SAN DIEGO — The construction industry law firm of Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP is pleased to announce the admission of Michael J. Mason and Steven L. Hwang as Partners effective January 1, 2025.
Michael Mason operates across multiple domains within the firm, focusing on construction law, business and commercial litigation, real estate ligation, and public and private construction claims and disputes. His clientele spans federal and local contractors, subcontractors, general business proprietors, real estate owners, commercial development teams, as well as landlords and tenants.
He is a passionate advocate for his clients, known for his keen ability to assess risks and foresee the broader implications of legal strategies. His effective communication skills with third parties enable him to efficiently achieve client objectives while prioritizing cost-effective outcomes.
Prior to joining the firm, Michael served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years. He began his career as a nuclear reactor operator and retired at the rank of Commander in 2011. Michael received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego, School of Law.
Steven Hwang works with business owners and executives, multi-generational families, real estate owners, and professional advisors including CPAs, financial planners and advisors, and insurance brokers. His practice focuses on estate planning, corporate governance, and business planning. Steven’s clientele reflects businesses of all sizes and across broad industry segments, as well as individuals and families.
Steven’s knowledge and experience in estate planning, trust administration, business planning, and real estate combine to provide beneficial holistic synergy for firm clients. Thoughtful and detail oriented, clients also appreciate Steven’s practical advice and cost-effective approach to customer service.
Steven earned his Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law. He received his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal. Steven also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
