Our Attorneys

Padilla Law Group, LLP

Jeff Padilla

Founding Partner

Jeff Padilla, founding partner of Padilla Law Group, LLP, earned his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2005 and passed the California Bar Exam that same year. Even before becoming an attorney, Jeff spent over two years as a law clerk at Padilla Law Group, where he assisted with the firm’s work on behalf of victims of negligence and wrongful conduct.

Since being sworn in, Jeff has represented hundreds of clients and achieved numerous successful trial outcomes. His experience spans cases involving car accidents, product defects, premises liability, industrial accidents, toxic exposure, and business or real estate disputes involving fraud or negligent misrepresentation.

Jeff’s dedication and skill have earned him recognition as one of California’s Top 40 Under 40 by both the National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates. He has also been named among San Diego’s Top Attorneys by the San Diego Daily Transcript, San Diego Magazine, and the San Diego Business Journal. In addition, he holds Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent rating and has been selected for the prestigious Super Lawyers list. In 2015, Jeff graduated from the renowned Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College.

A San Diego native, Jeff lives in Del Sur with his wife, fellow attorney Christine Padilla—who focuses on estate planning—and their two daughters. Outside the courtroom, Jeff enjoys surfing, golfing, and camping.

Michael Padilla

Founder

Michael Padilla is widely recognized as one of Southern California’s top civil trial attorneys and the founder of Padilla Law Group, LLP. A graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law (1975), Michael began his legal career at the respected San Diego firm Higgs, Fletcher & Mack, specializing in civil litigation. By 1984, he transitioned to plaintiff’s personal injury law, becoming a partner at Thorsnes, Bartolotta, McGuire & Padilla, where he practiced until co-founding Padilla Law Group with Scott O’Mara in 1999.

Throughout his career, Michael has served as a board member and advisor to numerous professional, civic, and charitable organizations, including the President’s Council at California State University San Marcos, the 22nd Agricultural District (which oversees the Del Mar Fairgrounds), and the American Red Cross.

Michael has tried and won numerous high-stakes cases involving automobile accidents, construction site injuries, product liability, mass torts, railroad and aviation accidents, and other catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters.

Michael’s excellence in the courtroom has earned him the Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award from his peers in 1996, 2010, and in the present day. He is also prominently published in Brown v. MCI, a landmark Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision holding that certain billing practices outside FCC tariffs violated the Communications Act and were subject to federal class action litigation.

Michael lives in Rancho Santa Fe with his wife, Kelly, and their blended family of six children—including his son, Jeff, a fellow personal injury attorney. Outside of law, he enjoys golf, skiing, and fishing.