Attorney/CEO – HUFF, ESQ.
Michel René Huff (“Huff”) graduated Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota Law School. After graduating, Huff served as the United States Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable James M. Rosenbaum (Chief Judge, Ret.) in the Federal District Court. Before becoming a lawyer, Huff was a patrol supervisor and police officer in Houston, Harris County, Texas. He gained valuable experience handling critical, high-conflict, and multicultural issues during this time.
Huff is passionate about providing exceptional service.
When Huff is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, including a Boa Constrictor, Hum (pronounced “hoom”). He also loves music, travel, and weight training.
Michel René Huff (“Huff”) graduated Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota Law School. After graduating, Huff served as the United States Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable James M. Rosenbaum (Chief Judge, Ret.) in the Federal District Court. Before becoming a lawyer, Huff was a patrol supervisor and police officer in Houston, Harris County, Texas. He gained valuable experience handling critical, high-conflict, and multicultural issues during this time.
Huff is passionate about providing exceptional service.
When Huff is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, including a Boa Constrictor, Hum (pronounced “hoom”). He also loves music, travel, and weight training.
Huff’s most recent affiliations:
The Alameda County Bar Association, Barristers – Executive Committee
The Alameda County Bar Association, ADR – Executive Committee
California Lawyers Association, Diversity Outreach Advisory Committee
Charles Houston Bar Association, Member
Huff’s Admissions:
The State Bar of California
United States District Court for the Northern District of California
United States District Court for the Central District of California
United States District Court for the Southern District of California
David Nelson, Associate
Mr. Nelson earned his B.A. from Arizona State University in 2002 and his J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2005. While in law school, he served as a member of the Southern California Law Review.
Mr. Nelson represents clients from a variety of different industries in litigation matters and complex commercial disputes, including consumer class action litigation, commercial contract disputes, intellectual property, antitrust, unfair competition, product liability, toxic tort defense, commercial real estate disputes, franchise disputes, and partnership disputes.
A few examples of Mr. Nelson’s recent engagements are:
- Defending global retailer in Herbal Supplements Marketing and Sales Practices Multidistrict Litigation
- Defending internet dating website in data breach Multidistrict Litigation
- Obtained denial of class certification on behalf of major grocery retailers in coordinated food mislabeling class actions
- Successfully representing reality television producer in bet-the-company litigation against major media company
- Obtained dismissal of antitrust and unfair competition claims on behalf of prominent healthcare provider
- Obtained favorable decision and attorneys’ fee award on behalf of LLC member in arbitration dispute with company and other members
- Obtained favorable decision and attorneys’ fee award on behalf of medical groups and healthcare management company in arbitration arising from contractual and LLC member disputes
- Obtained favorable decision and attorneys’ fee award on behalf of partnership in arbitration with dissenting partners
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of insured in insurance coverage dispute concerning duty to defend in underlying lawsuit
- Secured injunction against former franchisee on behalf of national restaurant brand
- Defended global chemical distributor and global paint manufacturer in toxic tort and product liability actions
- Represented national franchisors in intellectual property and franchise disputes
Mr. Nelson earned his B.A. from Arizona State University in 2002 and his J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2005. While in law school, he served as a member of the Southern California Law Review.
Mr. Nelson represents clients from a variety of different industries in litigation matters and complex commercial disputes, including consumer class action litigation, commercial contract disputes, intellectual property, antitrust, unfair competition, product liability, toxic tort defense, commercial real estate disputes, franchise disputes, and partnership disputes.
A few examples of Mr. Nelson’s recent engagements are:
- Defending global retailer in Herbal Supplements Marketing and Sales Practices Multidistrict Litigation
- Defending internet dating website in data breach Multidistrict Litigation
- Obtained denial of class certification on behalf of major grocery retailers in coordinated food mislabeling class actions
- Successfully representing reality television producer in bet-the-company litigation against major media company
- Obtained dismissal of antitrust and unfair competition claims on behalf of prominent healthcare provider
- Obtained favorable decision and attorneys’ fee award on behalf of LLC member in arbitration dispute with company and other members
- Obtained favorable decision and attorneys’ fee award on behalf of medical groups and healthcare management company in arbitration arising from contractual and LLC member disputes
- Obtained favorable decision and attorneys’ fee award on behalf of partnership in arbitration with dissenting partners
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of insured in insurance coverage dispute concerning duty to defend in underlying lawsuit
- Secured injunction against former franchisee on behalf of national restaurant brand
- Defended global chemical distributor and global paint manufacturer in toxic tort and product liability actions
- Represented national franchisors in intellectual property and franchise disputes
Michael L. Pinkerton, Attorney at Law - Of Counsel
Michael L. Pinkerton, is of Counsel to HuffLegal, PC and brings decades of legal experience to the firm.
Attorney Pinkerton has held a number of positions of considerable responsibility in the state government sector including Chief Counsel to the California Assembly on Public Safety, Deputy State Public Defender, and Deputy Attorney General. He also served as the state Senate’s appointee to the California Dental Board where he chaired the Enforcement Committee.
His private sector achievements include managing his own firm which focused on trial, appellate, and regulatory law. Pinkerton has also held the position of Director of Government Affairs for a statewide lobbying group of insurance professionals.
Pinkerton has held academic positions at the state college, law school and post-doctoral levels, and has numerous publications in law journals and trade publications.
Michael L. Pinkerton, is of Counsel to HuffLegal, PC and brings decades of legal experience to the firm.
Attorney Pinkerton has held a number of positions of considerable responsibility in the state government sector including Chief Counsel to the California Assembly on Public Safety, Deputy State Public Defender, and Deputy Attorney General. He also served as the state Senate’s appointee to the California Dental Board where he chaired the Enforcement Committee.
His private sector achievements include managing his own firm which focused on trial, appellate, and regulatory law. Pinkerton has also held the position of Director of Government Affairs for a statewide lobbying group of insurance professionals.
Pinkerton has held academic positions at the state college, law school and post-doctoral levels, and has numerous publications in law journals and trade publications.
David M. Garland, Esq. - Of Counsel, Criminal Defense
David, a UCLA graduate of 1996 and alumnus of Lincoln Law School in Sacramento, began his legal career in the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. There, he conducted over 200 traffic-related misdemeanor and infraction bench trials as a certified law student. Prior to graduating, he was promoted to the misdemeanor trial unit, where he prosecuted a variety of criminal cases from arraignment to verdict.
In 2005, David founded his own law practice. He was appointed as a Conflict Criminal Defender for Sacramento County’s state court and a CJA panel attorney for the Eastern District of California’s federal court. In these roles, he has defended hundreds of cases throughout Northern California.
His trial experience is notable, having completed approximately 45 jury trials to verdict in cases ranging from DUI to homicide. David’s legal career is characterized by a strong foundation in criminal prosecution and defense, with a significant presence in both state and federal courts.
David, a UCLA graduate of 1996 and alumnus of Lincoln Law School in Sacramento, began his legal career in the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. There, he conducted over 200 traffic-related misdemeanor and infraction bench trials as a certified law student. Prior to graduating, he was promoted to the misdemeanor trial unit, where he prosecuted a variety of criminal cases from arraignment to verdict.
In 2005, David founded his own law practice. He was appointed as a Conflict Criminal Defender for Sacramento County’s state court and a CJA panel attorney for the Eastern District of California’s federal court. In these roles, he has defended hundreds of cases throughout Northern California.
His trial experience is notable, having completed approximately 45 jury trials to verdict in cases ranging from DUI to homicide. David’s legal career is characterized by a strong foundation in criminal prosecution and defense, with a significant presence in both state and federal courts.
Latonia “Tonia” Robinson, Esq. - Of Counsel, Criminal Defense & Personal Injury
Tonia received her LLM from Golden Gate University. Initially, her background was in police misconduct while working for civil rights attorney John L. Burris. During that time, Tonia ventured into personal injury law, eventually leading the personal injury department.
Deciding to pursue a solo career, Tonia also began practicing trademark and copyright law, as well as criminal defense. As both an attorney and a Navy Veteran, she understands the importance of providing representation in the community she serves. Her military background has endowed her with a strong sense of leadership and resilience, qualities that are invaluable in her legal practice.
This experience has also given her a broad perspective on the diverse needs of her community, enabling her to approach each case with empathy and a commitment to justice.
Tonia received her LLM from Golden Gate University. Initially, her background was in police misconduct while working for civil rights attorney John L. Burris. During that time, Tonia ventured into personal injury law, eventually leading the personal injury department.
Deciding to pursue a solo career, Tonia also began practicing trademark and copyright law, as well as criminal defense. As both an attorney and a Navy Veteran, she understands the importance of providing representation in the community she serves. Her military background has endowed her with a strong sense of leadership and resilience, qualities that are invaluable in her legal practice.
This experience has also given her a broad perspective on the diverse needs of her community, enabling her to approach each case with empathy and a commitment to justice.
Paralegal, Criminal Defense - Bianca Piedra-Rojas
Bianca Piedra-Rojas is an accomplished paralegal with a strong background in criminal defense. She is passionate about assisting clients and supporting attorneys navigating the legal system. As a future practicing attorney, Bianca primarily focuses on ensuring clients receive the best possible outcome. Bianca is dedicated to providing high-quality legal services and looks forward to assisting you.
As a Californian, Bianca spends most of her free time seeking new outdoor activities and exploring locations.
Bianca Piedra-Rojas is an accomplished paralegal with a strong background in criminal defense. She is passionate about assisting clients and supporting attorneys navigating the legal system. As a future practicing attorney, Bianca primarily focuses on ensuring clients receive the best possible outcome. Bianca is dedicated to providing high-quality legal services and looks forward to assisting you.
As a Californian, Bianca spends most of her free time seeking new outdoor activities and exploring locations.
Paralegal - Viviana Gonzalez
Viviana is an experienced paralegal. She has over five years of legal experience with a focus primarily on criminal defense and Spanish translations. She is responsible for day-to-day paralegal duties such as, speaking with clients, coordinating all attorneys’ calendars, and reviewing discovery. Viviana is ambitious and dedicated to helping others. Clients are drawn to her helpful and supportive attitude.
Viviana is an experienced paralegal. She has over five years of legal experience with a focus primarily on criminal defense and Spanish translations. She is responsible for day-to-day paralegal duties such as, speaking with clients, coordinating all attorneys’ calendars, and reviewing discovery. Viviana is ambitious and dedicated to helping others. Clients are drawn to her helpful and supportive attitude.
Administrative Specialist – Sherry Molander
Sherry graduated University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in business management and associate degree in accounting. She takes pride in leading our sales and intake team and ensuring our new clients are successfully and seamlessly onboarded.
Sherry was born and raised in Illinois and enjoys outdoor activities and spending quality time with family.
Sherry graduated University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in business management and associate degree in accounting. She takes pride in leading our sales and intake team and ensuring our new clients are successfully and seamlessly onboarded.
Sherry was born and raised in Illinois and enjoys outdoor activities and spending quality time with family.
Administrative Specialist – Joanna Castaño
Joanna is dedicated to being of service to both our clients and staff with a team approach resulting in a winning outcome. She brings over 20 years of experience in business administration, excellent customer service, bi-lingual translation, and project management. She is originally from the East Coast but has enjoyed living on the West Coast for over 16 years. Joanna is passionate about equality, her family and living a thriving well-balanced life. She does this through her community volunteer work, the arts, and traveling to experience new people and places.
Joanna is dedicated to being of service to both our clients and staff with a team approach resulting in a winning outcome. She brings over 20 years of experience in business administration, excellent customer service, bi-lingual translation, and project management. She is originally from the East Coast but has enjoyed living on the West Coast for over 16 years. Joanna is passionate about equality, her family and living a thriving well-balanced life. She does this through her community volunteer work, the arts, and traveling to experience new people and places.
Nurse – Jia DeCarroll Huff , LVN
Jia has been a nurse since 1998. She is detail-oriented and everyone she cares for requests that she be assigned to them permanently. Nurse Jia assists our attorneys and staff with understanding medical records and conducts research for use in case strategy.
Jia has been a nurse since 1998. She is detail-oriented and everyone she cares for requests that she be assigned to them permanently. Nurse Jia assists our attorneys and staff with understanding medical records and conducts research for use in case strategy.
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant – Helena A. Chapp
RN, CFRN, CEN, CCTRN, EMT-RN, TPATC, MICN, CLNC
Helena is a highly skilled and dedicated Registered Nurse boasting an impressive career that spans over 35 years. Her experience encompasses a wide range of specialties, from emergency room care to trauma, and she has notably dedicated the last two decades to serving as a Registered Flight Nurse. Beyond her primary nursing duties, Helena has also carved out a niche as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. In this capacity, she has collaborated with medical malpractice attorneys across a variety of states, including North Carolina, California, Arizona, and Hawaii, bringing her extensive medical knowledge and insight to the legal arena.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Helena finds joy in baking delightful treats for both her husband and her work family. She is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring the world, with a particular fondness for cruising, surface diving, and snorkeling, activities that allow her to embrace the beauty of the ocean and its surroundings.
Helena is deeply committed to philanthropy, with a special focus on supporting the homeless and animal welfare organizations. She actively participates in efforts to better the lives of rescue animals and shelters, reflecting her compassionate nature. At home, Helena and her husband are proud parents to three rescue cats: Snickers, Abbey, and Romeo. Each pet has brought a unique joy into their lives, further fueling Helena’s passion for animal rescue.
Helena looks forward to meeting new clients and assisting them with their journey at Huff Legal.
Helena is a highly skilled and dedicated Registered Nurse boasting an impressive career that spans over 35 years. Her experience encompasses a wide range of specialties, from emergency room care to trauma, and she has notably dedicated the last two decades to serving as a Registered Flight Nurse. Beyond her primary nursing duties, Helena has also carved out a niche as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. In this capacity, she has collaborated with medical malpractice attorneys across a variety of states, including North Carolina, California, Arizona, and Hawaii, bringing her extensive medical knowledge and insight to the legal arena.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Helena finds joy in baking delightful treats for both her husband and her work family. She is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring the world, with a particular fondness for cruising, surface diving, and snorkeling, activities that allow her to embrace the beauty of the ocean and its surroundings.
Helena is deeply committed to philanthropy, with a special focus on supporting the homeless and animal welfare organizations. She actively participates in efforts to better the lives of rescue animals and shelters, reflecting her compassionate nature. At home, Helena and her husband are proud parents to three rescue cats: Snickers, Abbey, and Romeo. Each pet has brought a unique joy into their lives, further fueling Helena’s passion for animal rescue.
Helena looks forward to meeting new clients and assisting them with their journey at Huff Legal.
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* Free consultations only available for Criminal Defense
