Jason Santana
Of-Counsel
Your Real Estate Attorney in Southern California
Jason Santana is a Of-Counsel at Hoffman & Forde. His practice areas include business and real estate litigation.
Education and Experience
Jason Santana is Of-Counsel at Hoffman & Forde, joining the firm in Summer 2025. With over twenty years of experience primarily in real estate and business litigation, Jason has built a reputation as a trial-focused attorney. Throughout his career, law firms across San Diego have frequently brought him in as trial counsel to help navigate complex cases through the final stages of litigation.
As an experienced trial attorney, Jason understands the expense, time demands, and emotional toll that litigation can place on businesses and individuals. He takes seriously the responsibility of educating clients about the legal process, ensuring they are informed, prepared, and confident—whether the matter proceeds to trial or resolves through a settlement opportunity the client finds acceptable.
Jason graduated cum laude from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Washington School of Law in June 2004.
Later that year, Jason moved to San Diego and joined Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, one of the region’s most respected law firms. As a litigation associate, he had the privilege of learning from a dynamic team of accomplished trial attorneys, working extensively on business and real estate litigation matters.
After nearly a decade at SCMV, Jason founded the Law Office of Jason M. Santana in 2014. Since then, he has continued to focus his practice on business and real estate litigation, maintaining his commitment to strong advocacy and client-centered representation.
Professional Membership
Additional Information
As the father to three active boys, Jason spends the vast majority of “free” time volunteering with his children’s school and sports teams. For several years, Jason has also served on the Board of Directors for a local little league. Jason is an avid fan of his alma mater, the University of Washington, and he and his family travel to Seattle several times a year to visit family and friends (and catch a Husky sporting event).
Jason's Top Verdicts & Settlements
Cross-Border Breach of Contract Verdict
Case: Breach of Contract (Cross-Border Commerce)
Role: Co-Trial Counsel for Plaintiff
Settlement/Judgment: Jury verdict of over $2,000,000
Real Estate Fraud & Contract Defense
Case: Real Estate Transaction – Fraud & Breach of Contract
Role: Sole Trial Counsel
Settlement/Judgment: Complete defense verdict (jury trial)
Constructive Trust Real Estate Defense
Case: Constructive Trust / Real Estate Dispute
Role: Sole Trial Counsel
Settlement/Judgment: Complete defense verdict (bench trial)
Real Estate Development Bench Trial
Case: Real Estate Development Dispute
Role: Co-Trial Counsel
Settlement/Judgment: Judgment of over $900,000; all defamation counterclaims defeated
Bankruptcy Fraud Adversary Proceeding
Case: Bankruptcy Adversary Proceeding – Fraud Claim
Role: Sole Trial Counsel
Settlement/Judgment: Damages exceeding $200,000; successful appeals through Ninth Circuit
HOA / View Dispute Defense
Case: HOA / View Dispute
Role: Co-Trial Counsel for Homeowner
Settlement/Judgment: Complete defense verdict (jury trial)
Fraud & Contract Dispute Pre-Trial Settlement
Case: Fraud & Breach of Contract
Role: Trial Counsel (substituted in shortly before trial)
Settlement/Judgment: Settled on highly favorable terms after motions-in-limine