Steven Allen Dinneen

PRO

Steven Allen Dinneen

4.7
54 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Family Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation ... +3 more

247 North Third Street, San Jose, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Steven

Biography

Providing personalized and compassionate family law services to help clients navigate difficult issues with confidence and peace of mind. We strive to build lasting relationships with our clients based on trust, respect, and integrity.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Alimony 20%

18 years | 400 cases

20%
Child Custody 20%

18 years | 400 cases

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

18 years | 400 cases

20%
Family 20%

18 years | 400 cases

20%
Child Support 15%

18 years | 400 cases

15%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

18 years | 250 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2020 2019 2018
...
+ 2
Silver Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in California for 18 years

State: California

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Steven A Dinneen P.C.

247 North Third Street, San Jose, CA, 95112

dinneenlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Steven online.

Steven Allen Dinneen's Reviews

Showing 46 - 50 of 51 reviews

Posted by Utpal | December 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Very Reliable Lawyer with excellent service

I was very happy and satisfied with the service I received from Steven Dinneen. I was grateful for his knowledge of the court system and his true professionalism. He explained every process to me in a way that was easy to understand and kept me informed at all times. I felt that the outcome was as im...portant to him as it was to me. Someone from his office was always available and responsive to my questions and concerns. Also he was putting adequate pressure to the other side of the attorney to get things moving. I can not honestly say enough good things about him! To anyone in search of a good, honest, professional attorney, search no more, Mr. Steven Dinneen comes highly recommended. Mr. Steven Dinneen, I can not thank you enough for all you did for me. This has been a life changing event. You are truly an outstanding professional attorney.

Posted by Allison | August 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Great lawyer

Steven Dineen was a huge asset when I was required to go back to court in regards to child support payments. He took the time to go over all of the forms I needed to provide and help advise how to accurately fill them in with the right details. I was terrified about going to court but Steven put me a...t ease and I felt much more confident with him arguing my case. He helped me to get the support I needed from a less than willing ex. 2 years later Steven was the first person I called when I had another issue arise.

Posted by anonymous | May 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Family advice session

My experience with Avvo Instant was very good. The customer service was great & very responsive to my concerns. I would use this service in the future.

Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Not aggressive enough

I retained Dinneen's office for my divorce and was disappointed with a few things. My initial consult with my initial Associate went well, which is why I hired the firm. However, a few months later it was passed off to another Associate without explanation or notification or a proper introduction to ...the new Associate. Felt almost like a bait and switch. The new Associate was not nearly aggressive enough in fighting for me I feel as OPC was. For example, at one point he insisted that I settle by paying my ex-spouse's legal fees (over $7k) even though I was on disability at the time and did not file the divorce. When I asked what the rationale was, he could not offer one based on his conversations with OPC and simply insisted it was a good deal. I refused and repeatedly had to tell him to go fight harder and that I would only pay a much lower amount. Only then did OPC finally cave and go with a number much closer to my ask. But had I taken the advice of the Associate, I would have been out thousands. I also had some billing issues, which in fairness were sorted out by their office and they did give me a courtesy credit for some of the disputed charges. In the end, when I simply inquired about any remaining work/charges, they simply sent me a "withdrawal letter" declining to represent me further without even explaining that the case was fully closed.

Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Would not recommend this attorney to anyone looking for serious representation in a divorce case.

I am extremely disappointed with this attorney’s services. I paid a very high amount in legal fees, but received little to no actual work in return. My case was poorly handled, I ultimately lost, and I received no financial outcome at all. Communication was a major issue throughout the process. Resp...onses were not timely, calls and messages often went unanswered, and I was frequently left in the dark. I was repeatedly given assurances that things were being handled, but in reality, no meaningful action was taken on my case. There was a lot of talk, but no follow-through. I trusted this attorney during a very difficult time in my life, and that trust was misplaced. For the money charged( almost $30,000) , I expected professionalism, responsiveness, and results—none of which I received. Steven demonstrated a lack of knowledge in family law, was unable to clearly address questions, and often appeared unsure of the legal issues involved. He came to court without adequate preparation, missed filing deadlines, and failed to submit required documents. Promises were repeatedly made and not kept. Overall, the representation was careless and highly disappointing. I would not recommend this attorney to anyone looking for serious representation in a divorce case.

See All Client Reviews

Steven Allen Dinneen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Steven
Yvonne Marie Magno headshot
Yvonne Magno

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Steven on many matters over the last several years. He is a highly-skilled, intelligent, and conscientious attorney."

Kristen Lynn Sellers headshot
Kristen Sellers

Unknown lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is one of the most intelligent attorneys I know. He is highly skilled, professional, and a tireless advocate for his clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney in a family law matter."

Ruben Patricio Ruiz headshot
Ruben Ruiz

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've worked with Steve in the past and he is a great advocate for his clients. I've referred several clients to him in the past and will do so in the future."

Andrew Lee Westover headshot
Andrew Westover

Family lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Steve is an excellent attorney. He will treat you honestly and fairly. Highly recommended."

Christopher Duane Hirz headshot
Christopher Hirz

Family lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Steven for many years. He is an excellent attorney, is very knowledgable of the law, and represents his clients very effectively."

Jeremy T. Deuel headshot
Jeremy Deuel

Family lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Steve's work as a family law attorney. Steve is very competent and considerate of his client's needs. He is respected by the courts as well as his peers."

Andrew George Marcellino headshot
Andrew Marcellino

Family lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Steven. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

David John Luca headshot
David Luca

Family lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Steven has proven in Court to be a compassionate and aggressive advocate for his clients."

Nancy Maria Martinez headshot
Nancy Martinez

Family lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I've worked with Steven on a couple of cases and we have always been able to work things out amicably for clients. Steven is intelligent, pragmatic and he understands that litigation is not the answer to a lot of our clients' concerns. On a personal level, Steven is one of the coolest, most personable attorneys around."

Aaron Ramon Jackson headshot
Aaron Jackson

Family lawyer | Jan 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Steven for almost a decade; however, he continues to impress me. He is one of the hardest working attorneys and he gets great results for his clients. Most importantly, his clients love him!"

Andrew J Cook headshot
Andrew Cook

Family lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He has excellent legal skills and knows how to get a solution."

Matthew James Jensen headshot
Matthew Jensen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Steve's a great lawyer. He's practiced family law for a long time and knows his stuff. Very affable and easy to get along with."

Christie Marie Asselin headshot
Christie Asselin

Family lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Other

"I have known Steven since 2006. I have referred clients to him in the past and will continue to do so. I endorse Steven because he is capable, smart, knowledgeable and cares for his clients!"

Rory S. Coetzee headshot
Rory Coetzee

Family lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steven is a highly competent and capable attorney. I have known him for many years now and can attest to his abilities as a professional who always puts his clients first. You would do well to hire him! Rory Coetzee"

John Noah Kitta headshot
John Kitta

Child support lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawI endorse Steven Dinneen. I enjoy his succinct, clear and to the point responses to individuals’ legal inquiries. Even though that person chances are not the best he has the time, energy and thoughtfulness to lay out on the table what possibilities do exist in that particular situation. yer."

Christiana Elizabeth Samuels headshot
Christiana Samuels

Family lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Steven is a compassionate, knowledgeable, accessible and aggressive attorney. He is easy to work with, but does not hesitate to go to bat for his clients. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney in any family law matter."

Sandra Masako Springer headshot
Sandra Springer

Family lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer because of his in depth knowledge of family law issues, professionalism, and expert legal analysis. I was referred to Mr. Dinneen for consultation in a complex dissolution matter involving international entities, dissipation of assets, special needs custody issues, and support issues. Mr. Dinneen was able to parse out the relevant information very efficiently, and acted as consultant helping to bring the case to a favorable resolution. I highly recommend Mr. Dinneen as both a consultant and attorney of record in all family law related matters."

Christopher Walter Dull headshot
Christopher Dull

Family lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Knows the law, great court room presence and a great attorney to work with."

View All Endorsements
Diana Rose Passadori headshot
Diana Passadori

Family lawyer

Sandra Masako Springer headshot
Sandra Springer

Family lawyer

Christopher Duane Hirz headshot
Christopher Hirz

Family lawyer

Nancy Maria Martinez headshot
Nancy Martinez

Family lawyer

Rory S. Coetzee headshot
Rory Coetzee

Family lawyer

Aaron Ramon Jackson headshot
Aaron Jackson

Family lawyer

Ruben Patricio Ruiz headshot
Ruben Ruiz

Business lawyer

Matthew James Jensen headshot
Matthew Jensen

Family lawyer

Christie Marie Asselin headshot
Christie Asselin

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Nation's Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2021

Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Fellow, American Bar Foundation

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2017

Nation's Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2017

Fellow, American Bar Foundation

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Nation's Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

2015

10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2015

Who's Who of Top North American Attorneys, Heritage Who's Who

2015

Nation's Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Client's Choice Award for 2014, Avvo

2014

Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Client's Choice Award for 2013, Avvo

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Attorney/Owner, Law Offices of Steven A. Dinneen

2008 - 2012

Attorney, Law Office Of Martha J. Olson

2007 - 2007

Law Clerk, Cisco Systems

2007 - 2008

Contract Attorney, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

2006 - 2006

Law Clerk, Barker Law Group

2001 - 2002

Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Associations

2015 - Present

National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Member

2015 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2015 - Present

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2015 - Present

American Bar Association, General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division

Member

2015 - Present

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists

Member

2014 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Solo and Small Firm Practitioners Section

Member

2013 - Present

ProVisors

Member

2013 - Present

Santa Clara County Barristers Club

Member

2008 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2008 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Member

2007 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1995 - Present

Delta Upsilon

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

V.S. v. S.P.

Party not paying child support was imputed over $100,000 in income and ordered to pay child support

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

California Western School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

San Jose State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Career Day and More

Becoming an attorney

2012

Single parent meet up

Divorce overview with Q&A

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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