Mr. Stearns is the managing partner for the firm, and is a denominated Southern California “Super Lawyer,” a rating bestowed on the top 5% of Southern California lawyers.
Mr. Stearns handles both trial and transactional matters for the firm, his practice involving real estate, business affairs, family law, and trust/estate matters. Mr. Stearns also serves as general counsel to a number of companies. Mr. Stearns has tried and mediated in excess of 300 Civil/Business/Real Estate, Family Law and Probate/Trust matters, and handled in excess of 700 Request for Order and law and motion proceedings.
Mr. Stearns’ career began in the areas of business and real estate litigation, representing many small and mid-sized businesses and real estate developers, which he continues to do today.
Over time, Mr. Stearns developed a practice in family law, having seen demand for experienced trial lawyers in that area of law, and thereafter was denominated by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Family Law Specialist. Mr. Stearns has been appointed by judges of the Los Angeles County Court to represent children in highly contested custody cases as Minor’s Counsel, and has served on the executive committee for the Los Angeles County Bar Association in Family Law.
Mr. Stearns is a denominated “Advocate” by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and has been a lecturer for the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Mr. Stearns’ approach in all litigation matters is to first search for solutions for his clients so that litigation and trial is the last alternative. However, if no solution is possible, he employs the most innovative, direct, and aggressive trial techniques to the cases he handles.
In college at the University of California at Berkeley, Mr. Stearns played on 2 U.S. National Championship rugby teams, then playing overseas in Australia, and at a regional level for the United States. Mr. Stearns attributes his competitive drive and high expectations in the practice of law to the discipline and training he developed playing rugby.
CERTIFICATIONS
• Certified Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Specialization
• Super Lawyers
ASSOCIATIONS
• Los Angeles County Bar Association
• South Bay Bar Association
• American Bar Association, Litigation
• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
• Board of Visitors, Southwestern University School of Law (past)
• Palos Verdes Art Center, Board of Trustees
