Free Consultation
$0 first 15 minutes
Stephen R Jaffe
also known as The Jaffe Law Firm
About Stephen
Biography
I am an employment trial lawyer with fifty years of experience. I represent only employees, never employers. If you have been the victim of wrongful or illegal conduct in the workplace, wrongful termination, retaliation, unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment, I would like to try to help you.
---
Admissions: 1971, California, 1972, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. District Court, Northern and Central Districts of California; 1976, U.S. Supreme Court; 1981, Oregon (inactive) and U.S. District Court, District of Oregon; 1982, District of Columbia; 1983, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan; 1984, New York; 1996, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California; 1998, Michigan (inactive)
Judge Pro Tempore: Los Angeles County Superior Court, 1977-1981; Marin County Superior Court, 1989-1996; Los Angeles County Municipal Court: Los Angeles Judicial District, 1976-1981; Beverly Hills Judicial District, 1977-1981; Marin County Municipal Court, 1989—. National Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association, 1975-1979. Judicial Arbitrator, Marin County, Superior Court 1989-1996. Speaker: "Winning in Court: Jury Selection, Opening Statement, Closing Argument, Jury Instructions, National Education Network, August 27, 1993. Who's Who In American Law, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Ed., et seq. President, 1991-1994 and Director, 1988-1994, Alpine Meadows Lake Tahoe Ski Education Foundation. President, 1991-1993 and Director, 1989-1994, Lake Tahoe Community Trust, Trustee, 1994-1995; Tahoe Mountain School, Chairman, Board of Directors, 1994-1996; Dollar Point Subdivision Homeowners Association. President, 1994-1996 and Director, 1992-1996, Far West Ski Competition, Inc. (division of the United States Ski Association). Director, Eugene, Oregon Symphony Association, 1981-1984.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Employment and Labor
100%
55 years | 4,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-40%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
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 withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 41 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 44 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 54 years
State: California
Acquired: 1971
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oregon for 44 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Location
The Jaffe Law Firm
1 Sansome Street, Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA, 94104
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Stephen R Jaffe's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Christina | August 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Recommended for Excellence at representation and litigation
Stephen Jaffe was my attorney for a very difficult, complicated lawsuit recently. His strategic skills in deciding the best legal actions to take were complemented by his strong and kind support during the time it took our case to wend its way through the courts. Stephen explained all the legal aspe...
Posted by Will | August 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Recommendation for Employment Agreement Review
I had a great experience working with Stephen. He reviewed both my current employment agreement and my new offer, making sure I understood everything and felt protected. His knowledge, responsiveness, and guidance gave me real peace of mind. I highly recommend Stephen to anyone looking for an employm...
Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
An Attorney Who Truly Fights for You — and Cares
Working with Stephen Jaffe was an outstanding experience. He negotiated a well deserved settlement on my behalf and did so with both toughness and genuine care. Stephen is not only incredibly effective as an attorney, but also deeply client-focused — he always took the time to listen, explain, and ma...
Posted by Sherry | August 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Stephen Jaffe is a great layer
I retained the services of Stephen Jaffe as an attorney to represent me and the coalition I was a part of in a civil litigation lawsuit. It was an extremely acrimonious and contentious case. Basically it involved two opposing sides fighting for control of a community based radio network. While the b...
Posted by Sarah | August 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Knowledgeable yet compassionate
I hired Stephen Jaffe to represent me in a complex legal matter, and I could not be more grateful that I chose him. From the very beginning, it was clear that he brings a rare combination of skill, integrity, and dedication to his work. Not only did he guide me through an extremely challenging proces...
Stephen R Jaffe's Lawyer Endorsements
"Stephen has an exceptionally broad knowledge and experience in Employment Law and is an outstanding litigator. I fully endorse Stephen."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steven Jaffe is a very competent and ethical attorney. He has accomplished some amazing results which have made him famous. I am honored to know him and highly recommend Steven Jaffe."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer, he is a dedicated plaintiff only employment law attorney with compassion for his clients."
"Stephen is a very skillful and experienced trial lawyer. With a thorough command of the law, creativity and hard work, he consistently achieves great results for his clients. I fully endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer enthusiastically. He is a fine, intelligent and industrious advocat for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Jaffe is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys that I have ever come across in the field of employment and labor law and I regularly defer to his opinions and recommend that potential clients seek out his expertise."
"Mr. Jaffe is a very knowledgeable attorney. He is very experienced in employment/labor law (41 years of legal experiences), kind, interesting, well-rounded, fast-thinking, compassionate and ethical attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Stephen Jaffe on many cases and strongly endorse him. He is an excellent, well-respected attorney who works hard to get the best possible results for his clients."
"Stephen is a crusader for the rights of employees who have been discriminated, harassed, or wrongfully terminated by their employers. Stephen is a zealous advocate for his clients both inside and outside of the courtroom. He is also a pleasure to work with and is an expert in his field. I would not hesitate in endorsing Stephen Jaffe."
"I sincerely recommend Stephen as a specialist in the field of employment law. I would steer any potential clients with an employment or labor issue to him as a matter of course."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"Stephen Jaffe is a good lawyer! He has a great work ethic and is very knowledgeable in this field. I come to him often with questions myself!"
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is smart, insightful and knowledgeable. He is aggressive and tireless in pursuing the interests of his clients while conducting himself with the highest degree of professionalism."
Victor Hwang
Civil rights lawyer
Adam Karp
Animal law lawyer
Fariba Faiz
Immigration lawyer
Arkady Itkin
Employment and labor lawyer
Stephen Murphy
Employment and labor lawyer
Daniel Feder
Employment and labor lawyer
William Veen
Litigation lawyer
N Metke
Employment and labor lawyer
Tina Phan
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Joseph May
Civil rights lawyer
Patrice Goldman
Employment and labor lawyer
Roger Rozek
Unknown lawyer
Justin Berger
Unknown lawyer
John Bisnar
Unknown lawyer
Brian Chase
Unknown lawyer
Gail Glick
Unknown lawyer
Michael Morrison
Unknown lawyer
Toni Jaramilla
Unknown lawyer
Harmeet Dhillon
Unknown lawyer
Jeremy Pasternak
Employment and labor lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2022
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2020
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2019
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2018
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Northern California Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine
2017
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
Northern California Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine
2017
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Northern California Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine
2016
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2015
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
One of the Top 3 Employment Lawyers in San Francisco, threebestrated.com
2015
Northern California Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine
2015
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2014
Northern California Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine
2014
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2013
San Francisco's Top Rated Lawyers, American Lawyer
2012
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Northern California Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top Lawyer, American Lawyer
2012
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2011
Northern Califronia Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine
2011
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2010
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2010
Northern Califronia Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine
2009
Rated Superb 10.0, Avvo
2009
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1997
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1996
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1995
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1994
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1993
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1992
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1991
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1971 - Present
Partner, The Jaffe Law Firm
1971 - Present
Partner, Law Offices Of Stephen R. Jaffe
Associations
2022 - Present
Living Free Animal SanctuaryBoard Member
2021 - Present
Democrats of the DesertPresident
2018 - Present
Edward J. McFetridge American Inn of Court - San FranciscoMaster of the Bench
2017 - Present
Animal Legal Defense FundPro Bono Attorney
2017 - Present
American Federation of AvicultureLegal Counsel
2017 - Present
Jewish Bar Association of San FranciscoDirector
2017 - Present
San Francisco South Beach District 6 Democratic ClubPresident
2015 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Taxpayers Against FraudMember
1996 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted Member
1984 - Present
New York BarMember
1982 - Present
District of Columbia BarMember
1976 - Present
U.S. Supreme CourtAdmitted Member
1972 - Present
U.S. District Court Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted Member
1971 - Present
U.S. District Court Northern District of CaliforniaAdmitted Member
1971 - Present
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th CircuitAdmitted Member
1971 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
National Employment Lawyers Association
Member
South Beach/Rincon/Mission Bay Neighborhood Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
American Constitution Society for Law and Policy
Member
University of Michigan Alumni Association
Member
California Employment Lawyers Association
Member
American Association for Justice, Employment Rights Section
Member
Consumer Attorneys Of California
Member
CABAL - SF Bay Area Plaintiff's Employment Lawyers Association
Member
2016 - 2016
San Francisco Paralegal AssociationSteering Committee Attorney Member
2015 - 2016
San Francisco South Beach District 6 Democratic ClubVice President and General Cousel
2013 - 2014
San Francisco South Beach District 6 Democratic ClubTreasurer
1998 - 2004
State Bar of MichiganMember
1994 - 1996
Dollar Point Homeowners AssociationPresident
1994 - 1996
Tahoe Mountain SchoolChairman, Board of Directors
1994 - 1995
Lake Tahoe Community TrustTrustee
1992 - 1996
Far West Ski Competion, Inc. - Division of the US Ski AssociationDirector
1991 - 1993
Lake Tahoe Community TrustPresident
1991 - 1994
Alpine Meadows Lake Tahoe Ski Education FoundationPresident
1989 - 1989
Marin County Municipal CourtJudge Pro Tempore, Marin County Municipal Court
1989 - 1996
Marin County Superior CourtJudge Pro Tempore: Marin County Superior Court
1989 - 1991
Lake Tahoe Community TrustDirector
1989 - 1996
Marin County Superior courtJudicial Arbitrator
1988 - 1991
Alpine Meadows Lake Tahoe Ski Education FoundationDirector
1983 - 1994
United States District Court for the Eastern District of MichiganAdmitted Memeber
1981 - 1994
Oregon State BarMember
1981 - 1984
Eugene Oregon Symphony AssociationDirector
1981 - 1994
United States District Court for the District of OregonAdmitted Member
1980 - 2022
Marquis Who's Who In American LawMember
1977 - 1981
Los Angeles County Superior CourtJudge Pro Tempore: Los Angeles County Superior Court
1976 - 1981
Beverly Hills Judicial DistrictJudge Pro Tempore: Los Angeles County Superior Court
1976 - 1981
Los Angeles County Municipal CourtJudge Pro Tem, Los Angeles Municipal Court
1975 - 1979
American Arbitration AssociationNational Arbitrator
National Employment Lawyers Association
Member
San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Muniz v. UPS, Inc.
Affirmed trial court granting attorneys fees.
Mangano v. Verity, Inc., 167 Cal.App.4th 944 (6th Dist. Ct of Appeal - 2008)
Affirmed lower court ruling on attorney fees
McCann vs. Alaska Airlines, 758 F. Supp. 559 (N.D. Cal 1991)
Settlement
Volckmann et. al. v. Edwards et al., 642 F.Supp 109 (N.D. CA. 1986)
Settled
Commercial Bankers Life Insurance Company et al. v. John A Kirk, Jr. et al., 66 Ore. App. 359, (1984)
Affirmed summary judgment
Truax v Truax, 62 Ore.App 130 (1983)
Ruling in favor of Client, Jane Truax
Education
1970
Wayne State Univ Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1967
Univ of Michigan
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1963
Cranbrook School
Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2016
Canadian TV News Interview
Genetic Discrimination
2015
SFPA Annual Meeting
Updates in Employment Law
2014
San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
Whistleblower Protections
2014
San Francisco Mental Health Board Meeting
LPS Conservatorship
2014
Rules Committee
Laura's Law
2014
Ronn Owens Radio Talk Show
Laura's Law
2014
Proposition Endorsement Meeting
Prop 46
2014
Paralegal Day
False Claims Act
2014
Ethan Bearman Radio Talk Show
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
2014
Debate
Laura's Law
2012
SFPA Annual Meeting
Overview Of California Employment Law
2012
Gil Gross Radio Talk Show
False Claims Act
1993
Winning in Court
Opening Statement, Closing Argument, Jury Instructions
Publications
2015
San Francisco Chronicle
Carpenter Fired For Saving Raccoon From Trap At Construction Site
2014
San Francisco Daily Journal
Sweet Service
2014
San Francisco Daily Journal
Teenager's Legal Case...
2013
San Francisco Daily Journal
Booker v. City of Richmond
2013
The Recorder
Muniz v. United Parcel Service, Inc.
2012
San Francisco Weekly
Newt Gingrich's Favorite Jewelry Store is Being Sued For Racial Discrimination
2012
Daily Journal
A Year After Lawyer Listserv Debacle, Questions Remain
2012
The Carmel Pine Cone
Tiffany Lawsuit Moved To Federal Courthouse
2011
Daily Journal
Disappointment Over Coverage of Listserv Dispute
2011
Daily Journal
Firm Rebuked Over Listserv Comments
2011
Daily Journal
Listserv Off Limits In Discovery Battle
2011
Daily Journal
Listserv Is Fair Game, Paul Hastings Says
2011
Daily Journal
Fight Over Listserv Escalates
2011
Daily Jounal
Listservs Are Not Public Forums
2011
The Carmel Pine Cone
Ex-Tiffany Worker In Racism Lawsuit
2010
Contra Costa Times
Perenon Out After 25 Years At BOD
2010
Oakland Tribune
Stunner: Bishop O'Dowd High football coach is out
2010
ibabuzz.com
Perenon Dismissed As O'Dowd Football Coach
2010
SFGate.com
Nickerson Named New O'Dowd Coach
2010
Daily Journal
Subpoena of Trial Bar Stirs Fears
2009
SeeLodi.com
No Bad Administrator Left Behind
2009
The Sacramento Bee
El Dorado DA rules deputies justified in '07 fatal shooting of man
2009
The Sacramento Bee
DA clears El Dorado deputies in ambush shooting case
2008
Lodi News Sentinel
Hearing Date Set For LUSD Discrimination Suit
2008
Lodi News Sentinel
Teachers file lawsuit against former Lodi Unified principal
2008
The San Jose Mercury News
Man Suing Chamber of Commerce
2008
The Sacramento Bee
Deputies drop lawsuit against shooter's mom
2008
Lodi News Sentinel
Teachers sue Lodi Unified, former McAuliffe principal
2006
San Francisco Chronicle
Matier & Ross
2002
The Burlington Free Press
POWER GAMES AND MEDICAL RECORDS
2001
The Detroit News
DUBYA AND THE CROSS
2001
San Francisco Chronicle
BIG BROTHER ONBOARD
2001
Detroit Free Press
Even Well-Intentioned Discrimination Is Injustice
2001
The Detroit News
Preserve Freedom Of Expression
2001
Detroit Free Press
MORAL SCANDAL IN HEALTH INSURANCE: Don't Get Sick with the Wrong Illness
2001
Detroit Free Press
MEDICATING FOR TRIAL
2000
The Detroit News
Mental Illness Is No Laughing Matter
1999
The Detroit News
Holding Talk Show Liable Makes No Legal Sense And Chills Speech
1999
The Detriot News
In Divisive Abortion Battle, Man Is The Forgotten Factor
1999
The Detroit News
Roosevelt Generation Is No Better Than Any Other
1999
The Detroit News
Controversial Art Exhibit Serves Noble Social Purpose
1999
The Detroit News
Duty Demanded That Barry Explain His Decision Without Being Elusive
1999
The Detroit News
Detroit: Focus On Neighborhoods
1999
The Detroit News
Big Brother, Price Check On Aisle 5
1999
The Detroit News
Reducing The Number Of Handguns Prevents Injuries And Even Deaths
1998
The Detroit News
PERJURY IN AMERICA
1998
The Detroit News
LAWYER BASHING AND ATTICUS FINCH
1994
Daily Journal
Suit Challenges Arbitration Clause
1994
Daily Journal
Employee Challenges Arbitration Requirement
1980
The Victoria Advocate
Estrada's Wife Files Lawsuit
1980
The Sydney Morning Herald
Wife Accuses Estrada
1980
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Estrada's Wife Warned
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a current employer block me from being hired by another company after he was told about it.
31 May 2010
Q&A
Is it possible to appeal a termination at uc davis health system? It seems that state of california demotes or suspends?
04 Jun 2009