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Stephen Ernest Penner

Family Attorney at Santa Barbara, CA

4.8   26 reviews
  • Licensed for 46 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1977
    Status
    Active Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 1990

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1990. See details

About Stephen

Learn Stephen’s areas of practice.

Stephen E. Penner graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. After graduation, he served in the Vietnam War as a Gunnery Officer on the USS Turner Joy from 1971-1973. Upon his return stateside, Stephen completed his remaining two years of Naval Service in San Diego as First Division Officer on the USS Prairie, as Shore Patrol Officer for Long Beach Naval Station, and instructed Naval Gunfire Support to the Marines in Little Creek, Virginia. Upon completion of his Naval Duty in 1975, Stephen E. Penner attended California Western School of Law. After 2 vigorous years, Steve graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from Cal Western in 1977. He passed the Bar that same year and moved to Santa Barbara to open up his first law office and has been in private practice ever since.

From 1977-1990, Stephen built up his practice and expanded his client base by primarily working on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury cases.  With the help of a dedicated staff Stephen expanded his practice to include Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Litigation, Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Real Estate and Product Liability claims.

The Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner have represented over 8,000 clients in the Tri-Counties and offer a multitude of legal expertise. For nearly 35 years the firm has been dedicated to serving the community by offering personal representation with a commitment to professional integrity. Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner offers representation that is result oriented, and reasonably priced.

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Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner
1215 De La Vina St Ste K
Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  26 customer reviews
Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Remarkable law firm
In the past five months, Stephen Penner and Jeremy Purves assisted us with three separate business matters, including a detailed, comprehensive business succession plan and a complex employment problem. In all matters they exhibited a rare mix of patience and kindness, penetrating intelligence and an astute knowledge of the law—and at the finish, Steve negotiated results that saved us a very large sum of money. We will use them for all our legal needs in the future.
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Posted by S. Hanseth | February 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great experience - Highly recommend
Steve Penner recently helped us with a complex legal situation in our estate planning and he handled it quickly, expertly & for a reasonable fee. He makes himself available when you need him and is great with following up with you. He’s trust worthy and was a strong problem solver for us. He did a great job for my family and we would definitely use him again. We highly recommend him.
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Posted by Therese | November 5, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Team
Steve Penner and Jeremy Purves are a highly effective team of attorneys. Their professionalism and competence in the law has been an enormous help over the past few years for my academy. They successfully navigated several difficult contractual situations and other legal matters. I’ve been most impressed by their work ethic and the care they take in getting results. They really go above and beyond for their clients. I highly recommend their services.
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Posted by KATHLEEN | October 25, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank-you!
Stephen Penner and Jeremy Purves are extremely professional attorneys. They helped me through a very difficult, complicated divorce. Their exceptional knowledge, legal experience, extensive legal skills and respectful supportive staff were always there to assist and guide me through my divorce with the kind of personal service I expect. I recommend this law firm to my friends and family.
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Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Veterans Respect
Stephen E Penner and staff are highly professional and extremely polite. They have done a remarkable job, for Mrs. Anna Hall and myself. We much appreciated their services and we highly recommend them.
Posted by Michael | October 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply the best.
Steve Penner is truly an outstanding attorney. I had a difficult case involving my daughter. She was uncooperative which made everything extremely difficult. Steve was patient, kind, compassionate and understanding. He was able to work with the attorneys that were representing the other side and the judge. Through creative planning Steve came up with solutions that worked and were effective . Two misdemeanor cases were dismissed without Steve’s professionalism and acumen I do not think we would have achieve the same result with another attorney.
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Posted by Rebecca | January 6, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very good representation
I have had a very good experience over several years with Stephen Penner. He did a will for me as well as representing me over some contentious issues stemming from a divorce. I would happily recommend him to others.
Posted by anonymous | May 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic advocate for small businesses
I understand that Mr Penner is a great family law attorney, but he is also a fantastic negotiator and advocate for small businesses. He saved me a lot of money, anxiety and stress when my business partner and I were in a tough spot earlier this year. He saved us over $30,000 dollars + legal fees, a potential law suit and a huge amount of stress. Many thanks to his assistant Emily as well for being so calming and helpful when I would call a million times a day in a panic.
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Posted by Edward | November 2, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Work!
Mr Penner has provided me with outstanding legal advice. I am very grateful to him for his attention to my cases as well as the outcomes. His rates were competitive. He took my situation seriously. And definitely went above and beyond what I expected from him. If I need legal assistance in the future, he will be my first call. I recommend him to whomever may be looking for an attorney.
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Posted by Chris | October 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Deepest Gratitude
I went to Mr. Penner to help with my Aunt's estate documents. I am in deep gratitude to him and his legal staff for the exemplary work they did on our behalf. The fact that they went out of their way to expedite our request and to make a personal visit to our home was greatly appreciated and unexpected. Efforts like that were truly a gift for clients like myself. I highly recommend Mr. Penner and his firm.
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Posted by Joan | May 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommendation
Went to Stephen Penner after being displeased with previous attorney for creation of a trust. A pleasure to work with these people, found the whole experience comforting. Penner and staff are knowledgeable, concise and ethical. They went the extra mile in having house deed transferred properly. A happy client, and would recommend to anyone. PS Added bonus, resident canine.
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Posted by Christine | July 27, 2015
An Attorney That Actually Goes Above and Beyond
As a client who has rarely had the need for an attorney, (and also has very negative opinions regarding most attorneys), it is a pleasure to write a recommendation for Stephen Penner. He provides probably the best ethical representation one could ever hope for. He takes all issues seriously, he listens, and more importantly he actually cares. I have had several causes for to use his services, and I can say unequivocally that he has done more than a superior job. If he doesn't know something, he researches, he also takes the time to connect a client with another who can be of further assistance if he feels an issue is not within his purview. He cares enough to actually find a client the best help if this is the case. I need not say that most attorneys do not have the capacity to do this by the virtue of the fact that they are attorneys. I more than highly recommend him, I would refer him to my closest friends, even though I do not like to take the responsibility of a referral in case things go wrong. I feel that strongly about the fact that he will evaluate a case and do whatever is the right thing. In saying this one might think that this would show he has weakness, but that is not the case at all, this is one of his great strengths, of which he has many. I cannot say enough positive things about him. I will be forever grateful and fortunate for all of the help he has provided to me in several really complicated and negative situations that could of easily gone the wrong way. I hope that anyone that needs an attorney in Santa Barbara reads this, so they can obtain the same kind of excellent service that I have received from his council.
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Posted by alberta | May 27, 2015
Outstanding, Hard working, listings to your concerns, is willing to go the extra miles to keep your child safe.
My daughter had a very complex case that involved Dependency/Juvenile, Criminal and Family Courts. There were elemments of domestic violence, Child Abuse and most importantly the safety of my only grandchild was at risk.. Throw in a move away order and a restraining order and you have a complex case. Attorney Steve Penner and his legal staff Noel Garcia and Sara were outstanding. They were alway available to answer questions calm my daughter down explain legal terms and procedures. They always went the extra mile to do research and come up with creative solutions to help our case. They also had to deal with a very difficult apposing counsil but in the end they saved us from a very costly trial that met all our needs and MORE . Most importantly my daughter and I can both sleep with peace of mind now knowing my grandchild will be SAFE because of the hard work of Attorney Penner and Ms. Garcia. I highly recommend this law office if you want results in a cost effective manner with a team that will treat you with dignity and will treat your case with care as if it were their own.
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Posted by Vernice | February 6, 2015
Heaven-sent
Suffering from a quivering heart, in trouble with life, is like being a wounded animal or child seeking help, refuge, and shelter from a storm of rain, hail, and hard wind; we're knocked off balance and crying out for a helpful hand. I found that helpful hand and friend in Attorney Penner. I felt as if I was drowning with no lifeguard around to see me crying for help with outstretched arms. I was so full of emotions and pain and lack of hope. That's when Jesus sent Attorney Penner to me. Attorney Penner was able to win a case that few other family law attorneys would be able to win. I received the best result possible and I will forever be grateful to Attorney Penner and his dedicated staff, Noel and Sara, for all of their assistance. Attorney Penner is a horseman of strength. He is strong in his beliefs; he is a son, a husband, a father, a confidant, friend, and outstanding lawyer. If you need an attorney that is straightforward, honest, and unbiased, hire Stephen Penner. He, Noel, and Sara were always there with a listening ear, genuine concern, thoughtfulness, competence, and most of all, friendship.
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Posted by Matthew | December 24, 2014
Excellence
Stephen & his assistant Sara demonstrated friendly, courteous professionalism through the whole process. They worked together and with me to get this matter addressed and resolved with a better outcome than I expected. It was a painless experience working with this team! I would not hesitate to hire Stephen again or recommend him if someone needs a great lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2014
A consummate professional and very good guy
I presented Stephen with a complex and highly personal problem, which he helped address to my complete satisfaction. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending his services to others, and hope will retain his services for all my business going forward.
Posted by Dale | October 31, 2014
I couldn't have asked for more.
Mr. Penner got a result for my son that other attorneys hadn't even suggested was possible. It was the best result we could hope for, a dismissal of charges, when the initial charge began as a felony. He suggested it was possible at the beginning of our process and stuck with it until it was done. There was a fair bit of work required on my sons behalf, however he followed Stephen's recommended steps and together they got the result. A Great Job.
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Posted by Matthew | October 30, 2014
Incredible Lawyer
I came to see Stephen very worried as i was being charged with 2 assault felony counts and possibly facing jail time. Not only was Stephen able to reassure me of my situation but he could not have been a more helpful lawyer.He completely walked me through the case and explained all the possible options and scenarios that could occur. 4 months later and my case has been completely dismissed and i will be serving no jail time or probation whatsoever. Completely saved my life. Awesome guy and a Incredible lawyer.
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Posted by Emerita | October 20, 2014
Grandparent Visitation
It was a long challenging journey in a court case involving grandparent visitation rights. Mr. Penner, Noel Garcia and Sara were there every step of the way. Someone always answered the phone and took the time to answer every question I had. They were all very pleasant to deal with and they were very knowledgeable. Our family felt comforted in an extremely stressful situation. When it came time to have the case heard in front of the judge they definitely worked long hours and took the time to prepare for the court hearing. They fought hard especially when it counted the most. Our family will always be grateful to them for reuniting a grandmother with her grandchildren.
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Posted by Alberta | October 17, 2014
Stephen Penner and Staff has restored my trust in Santa Barbara Lawyers
I highly reccomend the law office of Stephen Penner, Steve and Noel worked hard to keep my grand daughter safe from an alcoholic father with unsupervised visits. They felt my concerns and worked hard to get all supervised visits so that i can feel my grand daughter can never be harmed again.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 7.5 (Very Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1990.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 1990
updated on 01/20/2016

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 1986
updated on 01/20/2016

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Work Experience

  • Senior Attorney
  • The Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner, PC
  • 1977 - Present

Education

  • California Western School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1977
  • U S Naval Academy
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1971

Legal Cases

  • Grandparent Visitation
  • Grandparent Visitation Awarded to Paternal Grandmother

Associations

  • La Tierra Owners Association
  • President & In-House Legal Counsel
  • 2004 - Present
  • Vietnam Veterans of America
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • Military Order of World Wars (MOWW)
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • Santa Barbara County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1977 - Present
  • Veterans Coordinating Council
  • President
  • 2012 - 2013
  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2005
  • Military Order of World Wars (MOWW)
  • Judge Advocate
  • 2005 - 2010
  • Santa Ynez Valley Hounds
  • President
  • 2004 - 2008
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Member
  • 2000 - 2002
  • Santa Barbara County Riding Club
  • President
  • 1992 - 1994
  • Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center
  • Legal Counsel
  • 1988 - 1995
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Annual Award
  • Vietnam Veterans of America
  • 2007
  • Trial Lawer
  • Santa Clara Bar Association
  • 1998

Publications

  • Santa Barbara NewsPress
  • Sandinista Government & Law in Nicaragua
  • 1986

Speaking Engagements

  • US Government Class
  • Guest lecturer at Dos Pueblos High School
  • 2014
  • U.S Government Class
  • Guest lecturer at San Marcus High School
  • 2014
  • U.S Government Class
  • Guest lecturer at Santa Barbara High School
  • 2014
  • Legality of Vietnam War on religion and government
  • Guest lecturer at University California Santa Barbara
  • 2013
  • U. S Government class
  • Guest lecturer at Carpinteria High School
  • 2012
  • Legality of Vietnam War on religion and government
  • Guest lecturer at University California Santa Barbara
  • 2012
  • Santa Barbara Bench/Bar Conference
  • Stress Management for Lawyers
  • 2005
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (6)
Endorse Stephen
General practice Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Attorney Stephen E. Penner is extremely competent, experienced and hard-working. I have worked together with him on cases for over 30 years, and he has always obtained exceptional results with optimal client satisfaction. We have worked together on complex cases involving a huge amounts of legal research and preparation. He has been a pleasure to work with, and has always been extremely conscientious and considerate of the clients' needs and interests. John Henry Hunter, Esq."
Family Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Family law is not easy. That is why I do not do it. Steve has the patience to listen to the complaints and work to find a solution. Not many lawyers can do that."
Personal injury Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly after knowing and watchng him practice law for 35+ years. He is not afraid to take on the difficult cases and when he does, the diligence and committment that I have seen devoted to such cases is impressive. He has fought for justice against the largest corporations for product defects and in other areas of the law, where his client has suffered grievously from fraud or some other kind civil wrong, he has gone the distance and usually won. In another recent case, he prevailed on behalf of grandparents who were denied visitation with their grandchildren when they would be the only stable influence in the children's lives. I have noted how Steve has become more selective in the cases he accepts and now realize how this has allowed him to go the extra mile in the sometimes very difficult cases that he does accept. If you have Steve Penner as your attorney, you will be in very good and competent hands. I recommend him highly.l"
Family Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Penner is an excellent trial lawyer, family law practitioner, and regularly and capably handles trust and estate matters. He and I recently worked together on a Will Contest during which he successfully presented our case at trial, and we prevailed. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Penner"
Family Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen Penner is extremely experienced and represents his clients diligently and effectively."
Criminal defense
Estate planning
Personal injury
Class action
Personal injury
Santa Barbara Family Lawyer Stephen Ernest Penner
Stephen Ernest Penner
Family Attorney
Santa Barbara, CA
Licensed for 46 years
Free Consultation
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1990. See details