I am a real estate lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving all of Northern California.
I focus on problem-solving cases involving ownership, use, and control of real estate (land, leases, title, boundaries, easements), and disputes over real estate transactions. I typically advocate for my clients in litigation, but I take great pride in helping them avoid a dispute in the first place or reaching an efficient, fair resolution.
I handle trials, arbitrations, appeals, mediations, and court-ordered settlement conferences across the real estate spectrum, including: boundary disputes, easements, ownership disputes, priorities of title, deeds of trust, quiet title and title correction, mechanic's liens, construction disputes, title insurance coverage, escrows, real estate transactions "gone bad," representing real estate professionals (realtors, lenders, mortgage brokers), and unlawful detainers.
When I am not in court, I draft and negotiate commercial and residential leases, counsel clients in real estate transactions, and advise clients on title insurance coverage and escrows.
I started my career as associate claims counsel with First American Title Insurance Company, where I handled coverage determinations under title insurance policies, managed claims litigation, and provided legal counsel on title insurance, escrows, and a variety of complex real estate issues.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2004 | 06/05/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2020 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Shareholder | Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel, Inc. | 2014 - Present |
Partner | Bardellini, Straw, Cavin & Bupp, LLP | 2008 - 2014 |
Attorney | Burnham Brown | 2007 - 2008 |
Counsel | First American Title Insurance Company | 2005 - 2007 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Santa Clara County Bar Association | 2014 - Present | |
Contra Costa County Bar Association | 2008 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Contra Costa County Bar Association | All By Myself: Ethical Duties Prosecuting Quiet Title Actions When The Other Side Is Absent And/Or Unknown | 2017 |
Hoge Fenton | Easment or License? New Case Blurs The Line | 2015 |
Hoge Fenton | The Invisible Public Road, Hiding In Plain Sight | 2015 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Santa Clara University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2004 |
Claremont McKenna College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2001 |
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Jay Roadarmel, Real estate Attorney on Oct 21, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Steven assisted a client of mine with a contested real estate title matter. His legal analysis and court briefs were thorough and convincing. He regularly updated my client with status. Ultimately, his work led to a successful resolution of the matter. Steven is an exceptional lawyer and a true professional.
Jason Murai, Real estate Attorney on Feb 7, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Steven is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of real estate law. He is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him to anyone who requires assistance with any real estate related matter.
Marcus Brown, Real estate Attorney on May 31, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Steve is an exceptional real estate lawyer. He possesses the legal knowledge and analytical chops needed to unpack complex real estate problems. Plus Steve is a talented advocate, able to cut through the complexities and effectively fight for his clients.
Lola Ellwein, Litigation Attorney on Jul 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Steven is an outstanding attorney and an all around great guy. I’ve had the pleasure to get to know him while working together for several years on a very contentious case. Although he’s years younger than I am, I’ve asked for and valued his insights and opinions. He’s very effective at oral argument and his writing is superb. He’s cool and calm and doesn’t get rattled. But his calm and cautious demeanor also belies a wicked sense of humor. Of course, it’s all business when he’s lawyering, and he’s very good at that!
Sean Filippini, Litigation Attorney on Apr 21, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Steve was opposing counsel in a large construction dispute involving complex issues and numerous parties. I found Steve to be a top-notch litigator--smart, prepared, and very knowledgeable about construction and real estate issues. I have worked against hundreds of opposing attorneys and Steve stood out as one of the best I've encountered.
Ben Dupre, Litigation Attorney on Apr 20, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've known Steve for almost 15 years. Steve has such a clam demeanor, is very patient, very sharp, and an honest person. Steve has developed an expertise in various real estate litigation subject matters, and if I were ever in a situation and personally needed help, I myself, would be calling Steve (knocking on wood I do not need that).