Attorney Profile

Sole Practitioner

Stephen E. Penner graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. After graduation, he served in the Vietnam War as a Gunnery Officer on the USS Turner Joy from 1971-1973. Upon his return stateside, Stephen completed his remaining two years of Naval Service in San Diego as First Division Officer on the USS Prairie, as Shore Patrol Officer for Long Beach Naval Station, and instructed Naval Gunfire Support to the Marines in Little Creek, Virginia. Upon completion of his Naval Duty in 1975, Stephen E Penner attended California Western School of Law. After 2 vigorous years, Steve graduated with a Juries Doctor Degree from Cal Western in 1977. He passed the Bar that same year and moved to Santa Barbara to open up his first law office and has been in private practice ever since.

From 1977-1990, Stephen built up his practice and expanded his client base by primarily working on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury cases.  With the help of a dedicated staff Stephen expanded his practice to include Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Litigation, Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Real Estate and Product Liability claims.

The Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner have represented over 8,000 clients in the Tri-Counties and offer a multitude of legal expertise. For nearly 35 years the firm has been dedicated to servicing the community by offering personal representation with a commitment to professional integrity. Law Offices of Stephen E. Penner offers representation that is result oriented, reasonably priced

Areas of Practice

  • Bankruptcy Law
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Civil Litigation
  • Criminal Defense
  • Divorce
  • Estate Planning
  • Family Law
  • Litigation
  • Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
  • Probate
  • Product Liability Claims
  • Real Estate
  • Trust & Probate Litigation
  • Wills

Bar Admissions

  • California, 1977
  • U.S. District Court Central District of California, 2005

Education

  • California Western School of Law, San Diego, California
    • J.D. - 1977
    • Honors: With Distinction
  • United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
    • B.S. - 1971
    • Honors: With High Honors
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering

Classes/Seminars

  • Stress Management in Legal Profession, Santa Barbara County Bar, 2005

Honors and Awards

  • Santa Clara Bar Association, Trial Lawyer, 1998
  • Vietnam Veterans of America, Annual Award, 2007

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, 2005 - Present
  • California Association of Family Law Attorneys, 1998 - Present

Pro Bono Activities

  • Legal Aid Santa Barbara County, Volunteer, 2000 - 2002
  • High School Mock Trial Competition, 2003 - Present

Ancillary Businesses

  • Real Estate Development
  • Rental Property Management

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Fraternities/Sororities

  • Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity