Steven Alan McKinley

Steve McKinley has been my family's real estate lawyer in San Diego since the mid 1980s and he remains my real estate attorney today. He is the best, and a great litigator. I would not go into a serious legal real estate or business related matter without him on my team. Steve has won cases that seem...ed un-win-able , and prevailed against larger companies with deeper pockets and teams of high-paid lawyers against us.

Steve represented us in a very long drawn out eminent domain action vs the city. While we settled our case, our neighbor also was involved with the matter and his case went to trial. After 5 months, Steve prevailed against the city and their three lawyers. As a witness testifying in our neighbors ca...se I was amazed at the level of detail, organization and understanding that the Steve commanded. He made the three experienced attorneys working for the city look like amateurs.

How do I evaluate my lawyer, Steve McKinley? Let me count the ways: Steve is an excellent communicator. In speaking, as in court, Steve is authoritative, assertive, polished and confident. In writing, in legal documents, Steve is an excellent wordsmith. I can't define what makes a good writer,... but I know it when I see it. Steve's writing skills make boring legal docs come to life. A good lawyer takes care of the details and deadlines-lets me sleep at night free of worry. A good lawyer is emotionally invested in my case. A good lawyer truly has my back. A good lawyer is like the team captain. Steve is all of these things and that's a comforting feeling. What about the question of big firm vs. small firm? Freeland McKinley & McKinley is a small firm. However, you never feel isolated from the legal mainstream. Steve is very active professionally; always interacting with other lawyers. He has partners to bounce ideas off. And, of course, in this case, having a wife, Karen, as a partner is a real advantage. And then add an excellent paralegal, Melody, to the mix and you have a well-oiled machine. So, you can tell that my wife and I are happy clients. It's difficult to try to appear not too biased when that's exactly what we are. We like our lawyer!

He has been both the corporate attorney for Barry Estates, Inc. and my personal attorney for over 27 years. He is exceptionally bright and knowledgeable in real estate law. Instead of being arrogant, he is unassuming, polite, and wins his cases by making very impressive presentations as to why the co...urt should decide in his favor.