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At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, our mission has always been simple: to make lives better. It is a commitment that guides not just our work in the courtroom, but also how we show up for our community. This year, we are proud to recognize our founding partner, Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr., who was named San Diego’s 2025 Nice Guy of the Year.
Presented by the San Diego Nice Guys, this award honors individuals who lead with compassion, give selflessly, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. For those who know or have worked with Vince, this recognition comes as no surprise. He has spent decades quietly and consistently giving back, guided by the same values that built our firm: service, integrity, and heart.
About the Nice Guy of the Year Award: Offering a Hand-Up, Not a Hand-Out
The San Diego Nice Guys is a nonprofit organization made up entirely of volunteers who are committed to helping individuals and families in need. Since 1979, their mission has been to provide direct assistance to members of the San Diego community who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own.
Whether it’s providing a reliable car, covering medical bills, or helping a family get back on their feet, the Nice Guys focus on offering meaningful, case-by-case support: no red tape, no overhead, just people helping people.
Each year, the organization honors one person whose generosity and community involvement embody the spirit of the Nice Guys' mission through the Nice Guy of the Year Award. This is a rightfully respected recognition because it is reserved for those who lead with humility, consistency, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Vince Bartolotta: A Lawyer for the People
Vince Bartolotta’s relationship with the San Diego Nice Guys goes far beyond attendance or occasional support. For years, he has been a dedicated member of the organization, serving not only as a volunteer but also as a board member and past president. His leadership has helped shape the direction of the organization and expand its reach to serve even more San Diegans in need.
Vince brings the same drive to the Nice Guys that he brings to his legal work: a belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and that real change happens when we invest our time and effort into others.
His work with the Nice Guys is a reflection of the values that define Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire. At our firm, we believe that advocacy doesn’t stop at the courtroom door. We are proud to see one of our own recognized for living out that principle every day.
“There's really no secret about what I do. I really do care for my clients; each case gets the same kind of attention my family would get."
- Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr.
Acknowledging a Lifetime of Service
The Nice Guy of the Year Award comes from a committee comprised of peers, colleagues, and other members of the community who have seen Vince’s impact firsthand.
Our team has long admired Vince’s dedication, and we’re grateful to see the community recognize it too. Since co-founding Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire in 1978, Vince has remained guided by one simple principle: do the right thing. Just like the Nice Guys, Vince believes in second chances, practical support, and meeting people where they are.
Beyond his work with the Nice Guys, Vince has contributed to countless community and charitable efforts over the years. He is a past president of Rancho Santa Fe Youth, former Chairman of the Board of Directors for St. Vincent de Paul Village, and a member of the American Ireland Fund’s San Diego chapter. He’s also a member of the Century Club.
Vince is also one of the most highly respected trial attorneys in California and across the country. A past president of both the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), he has received the Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award eight times since 1981 and was named Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2001. He has also been recognized by the American Board of Trial Lawyers as its 2003 Trial Lawyer of the Year for the state of California.
His courtroom excellence has earned him national recognition, including membership in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has also been listed in Best Lawyers in America every year since 1987.
Whether he's helping a client rebuild after a tragedy or supporting local business owners, Vince is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about action, and Vince has spent decades leading by example. Starting with his service as an officer in the USMC during the Vietnam conflict.
Embodying Vince’s Mission at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire
This award is a reflection of the values that have shaped our firm from the very beginning. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we believe in making lives better, whether that’s through community service or standing up for those wrongfully injured.
We congratulate Vince on this well-deserved honor and remain proud to carry forward the mission the San Diego Nice Guys stand for, helping real people through real challenges. This organization acts as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together to uplift others.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured, such as in a car accident, by a dangerous product, or due to corporate negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to help you move forward.
For our team, it’s not about winning cases; it’s about improving lives one client at a time. Contact us online or call (619) 236-9363 today.