Three Sheppard Mullin Attorneys Named “Leaders of Influence in Law” by the San Diego Business Journal
Sheppard Mullin attorneys Jeff Forrest, Melissa Freeling and Alex Moreno were recognized as 2025 “Leaders of Influence in Law” by the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ). The annual list recognizes outstanding legal professionals in the San Diego County community.
Jeff Forrest, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Real Estate, Energy, Land Use and Environmental practice group, represents real estate clients in complex land use planning, entitlements and defense litigation. The SDBJ highlighted his track record of advising on projects benefitting the City of San Diego, such as his work to expand renewable energy, affordable housing and assisted living and hospice facilities across both the greater San Diego area and the State of California.
Senior Associate Melissa Freeling is a member of the firm’s Construction and Multifamily Housing teams. She represents owners, developers and investors in business and construction disputes. Freeling was noted for her dedication to her clients, as well as her community involvement and pro bono work. Her pro bono service, which includes local guardianship and humanitarian relief work for clients in Afghanistan, Ukraine and the Family Reunification Task Force, has earned her Sheppard Mullin’s Bob Gerber Pro Bono Award and honors from the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers program.
Alex Moreno, office managing partner of the Sheppard Mullin’s downtown San Diego office, was recognized for his firm leadership and his extensive community involvement—he serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer’s Program and as a long-time Board member of the San Diego County Bar Foundation. He was also recently elected to serve on the Board of the statewide California Minority Counsel Program. Over the past year, Moreno has successfully resolved multi-million-dollar class actions and mass arbitrations for clients in the banking and property management industries.