estate financing. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers (2020-2023) and received the California Lawyers Association’s Wiley W. Manuel Pro Bono Legal Services Award (2021). She received her undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco and her law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.
About Hanson Bridgett LLP
Hanson Bridgett LLP is an Am Law 200 law firm with 200+ attorneys and offices across California. Deeply rooted in the state’s legal landscape, the firm serves clients nationwide across industries including construction, corporate and risk management, government and transportation, employer services, health and senior care, wealth management, and real estate and environment. Hanson Bridgett also leads in legal innovation for technology and water, advising on infrastructure modernization, digital transformation, and sustainable water solutions. As the first law firm certified as a B Corp, the firm is committed to public service, sustainability, and strengthening communities in California and beyond.