Rafael Castellanos is a distinguished legal professional and civic leader whose work has helped shape the San Diego region through visionary leadership, community service, and legal excellence. A partner at the prominent law firm Solomon Minton Cardinal Doyle & Smith LLP, Rafael specializes in government law, commercial real estate, and business transactional matters. With over two decades of legal experience, he is widely recognized for his strategic thinking and deep commitment to public service and regional economic development.
Throughout his career, Rafael has leveraged his legal expertise to influence and support some of the most impactful projects in Southern California. His practice involves advising public agencies, developers, and business entities on a wide array of transactions, with a particular focus on initiatives that promote economic opportunity and sustainable development.
In addition to his professional practice, Rafael has a long-standing record of community involvement and civic leadership. He currently serves on the Board of Governors of the San Diego Foundation, where he contributes to shaping philanthropic strategies that benefit local communities. He is also a Trustee of the California Ocean Science Trust, supporting science-based decision-making to ensure the protection and resilience of California’s coastal and ocean resources.
Previously, Rafael served as a Port Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners for the Unified Port of San Diego, a role in which he played a pivotal part in overseeing a public agency that drives more than $14 billion annually into the regional economy. During his tenure, he was instrumental in advancing high-impact development projects, including:
- The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center on the Chula Vista Bayfront, one of the largest hotel developments on the West Coast;
- The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, a stunning waterfront venue that now serves as the permanent summer home of the San Diego Symphony;
- Freedom Park at Navy Pier, a transformative public space that honors veterans and enriches community life along the downtown waterfront.
Rafael’s dedication to public service is reflected in his involvement with numerous non-profit and civic organizations. He has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, South County Economic Development Council, California Latino Economic Institute, MANA de San Diego, and the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, among others. His leadership in these spaces reflects a consistent focus on Latino empowerment, inclusive economic growth, and social equity.
His work has earned him numerous accolades over the years. In 2008, he was named one of the Top Young Attorneys by the San Diego Daily Transcript. In 2011, San Diego Metro Magazine recognized him as one of the 20 Men Who Impact San Diego. In 2022, he was honored as one of the region’s Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal and the San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, in 2025, Rafael received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Community Service Award from the USS Midway Museum—an honor that underscores his ongoing commitment to justice, equity, and public service.
Rafael Castellanos exemplifies the spirit of Latino excellence through his unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life in San Diego and beyond. As a legal strategist, civic leader, and community advocate, his contributions continue to inspire the next generation of Latino professionals and changemakers.