Press Releases

Stone | Dean welcomes newest partner, Joe Lara, to the firm!

May 23, 2024

Stone | Dean is thrilled to announce their newest partner, Joseph Lara. Joe zealously represents clients in a wide variety of disputes. A skilled litigator, Joseph has guided myriad clients through cases in both State and Federal Courts. His practice focuses on complex litigation, including trade secrets misappropriation, trademark infringement, shareholder derivative actions, business disputes, and wage and hour claims, including class and PAGA actions.

Joseph prides himself on being the firm’s resident fixer and jack of all trades. He can keenly identify the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of a dispute, which results in a more efficient use of his clients’ resources.

Joseph is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in military history and international politics, and he earned his Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the Trinity Law Review. A navy veteran, Joseph brings the discipline and teamwork skills that he developed while serving to his practice daily. Joseph is also a member of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and the San Diego County Bar Association. As a father of two, Joseph also devotes some of his free time to coaching his son’s soccer team.


Stone | Dean welcomes newest partner, Gregg Garfinkel, to the firm!

May 3, 2016

Stone | Dean is proud to announce the arrival of our newest firm partner, Gregg S. Garfinkel, Esq. Gregg is nationally recognized for his expertise in the field of transportation law and is personally responsible for some of the most important legal decisions in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals impacting the transportation and logistics industry. A gifted writer and frequent lecturer on developments in the transportation and logistics industry, Gregg’s knowledge of his practice has been published in numerous local, national, and legal publications.

When reached for comment, Stone | Dean Founding Partner Greg Stone, Esq. had this to say:
“Gregg, your effectiveness and positive energy is a welcomed addition to our team!” – Greg Stone, Esq.

We know that Gregg Garfinkel will become an invaluable member to the Stone | Dean lineup – please help us in welcoming him! You can read more about Mr. Garfinkel by visiting his profile here or by connecting with him on LinkedIn.


Stone | Dean Welcomes Lisa Lee to the Firm

April 9, 2015

We are excited to announce that Lisa Lee, an attorney specializing in business litigation has joined the firm. She comes to Stone | Dean with 17 years of experience and a diverse background in multiple types of law including business litigation, contracts, and entertainment. Please join us in congratulating her for becoming a part of the team.


A Message from Stone | Dean LLP

October 28, 2014

To our friends and associates, we announce the resignation and bittersweet parting of John Cha from our firm. His relocation to Orange County a few years ago has proven too logistically difficult for him to have a presence in both Orange County and in the Valley. He has been our partner and our friend for many years, and though our close professional relationship is at an end, the friendship remains strong. Our firm name has now changed to Stone | Dean LLP and we will continue to provide the same high quality legal representation and service upon which our reputation is built.

Thank you to our clients, vendors and associates for your continued support and loyalty. We look forward to serving you and our community for many years to come.

Greg S. and Kristi D.


Robyn M. McKibbin Named Partner at Stone | Dean LLP

March 11, 2013

Woodland Hills, California-based Stone | Dean LLP is pleased to name Robyn M. McKibbin as a partner in its Employment Law practice group. READ THE PRESS RELEASE