Licensed for 33 years

State CA

Acquired 1989

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Steven M. Chanley

Employment and labor Attorney at San Luis Obispo, CA

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Every employer needs a Steven, better yet Steve!

Professional, Efficient, and an Excellent Advocate

About Steven

Learn Steven’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Employment and labor

75%

Employment litigation; advice and counsel; contract preparation.

34 years, 1,000 cases
Lawsuits and disputes

25%

Trade Secret and business litigation.

34 years, 1,000 cases

Steven M. Chanley has over 25 years' experience representing businesses in employment and business litigation matters exclusively. His practice focuses on litigation and legal advice regarding Wage-Hour Claim Defense; Wrongful Discharge; Retaliation; Employment Discrimination; Trade Secret Misappropriation; Harassment; and Commercial/Business Disputes.

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Contact Steven

Employer Advocates Group

735 Tank Farm Road

Suite 224

San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-4804

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Employer Advocates Group

23832 Rockfield Blvd., Suite 260

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

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5.0 / 5.0

16 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

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2 Star

1 Star

Posted by anonymous | May 17, 2023

Every employer needs a Steven, better yet Steve!

Steve has bailed us out of several bs claims and helped us out a ton with our small family run business. Our co has used his expertise in handling everything from discrimination claims, false termination claims and employee theft. If I ever need any employee advice Steve is always quick to respond and very sharp. Like I said previously, every business owner needs a Steve!

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Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2022

Professional, Efficient, and an Excellent Advocate

Mr. Chanley has provided legal counsel to my business for over a decade and I have found him to be consistently responsive to my firms needs. He is very experienced and pleasant to work with, and we have found him to deliver value that far exceeds his fees.

Posted by Dustin | September 25, 2020

Master of His Craft

Steve has been assisting us in various business endeavors for nearly 15 years. He has always been our sole resource on employment law matters, but has also been incredibly helpful in lending his broad legal understanding to explain general business law. When we've had needs outside his area of expertise, he has referred us to some equally brilliant attorneys in their respective specialties. Steve treats every matter with the care and effort that makes you feel like family. He has also always billed very generously and far more fairly than most attorneys we've engaged. Steve gives me the confidence to trust his advice and removes the stigma of needing to hire an attorney. I can't recommend him highly enough!

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Posted by anonymous | May 1, 2020

Brilliant and always on top of things.

I was introduced to Steve by a counsel at Morrison & Forrester. Over the past few years, Steve has been representing me in an employment dispute involving equity compensation. Steve’s understanding of the nuances of the law is truly exceptional. His dedication to advocate and fight for your rights and the attention to detail is noteworthy. Moreover he is very honest, forthright and very persistent. He will keep things rolling and coming up with new ideas to tackle problems despite the pressure. I can always count on him. Highly recommended!

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Posted by Mark | February 12, 2020

Great service to even small clients

We have a small business in San Luis Obispo with about 8 to 10 employees at any given time. Upon the recommendation of another attorney, we retained Steve to represent us when an employee claimed we had discriminated against them. I appreciated that Steve was aggressive in his strategy without incurring excessive hours. I feel that he always explains the options available to us at each step and respects our direction. Steve was sensitive to the small size and limited resources of our company, but I have never felt that I got less than his best service because of our company size. In fact, Steve has responded very quickly when we have had minor employee issues. Steve’s counsel is spiced with just a bit of wit and humor, which helped us get through emotionally charged issues. In my previous career, I had to work with several major law firms and internal corporate counsels. I find Steve’s professionalism and service to be on par with any of the attorneys I have worked with.

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Posted by Pete | March 29, 2018

A fine attorney

I have worked with Steve for about ten years on employee litigation and personnel practices matters. I recommend him highly. On the litigation front we have been involved with cases in which the matters have been withdrawn, settled and gone through trial and judgement. I found Steve to be knowledgeable about the law, thoughtful and creative about case management strategy and tactics, and having a keen insight into dealing with both federal and state labor agencies. He has advised us on our personnel practices. His advice enabled us improve the quality and fairness of our staff administration and positioned us well in cases in which our employer/employee relationship became adversarial. Steve is thoughtful, calm and persuasive. These are valuable traits when dealing with issues of fairness, the letter and spirit of the law and the “settle” vs. litigate decision.

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Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2018

Simply the best

My team and I have turned to Steve Chanley's expertise for nearly 7 years for our various employment law needs. I consider him a vital partner in our organization's due diligence process in all areas of employment law, whether it is for consultation regarding labor law practices or representation for pending/potential litigation. Steve has always been exceptionally knowledgeable, strategic, and provides realistic advice. Whenever another organization seeks a referral for employment law services, I always refer Steve's services without any hesitation. He is truly among the best in his field.

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Posted by Marla | March 12, 2018

Partner

We hired Steve to negotiate and resolve a contract/labor dispute with a portfolio company. Steve was very responsive, listened well, and provided sound, practical counsel. His ability to de-escalate situations with the opposing party was one of the most valuable aspects of his help. This was a situation that involved several legal parties. Steve was able to work well with both our legal teams and the other company's legal teams. The contracts Steve wrote were concise, efficient, and foresightful. We would not hesitate to hire Steve again if such a need arose for us.

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Posted by Michael | April 15, 2014

I highly recommend Steve Chanley for legal counsel...

Steve Chanley has been my attorney for over 10 years. From our initial meeting I felt a great deal of confidence and trust in Steve. While over the years he has advised me on many human resource issues, his most significant work with me was defending my company in a large wage-hour class action suit. He worked closely with me for months and ultimately traveled to San Francisco to represent me. Steve settled the case ethically and professionally. I have enormous respect for Steve Chanley and I have never doubted his advice or counsel. He listens attentively and gains a clear understanding of every issue we have discussed. Based on his experience and knowledge he is always concise in his practices and his responses to me have always been timely and thorough. I highly recommend Steve Chanley for legal counsel on employment and human resource matters.

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Posted by Francis | August 15, 2013

I recommend Steve Chanley

I have worked with Steve since 2002 and I can't say enough good things about him . He represented me in a trade secret case filed in Superior Court against a company traded on the New York Stock Exchange. At the time I did not think there was much hope but Steve successfully opposed every motion the opposing attorney filed in the case. He had the opposing attorney on his heels the whole time and was able to achieve a very favorable outcome.

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Posted by Heather | April 16, 2013

If you have to hire an attorney...he's the one!

I am an independent contractor working as the Controller for small business manufacturing company. In this capacity I frequently have human resource issues come my way. It is never pleasant to need legal help but when this company found itself the target of serious employment allegations I was incredibly grateful they hired Steven Chanley to represent them. I was heavily involved in the process and found Mr. Chanley to be extremely knowledgeable in employment law and very personable to work with. (He even has a sense of humor!) The outcome was better than the Company could have hoped for due to Steven's expertise and experience. The Company now engages him ongoing to head off any potential issues it identifies and to strengthen it's policies. It is not an understatement to say that my client Company would have suffered greatly without Mr. Chanley's support and guidance.

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Posted by Segismundo | March 28, 2013

Excellent service, focus, and commitment--highly recommended

I solicited Steve Chanley’s services on the advice of a business associate who had a positive experience with him. This was after trying two other lawyers in my area. So, my review here is based not only on Steve's performance in and of itself, but also as it compares to others in his field with whom I have had direct experience. Simply put, Steve's performance is heads and shoulders above the others, and in fact the best experience I have ever had with any lawyer. I highly recommend Steve Chanley--and no, we are not related nor am I being paid for this review! He is just very talented, and an overall great guy- and I simply desire for him much continued success.

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Posted by Rakan | March 22, 2013

Not Your Typical Attorney!

I am the President and co-owner of an Aerospace Corporation. I hired Mr. Chanley to represent the Corporation against a class action claim with the EEOC (total of 9 claims). l was extremely impressed with Mr. Chanley communication ability, responsiveness, attention to detail, competency, and professionalism. From the inception to resolution of my legal cases, Mr. Chanley took the lead in every little detail of the cases (preparation of interview/investigation questioners to meeting out of state with federal investigators). Mr. Chanley kept me always informed and I was extremely pleased with his results. Mr. Chanley is a very intelligent professional attorney. He continues to provide me with great insight on a wide variety of legal matters and has helped guide me in the right direction. I would highly, without hesitation, recommend hiring Mr. Chanley for all your employer legal matters.

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Posted by Charles | December 17, 2009

Talk about being there for me!

I am a financial planner and left my job after 8 years to start my own practice. I was referred to Steve from one of his existing clients who was also very pleased with Steve's expertise. Steve was prepared, available, informative, strong, clear and absolutely decisive at my most critical points. He guided me every step of the way, communicated with the opposing attorneys, and made sure I was completely prepared for how to legally and competently defend of my interests. I would recommend Steve to anyone who needs employment and trade secret-related legal work and who wants a good connection to a real and caring attorney

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Posted by Theo | December 17, 2009

Caring, exceptionally sharp and balanced

Mr Chanley is a top notch lawyer. I've had to work with lawyers many times in litigious matters and nobody has filled the role with such a great combination of care and intelligence. I immediately built a trust that he was not in it simply to pad his billing hours. Rather, he wanted to find a resolution to the matter that made the most sense for me by being pragmatic. He always kept in mind the bigger picture of solving the dispute with the least amount of heartache and time if this made the most sense, but also pushing hard against the opposition if this made the most sense. And I had this strong sense of confidence in Mr. Chanley's knowledge and clarity in what was the right path to take, yet I always knew that the choice was mind to make ultimately. He is very intelligent, and resourceful. But for me, most importantly, I always felt safe, cared about, and represented very professionally. In short, I WAS IN VERY GOOD HANDS.!

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Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2008

Client Review

Steven Chanley is an outstanding attorney. I have complete faith that when legal issues arise within my company, he will provide me with sound legal solutions. Steve is extremely easy to talk to and fully explains, to my understanding, the procedures and processes involved in the issues. I highly recommend his services.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Shareholder
Employer Advocates Group LC
2002 - Present

Shareholder
Sinsheimer, Schiebelhut, Baggett & Tangeman
1999 - 2002

Attorney
Sinsheimer, Schiebelhut, Baggett & Tangeman
1995 - 1999

Attorney
Morrison & Foerster (Palo Alto)
1990 - 1994

Attorney
Littler (San Francisco)
1989 - 1990

Law Student Intern/Board Agent
National Labor Relations Board, Region 20 (San Francisco)
1989 - 1989

Summer Associate
Cotchett & Illston
1987 - 1987

Paralegal Clerk
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro (San Francisco)
1984 - 1985

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Education

University of California, Hastings College of the Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1989

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1985

Associations

Dallas Bar Association
Member
2020 - Present

SLO Bar Assn. Employment Law Section
Chair
1999 - Present

San Luis Obispo County Bar Association
Member
1995 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
1989 - Present

State Bar of California
Member
1989 - Present

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Languages Spoken

English

French

Honors and Awards

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell
2003

AV Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
1996

American Jurisprudence Award
Labor Law II
1988

American Jurisprudence Award
Labor Law I
1987

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Publications

San Luis Obispo County Bar Bulletin
"Rethinking The 'No Comment Rule' Rule in At-Will Discharges"
2011

Short Story Criticism, Volume 103 (Thompson Publishing)
"Quest For Order in "Pigeon Feathers": Updike's Use of Christian Mythology
2008

Speaking Engagements

Nat'l Assn. of Women Business Owners, Cental Coast
Avoiding Top 10 Problematic Employment Practices
2018

Santa Maria Human Resources Assn.
Form I-9 Compliance
2013

Dibuduo & Defendis Insurance
Employment Law Update 2013
2013

Employer Advisory Council
Employment Law Update 2012
2012

Mission Community Services Corp.
The Laws of Hiring
2011

San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
Current and Pending Supreme Court Employment Law Cases
2011

Central Coast Human Resources Association
The Laws of Hiring
2011

Santa Maria HR Association
Recent Developments in Employment Law 2008
2008

Santa Maria HR Association
The Laws of Hiring
2007

Human Resources Assn. of the Central Coast
Essential Recordkeeping
2006

Employer Advisory Council
Selected Topics in Employment Law
2002

Van Beurden Insurance Services
The Laws of Hiring
2002

Santa Maria Personnel Association
Employment Law Update 2001
2001

Institute For Management Accountants
Employment Law Update 2000
2000

Central Coast Personnel Assn.
Pre-Employment Screening
1999

Institute of Management Accountants
Recent Trends in Sexual Harassment Law
1998

Rotary Club of Nipomo
At-Will Employment in California
1997

Employer Advisory Council
Selected Topics in Employment Law
1997

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Attorney endorsements

Received (6)

Given (6)

Endorse Steven

Michael Doland

Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sometimes a single Avvo answer reveals a lot. The answer of Mr. Chanley was not only accurate and analytic - it was customized to the potential individual needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Narak Mirzaie

Employment and labor Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Steven is a very knowledgable employment attorney. I would definitely refer employers who are looking for an attorney."

Bruce Anticouni

Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had Steve as opposing counsel a number of times. He is a strong but fair advocate for his employer clients. I have referred a number of employers to Steve and will do so in the future. He is clearly the best employment law attorney in San Luis Obispo County."

Daniel O'Neill

Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've always found Mr. Chanley's work to be the highest quality. I have great respect for Steve both personally and professionally."

Robert Thomas

Employment and labor Attorney | Dec 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Steve handled a litigation matter for one of my clients and did a great job. He got the whole case dismissed on a summary judgment."

Jon-Erik Storm

Employment and labor Attorney | Dec 19
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

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Litigation

Employment and labor

Employment and labor

Litigation

Employment and labor

Employment and labor

Avvo Contributions

12 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides

Q&A
Is there an attorney on here that can give me 2nd opinion about a settlement agreement that i was told to sign by my attorney?
08 Jan 2020
Q&A
I got hired for a job but the job description was totally different than what i applied for ?
07 Jan 2020
Q&A
Can an employer sue you for blackmailing them?
06 Jan 2020

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Steven M. Chanley

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