James M. Jim Peterson
Employment Law - Management
Employment Law - Management
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In his practice, HFM Partner James “Jim” Peterson focuses on business and employment litigation.Mr. Peterson advises and litigates disputes for a number of business clients on various aspects of the employment relationship, including misappropriation of trade secrets and proprietary information, protection of customer lists and employees, discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, wage and hour laws, and wrongful termination.Mr. Peterson is an expert on employment-related class action litigation and has represented several clients on dozens of wage and hour class actions. As part of his employment law practice, he also counsels clients on hiring practices, wage and hour compliance, employment agreements, policy manuals, employee handbooks, termination decisions, lay-offs, and disability management.He has represented large, medium, and small businesses in disputes relating to contracts, competitors, vendors, real estate, securities, protection of proprietary information, and unfair business practices. Additionally, he has represented registered representatives and broker dealers in FINRA arbitrations and pre-arbitration disputes and has represented numerous professionals in negligence and breach of fiduciary duty actions.Mr. Peterson prides himself on the efficient and effective resolution of disputes with an impressive track record of successful motions for summary judgment. His ability to identify the key issues and direct discovery to show the other parties’ weaknesses leads to prompt, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of disputes. He is also able to utilize his business education to see beyond the legal issues and suggest resolution options that focus on the bottom line.In addition, Mr. Peterson is a frequent lecturer on employment-related matters and has presented programs to groups of all sizes in many different industries. He has also authored several employment-related articles that have been published in the San Diego Daily Transcript, the San Diego Business Journal, the L.A. Daily Journal, and other legal and business publications. He was recently named one of the top 75 Labor and Employment Attorneys in California by the LA Daily Journal and The Recorder. He was also named a Top Labor and Employment Lawyer by the San Diego Daily Transcript and the San Diego Business Journal. In addition, he has been selected as a San Diego Super Lawyer® each year since 2014. In his practice, HFM Partner James “Jim” Peterson focuses on business and employment litigation.Mr. Peterson advises and litigates disputes for a number of business clients on various aspects of the employment relationship, including misappropriation of trade secrets and proprietary information, protection of customer lists and employees, discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, wage and hour laws, and wrongful termination.Mr. Peterson is an expert on employment-related class action litigation and has represented several clients on dozens of wage and hour class actions. As part of his employment law practice, he also counsels clients on hiring practices, wage and hour compliance, employment agreements, policy manuals, employee handbooks, termination decisions, lay-offs, and disability management.He has represented large, medium, and small businesses in disputes relating to contracts, competitors, vendors, real estate, securities, protection of proprietary information, and unfair business practices. Additionally, he has represented registered representatives and broker dealers in FINRA arbitrations and pre-arbitration disputes and has represented numerous professionals in negligence and breach of fiduciary duty actions.Mr. Peterson prides himself on the efficient and effective resolution of disputes with an impressive track record of successful motions for summary judgment. His ability to identify the key issues and direct discovery to show the other parties’ weaknesses leads to prompt, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of disputes. He is also able to utilize his business education to see beyond the legal issues and suggest resolution options that focus on the bottom line.In addition, Mr. Peterson is a frequent lecturer on employment-related matters and has presented programs to groups of all sizes in many different industries. He has also authored several employment-related articles that have been published in the San Diego Daily Transcript, the San Diego Business Journal, the L.A. Daily Journal, and other legal and business publications. He was recently named one of the top 75 Labor and Employment Attorneys in California by the LA Daily Journal and The Recorder. He was also named a Top Labor and Employment Lawyer by the San Diego Daily Transcript and the San Diego Business Journal. In addition, he has been selected as a San Diego Super Lawyer® each year since 2014. In his practice, HFM Partner James “Jim” Peterson focuses on business and employment litigation. Mr. As part of his employment law practice, he also counsels clients on hiring practices, wage and hour compliance, employment agreements, policy manuals, employee handbooks, termination decisions, lay-offs, and disability management. He has represented large, medium, and small businesses in disputes relating to contracts, competitors, vendors, real estate, securities, protection of proprietary information, and unfair business practices. Additionally, he has represented registered representatives and broker dealers in FINRA arbitrations and pre-arbitration disputes and has represented numerous professionals in negligence and breach of fiduciary duty actions. Mr. Peterson prides himself on the efficient and effective resolution of disputes with an impressive track record of successful motions for summary judgment. His ability to identify the key issues and direct discovery to show the other parties’ weaknesses leads to prompt, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of disputes. He is also able to utilize his business education to see beyond the legal issues and suggest resolution options that focus on the bottom line. In addition, Mr. Peterson is a frequent lecturer on employment-related matters and has presented programs to groups of all sizes in many different industries. He was also named a Top Labor and Employment Lawyer by the San Diego Daily Transcript and the San Diego Business Journal. In addition, he has been selected as a San Diego Super Lawyer® each year since 2014.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2021
Michael Edwards
I was fortunate to work with Jim Peterson on a complex employment litigation case involving a wrongful termination dispute. Jim's 37 years of experience and deep understanding of labor and employment law were evident from the start. He quickly grasped the nuances of my case and provided strategic guidance that gave me confidence throughout the process. His reputation as one of the Best Lawyers in America (2021) is well-deserved - his negotiation skills and courtroom presence are truly exceptional. Jim handled multiple motion hearings with precision, always anticipating the other side's arguments and countering them effectively. The firm's general practice background proved invaluable as my case had overlapping business and employment law components. Jim kept me informed at every step, explaining legal concepts in a way that was easy to understand without oversimplifying the complexities. His professionalism and personal touch made a stressful situation more manageable. The case resolved favorably, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. If you need a top-tier employment litigator, Jim Peterson is the attorney to call.
Timothy Miller
Working with Jim Peterson on my business litigation matter was an outstanding experience. His 37 years of experience in employment and business law were immediately evident in how he handled my case. Jim’s deep understanding of labor and employment disputes, recognized by Best Lawyers in America, gave me confidence from the start. He meticulously analyzed the details of my contract dispute and developed a strategic approach that led to a favorable resolution. Jim’s professionalism and dedication were remarkable—he was always prepared, responsive, and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome. His expertise in litigation, particularly in management-side employment law, proved invaluable. Higgs Fletcher & Mack is fortunate to have such a skilled and respected attorney on their team. I highly recommend Jim Peterson to anyone needing a top-tier business litigator.
Paul Young
Working with Jim Peterson was a seamless and professional experience. As a business owner facing a complex employment dispute, I needed an attorney with deep expertise in labor and employment law. Jim's 37 years of experience at Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP was evident from our first meeting. He not only understood the nuances of my case but also provided clear, strategic guidance tailored to my business needs. His recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® (2021) and his expertise in litigation gave me confidence throughout the process. Jim's ability to navigate negotiations and courtroom proceedings was exceptional, ultimately securing a favorable outcome. His professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best possible result were outstanding. I highly recommend Jim Peterson for any employment-related legal matters—his expertise and client-focused approach are unmatched.
Jonathan Kim
Jim Peterson handled a complex employment contract dispute with precision and expertise. His 37 years of experience in business and employment litigation were evident in how he navigated the intricacies of the case. Recognized as a Best Lawyer in America, Jim’s strategic approach and deep knowledge of labor laws secured a favorable outcome. His professionalism and dedication were evident throughout, making the process smooth and reassuring. Highly recommend for any employment-related legal matters.
Jeffrey Allen
Jim Peterson handled my business dispute with precision and expertise. His 37 years of experience and recognition as a Best Lawyer in America were evident in his strategic approach. While he secured a favorable outcome in our employment litigation case, I wish his response times between updates were slightly more consistent. Highly recommend for business and employment law matters.
Richard Morales
Jim Peterson's expertise in business and employment litigation saved our company from a costly legal dispute. His 37 years of experience and recognition in Best Lawyers in America were evident from the start. He handled a complex employment dispute with precision, leveraging his deep understanding of labor laws and management-side strategies. Jim's strategic approach and calm demeanor under pressure were instrumental in achieving a favorable settlement. His ability to articulate intricate legal concepts in a clear, actionable manner made the process less daunting. The entire team at Higgs Fletcher & Mack demonstrated professionalism and responsiveness throughout. Jim's M.B.A. background also added a valuable business perspective to our case. I highly recommend him for any employment or business litigation needs—outstanding results and unparalleled expertise.
Anna Murphy
Jim Peterson is an outstanding attorney with a remarkable depth of experience in business and employment litigation. I was impressed by his ability to navigate complex legal challenges with both precision and persistence. His strategic approach to resolving our employment dispute not only protected our company but also reinforced our workplace culture. Jim's recognition by The Best Lawyers in America speaks volumes about his expertise, and his 37 years of experience were evident in the way he handled every aspect of our case. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, his professionalism and dedication were unwavering. Jim's advice was clear, actionable, and grounded in his extensive background in labor and employment law. Thanks to his efforts, we avoided a costly and damaging litigation process. I highly recommend Jim Peterson for any business or employment legal matters—he is a true professional who delivers exceptional results.
Linda Gutierrez
Jim Peterson handled my business litigation case with impressive depth of experience, particularly in employment disputes. His strategic advice and thorough understanding of labor law were instrumental in resolving my case favorably. While his expertise and recognition (like Best Lawyers in America) are well-deserved, I noticed a slight delay in response times. However, his 37 years of practice and insights into California employment law made the outcome well worth it. Highly recommend for complex business litigation.
Stephen Lopez
Jim Peterson expertly handled my complex employment dispute with precision and a deep understanding of labor laws. His 37 years of experience and recognition in Best Lawyers in America were evident in his strategic approach to resolving my case. While I was thoroughly impressed with his legal acumen and professionalism, I felt the response time to emails could be improved for clients in urgent situations. He effectively settled a wrongful termination claim, saving me from a lengthy court battle. His business litigation advice was invaluable, and I’d recommend him for employment and general business disputes. Costs were reasonable, but slightly higher than expected for the time involved.
Ryan Allen
Jim Peterson handled a complex wrongful termination case for our company with the utmost professionalism and expertise. With 37 years of experience in business and employment litigation, his deep knowledge of California labor laws and his track record in management-side employment disputes were evident throughout the process. He was thorough in his case preparation, strategic in negotiations, and ultimately secured a favorable settlement that protected our business interests. His recognition in The Best Lawyers in America is well-deserved – he’s an exceptional advocate who combines legal acumen with genuine client care. Highly recommend him for any employment-related litigation.