
EXPERTISE.
PASSION.
AV*Preeminent Rated Attorney with more than 22 years of experience
Providing premier legal services with five-star service at reasonable rates
Stephen Stern, Esq. has been practicing law for more than 22 years. He has received numerous accolades for his legal work, including most recently being named an AV*PREEMINENT Lawyer from Martindale-Hubbell-Hubbell. This award is limited to the top percent of lawyers in the United States. The Stern Law if also committed to community service, which was the catalyst for the creation of Mobile Law Center in 2017. It provides legal outreach to unserved and underserved populations throughout California.
Additionally, Stephen is a highly requested speaker on a variety of legal topics and adjunct professor at California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo and Cuesta College. He is a member in good standing with the California and Arizona State Bars, Federal Courts, California State Bar’s Intellectual Property organization, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the National Consumer Law Center.
Areas of practice:
- Business Transactions (contracts, buy-sell agreements, franchise agreements, purchase agreements, license agreements, employee agreements, shareholder agreements, shareholder buyouts, asset protection, real estate easements, promissory notes)
- Business Entity Creation (Limited Liability Company, Corporations, S-Corporations, Sole Proprietorship, Non-Profit Organization)
- Intellectual Property (copyright registration and protection, trademark registration and protection, federal trademarks, confusingly similar trademarks, trade secrets, privacy and publicity rights, social media and disparagement
- Estate Planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, probate, pet trust, trustee, successor trustee)
- Bankruptcy and Debt-Related issues (credit card debt, medical debt, student loan debt, liens, bank account garnishments, chapter 7, chapter 13, discharge your debt, protect the equity in your house)
- Student Loan Attorney Graduate
Providing Bankruptcy and Business Law Services to California’s Central Coast Since 2003
- San Miguel
- Paso Roble
- Atascadero
- Cambria
- Morro Bay
- Cayucos
- Los Osos
- San Luis Obispo
- Pismo Beach
- Arroyo Grande
- Grover Beach
- Oceano
- Nipomo
- Lake Nacimiento
- Ragged Point
- Big Sur
- San Simeon
Stephen is wonderful! He is an extremely knowledgeable attorney and goes above and beyond in everything he does.
He has been so kind, patient, and understanding with all my stressful matters. He is Meticulous and prompt getting documents filed and paperwork done. Stephen is there to answer questions, calls, and emails promptly. He has been so helpful to me, it has been such a relief to have him on my side and I am so thankful to him. He truly is the best!
Let’s begin with, some journeys considering heart and family are not always a “lazy river ride”…..
That said….
I found Stephen Stern.
My brother and I called from afar to help shape and guide our father moving forward.
Just take over like he’s not there….dads words
Well…we all know it doesn’t work quite that way.Stephen answered my call in person from a Chicago area code only to receive a very confused and lost seeker of legal assistance.
The Journey that unfolds from this point on is a gift graciously received.
Stephen greeted us at every turn with compassion and patience. That goes a long way when dealing with your fathers entire world, and all that goes with it. Guided us so beautifully.
To close: My mantra “LIFE IS TOO SHORT…PEOPLE TOO IMPORTANT” Thank you Stephen….. Upholding, and confirming this…. Appreciate….
We worked with Stephen on a particularly difficult situation involving dissolving our business. Emotions were high, Stephen skillfully guided us through these emotions and all the aspects of a financial strategy to amicably settle the important details; while professionally negotiating with opposing counsel to protect our future in a skeptical situation.
Stephen has our highest recommendation as a attorney with exceptional integrity and knowledge.
I highly recommend Stephen M. Stern, he is an outstanding attorney. I have been his client for around fifteen years, and his professionalism, passion and accountability were always put at service for us. Being myself a former attorney abroad I can say that I rarely encountered such a high level of professionalism, care, and passion like the one he offers to his clients.
The Stephen M. Stern Law Firm is everything you need and hope for when retaining legal services. As a client, you are certain that your needs, concerns and case will be handled with the utmost professionalism, integrity, timeliness and attention to detail. I highly recommend the legal services of the Stephen Stern Law Firm!
Excellent follow up and follow thru. Stephen really knows his stuff. He is always professional, courteous and straight forward with explanations needed to understand the intricacies of the legal world. Thank you for all that you have done for me.
“Attorney Stephen Stern is an expert attorney dedicated to defending the civil rights of his clients. He has extensive expertise in Media Law and Commercial Speech in Digital Media leading to his thoughtful and judicial guidance for his clients. Mr. Stern is committed to social justice and the needs of underrepresented members within our community. His work on behalf of clients is thoroughly researched and persuasively articulated to assure that their rights are protected and justly defended.
Scholar, advocate, and creative—Mr. Stern is a legal force who listens with compassion and heart, and is readied with legal knowledge to work assiduously for his clients. I am forever grateful for his care and counsel.”
Cate Trujillo
“I highly recommend Stephen M. Stern, he is an outstanding attorney. I have been his client for around fifteen years, and his professionalism, passion and accountability were always put at service for us. Being myself a former attorney abroad I can say that I rarely encountered such a high level of professionalism, care, and passion like the one he offers to his clients.”
Malena C.
“Stephen M. Stern is my Number one choice for all legal matters.He’s very professional knowledgable and helpful. I cannot recommend a more ethical intelligent attorney out there. You’ll be well represented by him.”
Eric D.
“A few years back when I was looking for help incorporating my business, I did some research online, called around, and Stephen seemed to be the most qualified to assist me in terms of experience and personality. He was wonderful to work with, knowledgeable, professional, well priced, and had quick turnaround rates. I was impressed.
Since then, he has helped incorporate my business as well as provide legal advice and read over client contracts. I would highly recommend Stephen’s firm if you’re looking for help with legalities around your business.”
Akvile D.
“I hired Stephen to help me file a trademark for my business and the experience has been so pleasant. Stephen guided and assisted me through the whole trademark process. Starting with the initial informative call about the process, approximate timeline, needed information as well as a quote for the project. Stephen has been very transparent, accesible and responsive during the process. He is very helpful and patiently explains the process and further steps. I would definitely recommend Stephen!”
Logan S.
“Not only is Stephen Stern a confident attorney but I know from working with him that he truly cares about his clients. Stephen is a trustworthy professional with exceptional follow through. I appreciate Stephen Stern’s undivided attention when he consults with me, always helping me to define my objectives and doing everything in his power to help me get the best results possible. I couldn’t be more confident in his expertise and work ethic.”Scott D.

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