Kara Beth Stein-Conaway

Kara Beth Stein-Conaway

also known as Kara Beth Stein (maiden name)

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at San Luis Obispo, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence, Violent Crime, White Collar Crime

1119 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA

About Kara

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 17 years

State: California

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Stein-Conaway Law Firm

1119 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401

Law Offices of Kara Beth Stein-Conaway

8575 Morro Road, Suit A, Atascadero, CA, 93422

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Kara Beth Stein-Conaway's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (48) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Frederic P | February 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The strong Law firm you deserve.

Greetings to all, In the month of July of 2024, I found myself at the behest of the Highway Patrol entangled in my second DUI in just shy of the ten year period from my first DUI. I knew at the time that this wasn't going to end well for me. I was scared, I felt defeated and knew that I had devel...oped a drinking problem. I used my drinking as a way to mask my stresses from work, my life and the ever changing dynamics around me. I felt it was important that I retained proper legal representation for my woe. I of course called other Law firms. I found the responses were mentions of what I wanted to hear to make me feel happy on the inside but I knew the were not the reality of my actions or outcome. When I called the Stein-Conaway Law Firm for my consultation. I was and very well received. Kara was very honest in preparing for me for what was to come my way. Kara and her wonderful staff guided me though the legal process and all of what I needed along the way. I knew that it wasn't going to be easy. I found that her performance was outstanding, honest and kind to me even when at times I felt that others were viewing my actions were the worst thing I could've ever done. Luckily for my case, no one was hurt and nothing was damaged. Aside from my pride. It's because of Kara and her responsive caring staff's support I was able to focus on my recovery, my career, my wife but most of all, myself during my tumultuous event. The Stein-Conaway Law Firm took care of everything. Paying attention to every detail of my case. As a result of her hard work on my behalf. I am able to continue my career. I also want to proclaim that I am clean and sober because of the wonderful and caring work that I received from Stein-Conaway Law Firm. I was able to work on a better new me. I can't imagine if i didnt have the caring support that I would'nt of made it to my recovery. Its now a reality. I can't tank you enough for that Kara. Thank you so much for handling all of my legal issues. Stein-Conaway Law Firm are not just attorneys that care, they are my saviors in my fight for a new me. I know and believe that the Stein-Conaway Law Firm will treat you with the respect you deserve just like they treated me. We all make mistakes in our lives. Sometimes more than once. Your second chance begins with the Stein-Conaway Law Firm. Thank you again and again Kara, Sarah, Gabriela and everyone there that I never got the chance to meet. Thank you for fighting for me. Frederic P.

Posted by Catherine | January 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Personable and Stress Free

I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service I received from Carrie during a very challenging time in my life. I was falsely accused of stalking and harassment by someone who was trying to manipulate the situation against me. The thought of a restraining order hanging over my head wa...s incredibly stressful, but from the moment I reached out to Carrie, I felt a sense of relief. Carrie offered flat rate services, which alleviated the financial strain I was worried about. This transparent pricing model made it easier for me to focus on my case rather than the financial burden. She took the time to thoroughly explain every step of the process and answered all my questions with patience and clarity. What truly stood out to me was Carrie’s personable approach. She not only provided expert legal counsel but also showed genuine care for my emotional well-being. Her support and understanding made me feel valued and heard, which was so important during such a tough time. Thanks to Carrie’s hard work and dedication, everything turned out even better than I could have expected. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of legal assistance. She is not only a skilled lawyer but also a compassionate advocate who truly has her clients’ best interests at heart. Thank you, Carrie, for helping me overcome this difficult situation!

Posted by anonymous | January 01, 2025 | Expungement

Great Law Firm!

I reached out to this law firm regarding a sensitive matter involving a family member and the expungement process. Sarah Matthews, Carrie Winters' assistant, was incredibly friendly and took all the necessary details. Within a few hours, Carrie Winters personally called me back and answered all my qu...estions. She was professional, explaining the process in clear, easy-to-understand terms. I truly appreciated the prompt response and straightforward explanation. Having previously worked with a different law firm in SLO and being disappointed, I can confidently say that if I have any future legal matters, I will turn to Stein-Conaway and work with Carrie Winters again. Thank you!

Posted by Nallely | August 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Very professional team

Kara Stain-Conaway represented me for a complicated DUI case. She did a fantastic job, going above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome, which was reducing my DUI charge down to a Wet and Reckless. Being a first time offender, I was scared as anyone in a legal situation is, but Kara handled... my case with sympathy, expertise and care. Sara Matthews was always asking the right questions to make sure they had all the information necessary and was prompt and thorough on follow-ups. The whole team was very professional and compassionate. My experience was truly amazing and I’m grateful for everything they have done for my case.

Posted by Susanna Cervantes | June 12, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

AMAZING AND HARD WORKING

Kara is a hard working and dedicated lawyer, she represented my husband in a very difficult case, as soon as I was in contact with her she immediately started researching the case. she was constantly in contact and kept us updated at all times and used any possible resource she had to gain the best ...outcome. She is truly an amazing lawyer and a amazing human being. We are very grateful to her and her staff for their her hard work and dedication.

See All Client Reviews

Kara Beth Stein-Conaway's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kara
Louis Justin Shapiro headshot
Louis Shapiro

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kara is calm, courteous and decisive. She is a dynamite criminal defense attorney and will stop at nothing to achieve the best result. Retain her while you still can."

Kevin Callaway Gregg headshot
Kevin Gregg

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly recommend Kara. I practice immigration law in San Luis Obispo County. Kara is always aware when a case might have negative immigration consequences and takes that into account when advising her clients. She has also been successful expunging cases or withdrawing plea agreements that were prevented my clients from receiving residency and citizenship. She presents clients with realistic options and probabilities for success and is diligent at communicating with clients."

Meghann Ahern Triplett headshot
Meghann Triplett

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kara is extremely knowledgeable and is dedicated to helping her clients achieve the best possible results. She is caring and smart, and I recommend her for any criminal defense matter."

April Rashel Curtze headshot
April Curtze

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Kara. She is knowledgeable in her field of practice and works diligently to protect her clients. Kara is extremely intelligent, kind, ethical and is a true asset to our legal community."

Guy Christopher Galambos headshot
Guy Galambos

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"Kara is smart, works hard and cares about her clients. She is committed to get the best outcome possible for each client. I would highly recommend her for any criminal case."

George B. O'Neill headshot
George O'Neill

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am pleased to endorse Kara as a DUI-Criminal Law lawyer in San Luis Obispo. During the time that I have known her we have worked on cases together and I have found her to be a very dedicated and knowledgeable attorney."

Amber Heffner headshot
Amber Heffner

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Kara for criminal defense. I am a local immigration attorney and she has gotten great results for several of my clients. She is one of the few attorneys in the area who understands the intersection between criminal and immigration law. She is also fluent in Spanish. I highly recommend her."

View All Endorsements
Rodolfo Marquez headshot
Rodolfo Marquez

Immigration lawyer

Mackenzie Wilker Mackins headshot
Mackenzie Mackins

Immigration lawyer

Sarah Goss Overacker headshot
Sarah Overacker

Immigration lawyer

Meghann Ahern Triplett headshot
Meghann Triplett

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Katherine Schwinghammer headshot
Katherine Schwinghammer

Criminal defense lawyer

George B. O'Neill headshot
George O'Neill

DUI and DWI lawyer

Guy Christopher Galambos headshot
Guy Galambos

Criminal defense lawyer

Amber Heffner headshot
Amber Heffner

Immigration lawyer

Louis Justin Shapiro headshot
Louis Shapiro

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Callaway Gregg headshot
Kevin Gregg

Immigration lawyer

April Rashel Curtze headshot
April Curtze

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Rising Star Award, Women Lawyers Association of San Luis Obispo County

2008

Order of the Coif, McGeorge School of Law

2008

Traynor Honor Society, McGeorge School of Law

2008

Dean's Honor List, McGeorge School of Law

2008

Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, McGeorge School of Law

2007

Summer Corps Award Recipient, Equal Justice Works

2003

President's Honor List, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

2003

Dean's Honor List, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Attorney, Stein-Conaway Law Firm

2013 - 2016

Attorney, Stein, Casciola & Galambos, LLP

2008 - 2013

Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office

2007 - 2007

Judicial Extern, Justice Kathleen M. Butz, CA Court of Appeal, Third District

2007 - 2008

Chief Comment Editor of McGeorge Law Review (Law Review Board), McGeorge School of Law

2007 - 2007

Law Clerk, Van Der Hout, Brigagliano & Nightingale, LLP

2006 - 2006

Law Clerk, Public Counsel Law Center

2006 - 2007

Staff Writer for McGeorge Law Review, McGeorge School Of Law

2003 - 2003

Legal Intern, California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA)

Associations

2015 - Present

Women Lawyers Association of San Luis Obispo

Member

2013 - Present

San Luis County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Section

Member

2008 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

2018 - 2018

Women Lawyers Association of San Luis Obispo

Vice President

2017 - 2017

Women Lawyers Association of San Luis Obispo

Secretary

2016 - 2016

Women Lawyers Association of San Luis Obispo

Board Member - Publicity Chair

2007 - 2008

McGeorge Public Legal Services Society (PLSS)

Fundraiser Co-Chair

2006 - 2007

McGeorge Public Legal Services Society (PLSS)

President

Education

2008

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

JD - Juris Doctor with Distinction

2003

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

BA - Bachelor of Arts - Magna Cum Laude

Speaking Engagements

2017

Women in the Law Panel

Law School & Practicing Law

2016

Cal Poly Law School Panel

Law School and Becoming a Lawyer

2014

Presentation by Kara Stein-Conaway and Jeff Stein

What Family Law Lawyers Should Know About Criminal Law

2014

Presentation by Kara Stein-Conaway & Jeff Stein

What College Students Should Know About Criminal Law

Publications

2018

San Luis Obispo County Bar Association's Bar Bulletin The Gold Standard - WLA Honors Two Who Help Empower Women

2013

Selected for publication as part of Terrorism and Human Rights Book Edited by Martin Scheinin Female Refugees: Re-Victimized by the Material Support to Terrorism Bar

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution