Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes, LLP, a nationally recognized law firm with over 30 years of experience in complex litigation, has announced the addition of Amy Johnsgard as its newest partner. The move aims to strengthen the firm's personal injury practice and reinforce its commitment to achieving justice for clients.
Johnsgard brings extensive experience in litigation and trials, with a focus on personal injury, human rights, consumer fraud, and product defects. Her appointment signals the firm's dedication to expanding capabilities in these critical areas of law. “Achieving justice for those who have been wronged or injured has always been my guiding principle,” Johnsgard said. She emphasized the fulfillment she finds in representing individuals with personal injury claims, as it allows her to facilitate clients’ physical and emotional healing while securing financial recovery.
A key differentiator for Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes is its approach to client relationships. Johnsgard highlighted the firm's commitment to providing direct, one-on-one time between attorneys and clients, rather than relying on legal assistants or paralegals. This level of personal attention is rare in the legal industry and adds significant value to the client experience.
A San Diego native, Johnsgard's passion for law began before her formal legal education. She worked as a paralegal for a La Jolla attorney and dedicated hundreds of pro bono hours to the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, providing crucial legal assistance to vulnerable community members. Her academic achievements include graduating magna cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2011, where she received several CALI awards for ranking at the top of her class. She served as an editor on the Journal of Climate and Energy Law, contributed to San Diego's Climate Action Plan, and completed internships with the U.S. Attorney's Office Civil Division and the Department of Justice, Environmental Enforcement Section.
Partner Helen Zeldes expressed enthusiasm about Johnsgard's addition, stating, “Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both litigation and personal injury. We are thrilled to welcome her to our uniquely powerful team and to expand our firm's personal injury practice.” This announcement follows recent promotions within the firm: Joshua A. Fields, a seasoned complex litigation and appellate attorney, and John Washington, an international human rights law expert, were both elevated to partner status, further strengthening the firm's leadership team.
The addition of Johnsgard and recent promotions underscore Schonbrun Seplow Harris Hoffman & Zeldes' commitment to growth and excellence in legal representation. With an expanded team, the firm is well-positioned to continue its track record of successfully litigating complex employment, consumer, civil rights, and human rights cases. For HR vendors, this development highlights the increasing importance of specialized legal expertise in personal injury and human rights, which can impact workplace policies and employee relations. As the legal landscape evolves, firms that invest in such expertise are better equipped to navigate complex litigation and advocate for clients effectively.

