I would go for Lady J every time its just nice being able to beat things down with her
I would add Nino in obviously and I like having Ryle around as he doesn't always live up to it but he has decent potential. But I agree with Craig the master needs to be decided first as a Hoffman list will be different to all the others, you may want some more family for the companion tricks but im not to keen on alot of them and well Lady J is awesome