Skip to main content

Steven Mark Kesten

Employment and labor Attorney at Nicasio, CA

4.9   51 reviews
  • State Years
    California - CA 32 years
    Colorado - CO 31 years
  • Licensed for 32 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1991
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 31 years
    State CO
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found

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

About Steven

Learn Steven’s areas of practice.

Photos and videos

Contact Steven

Kesten Law
36 Camino Margarita
Nicasio, CA, 94946-9705

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  51 customer reviews
5 Star
 
98%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
2%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Individual
Kesten does not only have super smarts as a lawyer but has a soul as well and that combination was a real winner for me in a contract dispute with an employer. He effected my personal situation dramatically allowing me to carry on and move forward. I'm thankful to have employed him and highly recommend his talent and demeanor to anyone, or any business.
Read less
Posted by Patricia | April 21, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Administrative Government Technician
Steve Kenten listened to my highly unusual situation with my former employer. He was acting in a consultation capacity. He gave me direction as how to proceed with my grievance and although this was supposed to be a consultation only he went so far and above just a consultation. Made many contacts with my employer and kept me informed each step of the way. His kindness and extraordinary attention to my concerns proved to me that Steve is a consummate credit to his profession. He recommended an attorney better suited to my need. I could not recommend a finer Lawyer, a gentleman and all around very good person. A blessing to me. This
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hired to help collect unpaid wages
I could not have asked for a better lawyer than Steve. He handled my case flawlessly as he negotiated for a settlement and mediated an emotional situation. He is remarkably knowledgeable in law and has excellent interpersonal skills in negotiation that left me confident I would get the wages I was owed. Steve did a perfect job of only communicating with me about the case to the extent I was interested in knowing. He spent many hours in negotiation with my former employers but made my involvement effortless and minimal, although I am confident if I had wanted to be informed of the details he would have kept me up to date as the case progressed. Steve took time to discuss complicated aspects of the case over the phone and made sure I felt comfortable contacting him at any time and for any reason. He thoroughly explained my options and gave his advice using his extensive background in wage disputes to help me make informed decisions regarding the settlement. I wasn’t owed a large amount of money and Steve still took my case and fought for justice relentlessly even though his pay for the work done was small. I truly do not know what I would have done without Steve. I felt entirely at peace and taken care of throughout the ups and downs of settlement mediation, and overjoyed when we were able to claim the entire amount requested. Truly, the case could not have gone better and I accredit all success to Steve’s professional, thorough, and dedicated work. I could not more highly recommend him.
Read less
Posted by Sophia | June 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
I first worked with Steve about 7 years ago when I had employment questions regarding my dental practice. Steve helped me put together an employment manual and explained in detail the law and how to correctly implement it. He also advised me on changes that I needed to make in my practice. Recently I was sued by an ex-employee. Steve took the lead in strategy and represented my practice in the lawsuit. Steve’s performance exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome! Steve is a great lawyer and has a lot of experience. He had a great strategy, and was very steady through the ups and downs of the case. He was also very caring and empathetic throughout the process. A pleasure to work with.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Believed in me and made a difference!
I need to remain anonymous due to the nature of my suit. Had it not been for Mr. Kesten, I would have passed on the opportunity to pursue my claim. I feel vindicated and received compensation which made me feel whole again A trustworthy soul to represent your best interest.
Posted by Dena | March 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb attorney with exceptional communication skills and experience!
I hired Steve after the vehicle I was driving was hit by an uninsured motorist. Steve assisted me in a lawsuit against my own auto insurance for uninsured motorist coverage. I am an athlete and I sustained a hip injury which eventually led to a surgery recommendation. The injury greatly impacted my day-to-day life for many months and has continued to impact my lifestyle and favorite physical activities for years. I interviewed half a dozen attorneys who all came highly recommended. When I met Steve he had a wonderfully warm and inviting presence. He truly listened and answered my questions. He was the the right choice for my case. Steve is down to earth and a very skilled, talented, and effective attorney. His communication is to the point and he is great at explaining jargon for understanding and comprehension. Steve always responded to calls and emails promptly. His ongoing recommendations and support made the entire process smooth and relatively stress-free. He also was incredibly effective at dealing with opposing counsel and helping to keep opposing counsel on the up-and-up throughout the process as well as during my deposition. We settled my case for the full amount outside of court. I'd hire Steve again and highly recommend him.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A GREAT PERSON and EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY
Steve is a kind, understanding, highly intelligent human being with impeccable integrity. He is a family man who’s life and work has been dedicated to helping people. Steve is a sharp, brilliant, tried and proven employment law attorney, with a superior knowledge of the law. Steve will work for you with ceaseless dedication and devotion and he is patient with his clients. With a master chess player’s mentality, projecting, reviewing and strategizing possibility, scenarios, risks and outcomes. Steve took on a complex and difficult case for me and he was there every step of the way guiding me through the process. With his vast contacts of professional colleagues Steve was able to bring in an outstanding mediator with the “EXACT” experience that led to a “successful” outcome dealing with difficult opposing attorneys. I “highly recommend” Steve and his law firm. CR
Read less
Posted by Ayana | June 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Omg where do I start... :)
I'm 31 but I hired Mr. Kesten when I was just 24. I come from a family of attorneys but I took pride in finding and retaining Mr. Kesten without help. It sounds really cheesy and cliche but when I sat in his office, I felt I was meant to be there. Looking back, one of the things I really appreciated about Mr. Kesten was his matter of fact- thoroughness (new word I just made up). He explained things to me in layman's terms without dumbing the situation down or sugar coating things. I am looking for an attorney currently but no longer reside in California- the nostalgia of working with Mr. Kesten brought me here. Hoping a Houston based doppelganger will magically appear from the good karma of writing this review :) Thanks for helping me Mr. Kesten, moreover, thanks for winning!!! lol
Read less
Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honorable
Consulted with Steven. He was timely in responding to my communications, made himself available to speak with me at the end of his business day and was straightforward in his conveyance of law specific to my situation. He knows the law and can be trusted.
Posted by Kelvin | March 23, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Case against large auto dealer in Marin back in 1998
Simply the best. I have referred many of people his direction and he has always done them right. Not only a good lawyer but a great person who I would go out of my way to help any time he asked.
Posted by anonymous | March 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Produces Successful Results !
Mr. Kesten was referred to us from another Attorney. My recent experience with Steve has led me to write this review. In my Real Estate business we sometimes come across unpleasant/ unfair matters that have to be dealt with quickly and effectively . Steve was not only able to resolve our Matter quickly. He was very professional and effective with this matter. He was successful in the end and we are happy with the outcome. We are happy to have had him Represent us. I highly recommend him. MC
Read less
Posted by steven | August 15, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
hard to find quality
experienced, confident and knowledgeable. Steven Kesten had the additional abilities to use these skills. A rare find in the Bay area. He is practical in a impractical world.
Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Employment attorney
Steve exudes knowledge and experience. Add to that his very relatable personality and you have a great attorney. I consulted with Steve during a trying moment in my career where I thought I had little to no recourse. In reviewing my employment agreement, he proved deft in finding considerable leverage. Steve and his team kept in frequent communication and responded to my every inquiry. Steve was patient, taking the time to build our proposal for the best possible outcome. We achieved that together and I would recommend him to anyone. PS. Be sure to ask him about his interests in music.
Read less
Posted by Joseph | June 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review of Mr Steve Kesten
Steve took my lawsuit under his wing when my original attorney abandoned me, just prior to my required response to summary judgement. A very critical point in the litigation. I thought at that point, my case was lost and all the money I had spent on it. Steve not only won the summary judgement , but in the end skilfully crafted a great law based case that brought a result beyond my best expectations. I would most highly recommend Mr Kesten to anyone who needs the best contract lawyer possible.
Read less
Posted by Bill | March 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer!
Steve was great, from start to finish. He was encouraging throughout the process, and obtain favorable result. I highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent counselor at law
Steven is always available to listen to the problem, break down the options of solutions and advise his client on what the next steps are. I have worked with Steven twice and have found him to be available, knowledgeable, fair in his considerations of all sides and adept at settling the dispute without too much pain. I highly recommend him.
Read less
Posted by Anjul Katare | February 28, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He is the best!!
I have knowns Steve for close to a decade now! He is always there and care for his client. I have consulted numerous time with him. He has been very patient and always advised right thing. For him client comes first than his fee! I will never even think of anyone as long as Steve is on my side!!
Posted by pete | October 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Steve Kesten review
Steve was referred by the lawyer who had drawn up our trust. He was the secon lawyer that we consulted. We were frightened and confused . Steve gave us the impression that he knew his business. He explained what we were up against and what we needed to do first and what to do after that. He found aspects of our case that immediately lessened our consequences
Read less
Posted by Carmen | May 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Steve Kesten-he answers the phone
Before calling Steve, I spoke with a dozen or more other attorneys (and/or their assistants). However, I only spoke with them after leaving messages or having lengthy interviews with assistants and it usually took two or three days for them to get back to me. Steve actually answered his phone (each time I called!) and discussed all my options in a simple and direct manner. During our face to face consultation, he was incredibly supportive and provided excellent council.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
I found someone who cares
After months of reaching out and seeking advice for my be fired from a company I have over 1/3 of my life to Steven called and he showed me that he was their in my corner. He asked me questions to gain clarity of my situation and based upon my answers he guided me through the next steps in my case. I had never felt so comfortable speaking to any other lawyers previously. I have found the right lawyer for my case with Steven Kesten! A.I.P.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Contingency 33%-40%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing attorney
  • Law Office of Steven Kesten
  • 1994 - Present

Education

  • University of San Francisco School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1990
  • University of Northern Colorado
  • MA - Masters
  • 1984
  • State University of New York, College at Brockport
  • undergraduate
  • 1973

Legal Cases

  • Disability Discrimination
  • The client received a large settlement equal to nearly four years of her wages

Associations

  • Marin County Superior Court
  • Discovery referee
  • 2015 - Present
  • California Employment Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • United States Supreme Court
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • Marin County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • 1991 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of California
  • 1991 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
  • 1991 - Present
  • California Department of Real Estate
  • 1991 - Present
  • Consumer Attorneys of Marin
  • N/A
  • Legal Aid of Marin
  • Board Member
  • 2018 - 2019
  • American Arbitration Association
  • Arbitrator
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Parnow Friendship House
  • Board Member
  • 2015 - 2021
  • EDD Employer's Advisory Council
  • 1998 - 2001
  • Marin Trial Lawyers Association
  • Treasurer
  • 1995 - 1999
  • San Francisco Bar Association
  • Arbitrator
  • 1991 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Volunteer
  • YWCA
  • 2000

Publications

  • Marin County Bar Newsletter
  • How to Avoid Religious Discrimination in Your Law Firm
  • 2001
  • Marin County Bar Newsletter
  • Wage and Hour Laws: New Requirements Under AB 60
  • 1999

Speaking Engagements

  • Wage and Hour Law Seminar
  • Wage and Hour Law
  • 2011
  • State Bar of California, Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) Governing Committee
  • “Flogging Will Continue Until Morale Improves!”
  • 2009
  • Televised closed circuit
  • Employment Litigation Strategies
  • 2003
  • Marin County EDD
  • Early Resolution of Employment Claims
  • 2000
  • Los Angeles and San Francisco MCLE
  • Deposition Skills
  • 1997
  • Los Angeles and San Francisco MCLE
  • Preparing for Trial
  • 1995
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (18)
Given (1)
Endorse Steven
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 24
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Steve is an effective and zealous advocate for his clients."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse Steve Kesten. He is an excellent lawyer who has secured remarkable results for his clients in arbitration, trial and mediation. He has extensive experience in and knowledge of employment and labor law, from all sides, and can position his clients for the best outcomes."
Litigation Attorney | Jul 22
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Steven Kesten is a true professional. I have found him to be a tough litigator, well prepared, and tenacious. He is also highly ethical, and creative in his approach to solving tough problems."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. a very good practitioner. helps his clients achieve results."
Employment and labor Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Steven Kesten is a great attorney in many areas not just Labor Law"
Employment and labor Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Steve is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney and well accomplished. Most importantly, he cares about his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Dec 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is knowledgeable and responsive."
Employment and labor Attorney | Dec 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Ethics and professional responsibility Attorney | Jul 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Steve is one of the most honest, ethical, decent, kind-hearted lawyers I've ever worked with. He's Steve. We worked together when I was just starting out 23 years ago, and he's been my friend all this time. He's smart, knowledgeable, and has a great sense of perspective -- which I think some lawyers miss. One wants a lawyer with perspective and a willingness to apply life experience to the situation at hand. At least I want that in a lawyer. Steve has great business skills, obviously. Obviously! What more can I say?"
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I heartily endorse Steve Kesten. As a professional, his breadth of knowledge and skills are unparalleled in the legal community. As a person, Steve is honest, diligent, client-focused and caring."
Employment and labor Attorney | Aug 28
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had several cases against Steve, and have found him to be an excellent advocate for his clients."
Business Attorney | Jul 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Steve Kesten is an incredibly bright, perceptive, diligent person with extensive knowledge in all aspects of business law from the ground up. One would be hard pressed to find a better attorney or human being than Steve Kesten."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Steven Kesten represents the very best in our profession. He is fair, dedicated, intelligent, knows the law and above all is a lawyer of great integrity. I have know Steve for 30 years and recommend him with the highest possible endorsement. Lawrence Siegel"
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Steve is a damn good lawyer, and an even better employment/labor lawyer. His candor is refreshing, his personality a pleasure to work with, and his integrity outstanding. He is the first on my list for recommendations in this area of the law, and my clients have always given me a positive feed-back after consulting with him. It is my pleasure and honor to endorse him."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I am an attorney and I have tried cases with Steve Kesten. It is, therefore, easy for me to say that Steve is a bright, creative and knowledgeable attorney. But the highest compliment that one attorney can give another is this: I'd have him represent me."
Personal injury Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"A very experienced and able practitioner in the areas of employment litigation and personal injury litigation. Thorough, diligent, with an excellent track record of achieving superior results for his clients."
View more endorsements
Employment and labor