SAN DIEGO (January 16, 2026): Higgs Fletcher & Mack (HFM) is proud to announce attorneys Steven M. Brunolli and Ryan M. Simone have been named as the firm’s newest partners, effective January 1, 2026.

“Stevie and Ryan have earned the respect of their clients and colleagues through their exceptional legal talent and professionalism,” said Jim Peterson, HFM’s Managing Partner. “As HFM’s newest partners, I am confident they will continue to contribute to the firm’s strength, and the success of our clients. Congratulations to Stevie and Ryan on this significant career milestone.”

Brunolli is an appellate attorney who works on writs and appeals across a wide range of practice areas, including business litigation, employment law, probate and family law. He represents clients in all stages of the appellate process—from issue preservation in the trial court to briefing and oral argument before the California Courts of Appeal and Ninth Circuit. He also assists with dispositive motions in the trial court, such as motions for summary judgment, and post-trial motions. Brunolli is a regular presenter on best practices for issue preservation, navigating the appeals process, and common pitfalls that can jeopardize an appeal. He also serves as a resource for in-house counsel and trial attorneys seeking to ensure their cases are “appeal – ready.” He earned his law degree from California Western School of Law and previously earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from San Diego State University.

Simone is a member of HFM’s Business Litigation and Health Care Law practice groups. His practice primarily concerns areas of complex civil litigation and defense of healthcare providers, including national healthcare entities, inpatient and outpatient medical treatment centers, and individual medical professionals. Simone represents both large healthcare institutions and individual providers in business disputes and professional liability matters. Simone has also successfully tried cases to jury verdict and has favorably resolved numerous matters as defense counsel through summary judgment. In addition, Simone has significant experience in general commercial and business litigation, including matters involving breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and misappropriation of trade secrets in both State and Federal Courts. Beyond his legal practice, Simone serves on the Leadership Development Committee of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, San Diego Chapter, and is a member of The Louis M. Welsh American Inn of Court and the California Society of Health Care Attorneys. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fresno.

About Higgs Fletcher & Mack
Higgs Fletcher & Mack is a full-service law firm that serves diverse individuals and industries. For over 85 years, the firm has worked tirelessly with companies and people that need legal counsel and representation in and out of the courtroom. Higgs Fletcher & Mack’s over 75 attorneys have experience in multiple fields of law, and its internal network of legal professionals frequently coordinate in practice area groups that have multi-disciplinary dimensions, helping clients make a more informed decision. The firm is actively recruiting partner-level talent in complimentary practice areas to provide legal services in the San Diego region and beyond.