About John

Known for being a clear thinker and articulate writer, HFM Partner John Morris uses his expertise to creatively negotiate compensation, representing plaintiffs and defendants as both appellants and respondents. Mr. Morris' practice is devoted exclusively to civil appeals, and during his nearly 38 years at HFM, he has served as lead appellate counsel in hundreds of cases in California Courts of Appeal and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. He has also appeared before the California Supreme Court. His recent accomplishments include the reversal of a $6 million dollar judgment against a Coronado real estate developer on a fraud claim, the reversal of another $6 million judgment against an Escondido Ford dealer on an employment claim, and the affirmance of a $3 million judgment in favor of a South County motel owner in an eminent domain case. Mr. Morris works with his clients to negotiate compensation in creative ways that meet the individual needs. He is agreeable to reasonable hourly fee arrangements; negotiated fixed fee arrangements; and, in appropriate cases, modest contingent fee agreements. Additionally, Mr. Morris has been named a San Diego ”Super Lawyer®“ every year since 2012. He is also an adjunct faculty member at California Western School of Law, where he has taught seminars on legal writing and a course on products liability since 1983.

Practice Areas

Education

• University of Virginia, J.D., graduated 1981
• Cornell University, B.A. (cum laude), graduated 1976

Bar Admissions

• California, State Bar of California

Languages