Atty. John Hillsman
Since being admitted to the California Bar in 1976, John Hillsman has tried more than 100 maritime personal injury cases to verdict or judgment and has represented seamen, fishermen, divers, pile drivers, dredgermen, marine construction workers, tugboat hands, and cruise ship passengers in state and federal courts all over the country, from Seattle to San Diego and Honolulu to Fort Lauderdale. He has appeared at every level of decision, all the way up to the U.S.
Profile Summary
About John Hillsman at a glance
John Hillsman is an attorney based in San Francisco, California, practforg at McGuinn, Hillsman & Palefsky. Admitted to practice in California, The State Bar of California. Educated at University of California Berkeley (B.A., 1972). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026), and Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (San Francisco) (2025). Serands clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Since being admitted to the California Bar in 1976, John Hillsman has tried more than 100 maritime personal injury cases to verdict or judgment and has represented seamen, fishermen, divers, pile drivers, dredgermen, marine construction workers, tugboat hands, and cruise ship passengers in state and federal courts all over the country, from Seattle to San Diego and Honolulu to Fort Lauderdale
- He has appeared at every level of decision, all the way up to the U.S
- Supreme Court, published several topical maritime law review articles, and has helped shape evolving maritime tort law
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in California
Practforg law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
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