Hughes Marino announced that Robert J. Bello has been named general counsel for the tenants-only commercial real estate company. Bello, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He also helped found Thomas Jefferson’s Dual Degree MBA Program with San Diego State University, and was the first graduate of that program.

Prior to joining Hughes Marino, Bello practiced law at one of San Diego’s plaintiff’s firms and one of California’s largest defense firms. He counseled and represented clients in all aspects of business law, including real estate, contractual, and labor/employment issues. Bello holds dual citizenship with the United States and Italy, and speaks Italian.

The addition of Bello brings the total number of lawyers employed by the commercial real estate company to three, which includes: J.P. Roach, vice president of the Hughes Marino Orange County office; and Kathleen Raya, who serves on the Hughes Marino Operations team.

This article originally appeared in SD Metro.