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

Meet Magdalena Valdez, Paralegal at Hoffman & Forde! Magdalena’s journey into law shows her dedication and love for helping others. She has been working in the legal field since 2006, specializing in general Civil Litigation and Real Estate Litigation, along with Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Medical Malpractice, and Employment Law. She earned an Associate degree in Paralegal studies from Southwestern College and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix. Before joining Hoffman & Forde, Magdalena worked at a San Diego law firm handling Employment and Labor Law matters across California. "I chose the paralegal field because it combines my passion for organization and problem-solving with the chance to make a difference. Knowing I’ve completed a task and helped move the matter forward is incredibly rewarding. For me, it’s all about getting the job done and doing it well." she says. Magdalena is fluent in English and Spanish and is a member of the San Diego Paralegal Association and the San Diego Legal Secretary Association. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, watching movies, reading, and spending time with her husband and two adult children. She’s also active in her church, giving back to her community. At Hoffman & Forde, Magdalena brings her skills, focus, and passion to every matter she works on, helping clients with care and attention. 👉 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 Magdalena Valdez, visit our website. Link in the bio! --- #hoffmanandforde #californialawfirm #sandiegolawfirm #paralegalhighlight #legalprofession #paralegalspotlight #paralegallife #legaljourney #legalprofession

Are you beginning your legal journey or navigating the challenges of law school? Stefan Seper, an Associate Attorney at Hoffman & Forde, offers some important advice for those entering the legal profession.👇 "Law is a marathon, not a sprint. While the fast-paced nature of the field may tempt you to rush, true success comes from persistence, patience, and a focus on long-term goals. Law is about growth, not shortcuts." Why it matters? In a profession as demanding as law, it’s essential to take a measured, steady approach to development. Focusing on incremental growth and consistently honing your skills will position you for lasting success. How can you apply this advice? Whether you're preparing for your first legal exam or handling your initial case, focus on continual learning and development. Success in law doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent effort over time. Follow us for valuable advice and insights from experienced legal professionals on your path to success! ⚖️ --- #hoffmanandforde #attorneyadvice #studentlawtips #lawstudents #lawschoolcommunity #lawstudentdiscussion

Dreams often take us in surprising directions. For Angela Elpers Barnes, her journey to becoming an attorney started with a goal to hold public office. In high school, Angela was chosen as a summer Page in the House of Representatives. Surrounded by members of Congress with law degrees, she was inspired by their dedication to serving others. While she later decided against a political career, her love for the legal profession took root and has been her driving passion ever since. Angela’s story shows how experiences can shape our paths and lead us to fulfilling careers we may not have imagined at first. 💡 What inspired you to pursue your career? Whether you're a student, legal professional, or exploring new opportunities, we’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments! 👉 Learn more about Angela Barnes here: https://lnkd.in/gW8SSUsa --- #hoffmanandforde #californiaattorneys #sandiegoattorneys #sdlawyers #sdattorneys #attorneyinspiration #attorneyjourney #lawjourney #legalprofession

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