$ 350-350 per hour
Stephen J. Bardol
About Stephen
Biography
I met with my first client on the couch of my old apartment. The apartment was cheap and gross. I was just out of law school. I had graduated law school during one of the worst legal markets in history. Jobs were scarce and the ones that were available were not very good and did not allow me to get into the courtroom.
I always wanted to represent people with real problems, not review paperwork for businesses trying to add to the bottom line. I decided to start my own firm…in my gross apartment.
That client I met with ended up retaining me as his attorney. He had a custody case and wanted to fight for the right to beinvolved in his son’s life. He didn’t have much money, but I didn’t have much experience. It seemed like a fair deal.
What I did have was motivation and fearlessness. I worked my butt off trying to figure out what I was doing. I worked late every night. I woke up early every morning. I researched the case law. I developed mentors. I called law school friends to ask questions. I attended continuing education conferences.
It was hard. Hard is actually an understatement. Starting a firm from scratch is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Many attorneys that take that road don’t last a year in business. I’m not ashamed to admit a few tears along the way, a lot of frustration, and more awkward, young attorney moments than I can count.
I signed more clients. I made a name for myself. I started trying a lot of cases. You don’t become a good trial attorney sitting on the sidelines watching others practice law. I became very good through “trial and error.” Pun intended. I picked up an award or two. My practice has been built one brick at a time. I don’t tolerate mistakes. I research my cases. I return my clients’ phone calls. I work really hard.
Oh, and that first case I retained….it turned into a three day trial. And we won. My client now has joint custody of his son.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Missouri for 15 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Bardol Law Firm, LLC
34 North Gore Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63119-2343
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Stephen J. Bardol's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Nick | August 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Gross Negligence and Complete Breakdown in Representation
Bardol Law failed me at every critical turn. They misrepresented the nature of a temporary agreement, failed to file necessary follow-up motions, and ignored repeated requests for clarification. I was never shown or allowed to approve filings submitted in my name. When the consequences of their inact...
Posted by Lisa | April 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Lisa
Great experience. The team was very attentive and friendly. I would recommend them.
Posted by anonymous | October 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dismissive and Condescending
Hired Steve for a relatively straight forward case and when I needed a pit bull, I got a poodle. He was always dismissive of facts and very condescending.
Posted by anonymous | February 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A great experience working with Bardol law firm!
I had a great experience working with Stephen and his team with regards to a legal name change that was a bit complicated. They were very helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and most importantly totally honest and transparent about the entire process. And always available for my many questions. I stumbl...
Posted by Katie B. | August 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Genuinely Cares
Super stupendous Steve should be his real name. Steve truly does care. I know it is crazy. Past experiences led me to believe that attorneys' main goals were to profit the most. However, Steve genuinely cares and did his due diligence to not only provide me with the best legal representation in m...
Stephen J. Bardol's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is a steadfast advocate for his clients, and yet he keeps costs in check. I am always confident he will provide thorough representation to the people I refer."
"Stephen is a great attorney to work with and is well respected by his peers in the community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steve and I were opposing attorneys in a family law case in St. Louis County. During the entire case he was professional, diligent, and exhaustive in his pursuit of justice for his clients. Since that date I've referred clients to Steve when I have a conflict of interest. Great guy and great lawyer."
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"Stephen is a great attorney for divorce and family law. I would recommend him to anyone."
"I regularly refer divorce and custody cases to Steve. He is an excellent trial attorney and very organized. His attention to detail is superb. I highly recommend Steve."
"Steve is a fine attorney and a good man. Family law is a very complicated and difficult area of practice, and clients need their attorney to be both caring, as well as talented. Steve is both."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Stephen. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Steve's breadth of knowledge in the field of family law is staggering and the results he provides for his clients show it. I would recommend him without reservation to anyone in need of a family law attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Robert Boedeker
Family lawyer
John Fenley
Divorce and separation lawyer
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Mayra Flesner
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Robert Parker
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Mary Lemp
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James Hacking
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Experience
Honors
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2014
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2014
Up and Coming Lawyer, Missouri Lawyers Weekly
2014
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2006
Communication Department Achievement Award, St. Louis University
2002
Bright Flight Scholarship Recipient, Missouri Department of Education
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Managing Partner, Bardol Law Firm, LLC
2011 - 2011
Discovery Attorney, Williams Venker & Sanders, LLC
2010 - 2011
Discover Attorney, Bryan Cave
2008 - 2010
Legal Intern, St. Charles County Counselor's Office
2007 - 2007
Trade Practice Consultant, Better Business Bureau
Associations
2015 - Present
Jefferson County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. LouisMember
2013 - Present
St. Louis County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Webster Groves Chamber of CommerceMember
2012 - Present
Missouri Bar, Family Law SectionMember
2010 - Present
Missouri BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State Ex Rel Franklin v. Burlison
Charges Reduced - 2nd Degree Child Molestation
Charges Reduced - Probation
Unlawful Possession / DWI
Probation and Treatment Program
Divorce - Maintenance Award
Received Substantial Maintenance Award
Sentence Reduced - Felony Possession
Sentence Reduced
Heroine Distribution
Charges Dismissed
J&J Industrial Supply v. Missouri Dept. of Social Services
Mullins v. Mullins
Staub v. Kingsmore
Marijuana Possession
Reduced to Littering Charge
In the Interest of E.H.
Education
2010
Saint Louis University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
Saint Louis University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Webster BNI Meeting
Divorce Law in Missouri
Publications
2014
St. Louis Post Dispatch
How to bargain a speeding ticket away
2013
Fox 2 News
Daycare Dangers
2013
Firm Website
Four Questions to Ask at Divorce Consultations
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If you get a petty theft charge amended can you get the arrest sealed?
14 Apr 2014
Q&A
In missouri can my wife take my car while I'm n store if we have not filed for a legal separation or divorce ?
13 Apr 2014