Laurence H. Steffan

Mediator-Attorney

Oakland, California 94601

510-748-6800

Business, Civil, Commercial, Contract, Employment, Foreclosure, Personal Injury, Real Estate, Workplace


Laurence Steffan is a trial attorney with over 35 years experience.


Cases accepted in all California counties.


Represented clients in Alaska, Oregon and Nevada on a case-by-case (pro hac vice) basis.


Admitted to the California Bar on June 23, 1978, and also admitted to practice before:

  • The Supreme Court of the United States
  • The Eastern District of California Federal Court
  • The Central District of California Federal Court
  • The Northern District of California Federal Court.


AREAS OF PRACTICE:


CIVIL LAW:

  • Personal Injury with primary emphasis in plaintiff’s litigation with some defense work.
  • Business and Contracts
  • Document preparation and litigation for both plaintiff and defense.
  • Construction defect
  • General Counsel to planned unit developments (homeowners associations).


Trial Experience


Tried both civil jury and court trials before Municipal and Superior courts throughout California, including complex litigation.


Ex-California


Admitted case-by-case basis (pro hac vice) in Oregon and Alaska state courts and Nevada Federal Court.


JUDICIAL:

  • Presided over open and contested traffic and small claims as Judge Pro Tem for the Marin County Municipal Court.
  • Presided as arbitrator for the Marin County Municipal Court.
  • Appointed by the Marin County Superior Court to sit as Judge Pro Tem.
  • Appointed by the Marin County Superior Court to preside as discovery referee.
  • Appointed by the Marin County Superior Court to preside as arbitrator.


EDUCATION:

  • 1977 Juris Doctorate degree from Armstrong College of Law, Berkeley, California
  • 1973 Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Sonoma State College, Rohnert Park, California.


MEMBERSHIPS:

  • State Bar of California
  • Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks
  • Alameda County Bar Association
  • Consumer Attorneys of California
  • Alameda/Contra Costa Trial Lawyers’ Association
  • Civil Air Patrol


INTERESTS & HOBBIES:

  • Private pilot who enjoys flying to out-of-county court appearances
  • Hiking, fishing and camping
  • Woodworking
  • Gardening

Mediator – Attorney 
Helping Individuals, Families & Other Attorneys Solve Disputes


The focus of Laurence Steffan’s practice is providing mediation services to clients throughout the Bay Area. Many of the individuals that seek him out to act as a mediator are other attorneys – both plaintiff’s and defendant’s – who are looking for an impartial, knowledgeable, and highly respected individual to aid in the resolution of their clients’ cases.


As an attorney and mediator with more than 35 years of experience in Bay Area Superior Courts, Laurence Steffan is a strong advocate for his clients without being adversarial and without inflaming the strong emotions that arise in disputes. As a mediator located in Alameda, he helps the parties to hear each other, bridge their differences, and arrive at an agreement that works for both of them.


There are many good reasons to mediate rather than litigate.

  • Avoid going to court
  • Save money
  • Resolve disputes amicably
  • Avoid unpredictable results
  • Promote effective relationships


Mr. Steffan strongly believes that a mediator becomes involved in a case in order to help the parties reach a satisfactory and final conclusion and therefore commits himself to the matter at hand until it is resolved.

2161 Harbor Bay Parkway

Alameda, CA. 94502

Phone:   510-748-6800 X111

Email:   [email protected]