Meet the Team
The people behind your case
When you work with us, you work with a small team that knows your file. Our attorneys and staff bring experience in litigation, injury, real estate, business, and intellectual property matters, and we keep you informed at every step.
Stephen M. Lobbin
Of Counsel Attorney
Stephen M. Lobbin is the founding partner of SML Avvocati P.C. His practice focuses on intellectual property and business matters, including IP litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, and licensing transactions. Steve also serves as a mediator and expert witness. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia and his J.D. from UCLA School of Law. He is admitted to the USPTO Patent Bar, the Supreme Court of the United States, all California state and federal courts, and several out-of-state federal courts.
Practice Areas
- Intellectual Property
- Commercial Transactions
- Federal Litigation
Admissions
- USPTO Patent Bar
- Supreme Court of the United States
- All California State and Federal Courts
- Several Out-of-State Federal Courts
Education
- University of Virginia, B.S., Electrical Engineering
- UCLA School of Law, J.D.
Hobbies
- Running
- Traveling
Allan Cate
Of Counsel Attorney
Allan Cate is the founder of Cate Legal Group. His practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate, and business disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, bankruptcy, and foreclosure defense. He earned his B.A. from UC Santa Barbara and his J.D. in 2005 from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he attended on a merit scholarship and made the Honor Roll. He is admitted to the Supreme Court of California and all four U.S. District Courts in California.
Practice Areas
- Real Estate
- Business Disputes
- Bankruptcy
Admissions
- Supreme Court of California
- All California Federal District Courts
Education
- UC Santa Barbara, B.A.
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, J.D.
Hobbies
- Surfing
- Mountain Biking
Ted Shin
Of Counsel Attorney
Ted Shin leads Legal Dragon & Associates. His practice focuses on personal injury and civil litigation, and he has handled multi-million dollar contract disputes, serious injury, and wrongful death cases. Ted has worked in the legal field since 2000, starting as a paralegal, and has practiced as an attorney since 2007. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, where he played ice hockey, and his J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He is admitted to the Supreme Court of California and the Supreme Court of Alaska, and he is fluent in Korean.
Practice Areas
- International Business
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Wrongful Death
Languages: Fluent in Korean
Admissions
- Supreme Court of California
- Supreme Court of Alaska
Education
- University of Pennsylvania, B.A.
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, J.D.
Hobbies
- Hockey
- Golf
Our Staff
Manny Rodriguez
Case Manager
As our case manager, Manny is often your first point of contact. Manny coordinates each case from intake through resolution, tracking deadlines, gathering records, and making sure your questions reach the right person quickly. Manny also provides Spanish translation and interpretation for clients and is helping John Shields launch the firm's upcoming Texas office.
Qualifications
- King of the Cage Heavyweight Champion
- Professional Mixed Martial Artist
- Harris Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
- Vice President of Investments and Development, Ray Wilson Family Fitness
- Fluent in Spanish
Experience
- Bellator MMA Color Commentator
- PFL Color Commentator
- Talent Management
- Contract Negotiations
- Gym Acquisitions and Management
- Business Management
Hobbies
- Cigars
- Firearms
Marissa Jackson
Paralegal
Marissa has supported our litigation team as a paralegal for the past year. She helps keep cases organized and moving, from preparing documents and managing deadlines to keeping clients updated, so you always know where your case stands. Marissa earned her bachelor's degree from San Diego State University.
Qualifications
- San Diego State University, B.S.
- Paralegal
Experience
- SDSU Office Support Coordinator
- Coding
- Technical Support
- Business Operations
Hobbies
- Rock Climbing
- Culinary Tourism