Jim Heffner is a litigation partner based out of Hahn Loeser’s San Diego office. Jim regularly represents companies, officers, directors, and individuals in a range of commercial litigation matters throughout California.
Jim’s practice is varied, but primarily involves class-action defense, the litigation of disputes arising from the movement of employees or confidential/trade secret information between competitors, litigation over breaches of duty, and counseling at the intersection of technology and the law. Jim also has experience handling trademark litigation, real estate disputes, bad faith insurance claims, and wage and hour claims.
To each of his matters, Jim brings creativity, an unsurpassed passion for the law, a business background, and sound judgment that considers legal options in light of his clients’ objectives. Jim's unique background combined with his extensive legal expertise enhances his ability to prepare advanced, rational, inventive, and winning strategies for each case. His emphasis on case-specific legal strategy results in efficient and effective tactics often unanticipated by the opposition.
Jim also has a long-standing interest in technology and the cutting-edge intersection of technology, business and the law. He applies his deep understanding of electronically stored information and communications to gain effective litigation advantages. He understands the contours of data preservation and production obligations in a variety of contexts and jurisdictions, giving his clients considerable advantages. He is knowledgeable of the most recent innovations related to decentralized technology and business models, such as blockchains, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, ICOs and how the related legal frameworks are developing.
Professional History
• Partner, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, 2016-present; Associate, 2012-15.
• Associate, Morris Polich and Purdy, 2009-12.
• Associate, Reed Smith, 2006-09; Summer Associate 2005.
• USF Law Clinic, Investor Justice Center, 2005-06.
• In-House Counsel Internship, Panalpina Group, 2004.
Experience
• Complete defense at trial on behalf or a real estate developer in a commercial dispute.
• Representation of a Fortune 500 company through appeal defending a breach of fiduciary duty class action resulting in success and a judgment awarding defense fees in excess of $1 million.
• Successful defense at trial of the chairman of the board of a Fortune 500 company against a multi-million dollar claim for interference with contract.
• Successful defense of a Fortune 500 retailer company against a class action arising out of the sale of a diet drug.
• Favorable resolution of multiple trade secret matters representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
• Successful defense of a major pharmaceutical company against a product liability claim seeking $20 million in damages.
• Successful defense of one of the world’s largest banks against numerous claims for violation of fair credit reporting and fair debt collection laws.
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Congress Reopens the Paycheck Protection Program
January 21, 2021
You Wouldn’t Ask Your Barber to Clean Your Teeth – Hire a Trade Secret Litigator for Trade Secret Litigation
September 25, 2020
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Compliance Deadlines Are Approaching
November 25, 2019
AMN Healthcare’s impact on the enforceability of non-solicitation provisions in California raises two new unanswered questions
September 12, 2019
"The Expert Ethicist and Product Liability Litigation," Jim Heffner, Esq.
June 22, 2008
An Undue Burden on an Otherwise Feasible Defense: California Courts’ Burden on the Defendant Moving for Summary Judgment Based on Federal Preemption in Certain Medical Device Cases
August 01, 2006
Awards & Distinctions
SD Metro, San Diego's Top Attorneys, 2021
Top 40 Under 40 honoree, San Diego Daily Transcript, 2018
"Top Lawyer," San Diego Magazine, Complex Commercial Litigation, 2018-21
Rising Star, San Diego Super Lawyers®, 2015-16, 2018
AV Preeminent ®, Martindale-Hubbell
Welsh Inn Presentation Award, 2014-15
Memberships & Affiliations
Welsh Inn of Court, Active Alumni Member
La Jolla Bar Association, Board President, 2021-present, Board Member, 2019-20
San Diego County Bar Association, Member
Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Member
