Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire was founded three decades ago by Michael T. Thorsnes and Vincent J. Bartolotta Jr. Within six months they added a third founding partner, John F. "Mickey" McGuire. They have, from the beginning, emphasized serious and substantial civil trial work.

Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire presently has four partners. Mike Thorsnes retired in 2002, but continues to be involved with the firm in an of counsel capacity. In 1984 the firm moved to its current location comprising the 9th and 11th floor of the Fifth Avenue Financial Center at 2250 Fifth Ave. in San Diego. It also maintains an office in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The firm has earned numerous commendations, among them the designation in 1982 by American Lawyer Magazine as one of the 20 Outstanding New Firms in the Nation (less than 6 years old). Only four firms in California were named that year. In 1983 the firm was selected as one of the seven leading firms in San Diego by San Diego Magazine.

Its team of lawyers regularly earns coveted peer recognition for their creative and forceful courtroom work in a diversity of cases ranging from eminent domain and business litigation to construction defects, land subsidence and personal injury including medical malpractice and products defects.

The firm's chronology shows such awards are conferred with astonishing regularity and include Outstanding Trial Lawyer, Trial Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America, Top Attorneys in San Diego and the Daniel T. Broderick Award for Civility, Integrity and Professionalism, among others.

The firm is also known for its commitment to the San Diego community outside of the courtroom. Known for their giving as much as their courtroom work, all partners and associates are involved in charitable or civic work. The diversity of the recipients runs the gamut of social needs and includes present and past organizations such as Torrey Pines High School Foundation, San Diego State University, Roman Catholic Bishops of San Diego, American Ireland Fund, University of San Diego, San Diego Zoological Society, Los Ninos, Clinica del Nino and the United Jewish Federation.