Paul J. Pfingst
One of San Diego's top attorneys, and known for his expertise in both civil and criminal legal matters, Paul Pfingst has successfully litigated many of San Diego's most high profile trials.
Paul Pfingst rejoined Higgs Fletcher & Mack in 2003 after serving eight years as San Diego County District Attorney. He is recognized as one of San Diego’s top trial lawyers. His successful prosecutions of San Diego’s most serious criminal cases earned him a national reputation. He is the former President of the California District Attorneys Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the National District Attorneys Association. In 2000, the United States Attorney General presented Mr. Pfingst with the coveted “William French Smith Award” for outstanding contributions to law enforcement. Mr. Pfingst has lectured extensively on trial technique and has contributed to a variety of legal publications. He currently represents clients in complex litigation, white collar crime, and professional licensing matters.
Prior to his election in 1994, Mr. Pfingst was a Firm partner specializing in product liability, medical malpractice, professional licensing, and general litigation. Mr. Pfingst was the lead attorney for California physicians in the national breast implant litigation. He is a prolific trial lawyer representing clients in both state and federal courts and has been selected by his peers to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He was selected as a San Diego “Super Lawyer®” between 2015 and 2016, and again in 2018. Each year, no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research committee at Super Lawyers® to receive this prestigious designation.
Mr. Pfingst has appeared before the California Supreme Court and the California Court of Appeals. He is admitted to practice in both California and New York. He is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law and Union College in Schenectady, New York.
- Super Lawyer® (2015, 2016 and 2018)
- William French Smith Award 2000
San Diego, California 92101-7910
