Contact Info
- Location 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA
- Phone +1 650-988-8500
- Website http://www.fenwick.com/
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About Steele John J
In the complex and often demanding world of legal practice, ensuring ethical conduct and managing professional responsibility are paramount for both legal professionals and their clients. For those in California, particularly within the bustling legal landscape of Silicon Valley and beyond, having access to an attorney who specializes in the intricacies of legal ethics and professional liability is an invaluable asset. This article introduces you to such a prominent legal resource: John J. Steele, a highly regarded attorney known for his profound expertise and extensive experience in the law of lawyering.
John J. Steele brings a unique and highly specialized skill set to the legal community in California. With a career spanning decades, he has dedicated his practice to representing clients on matters of legal ethics, professional liability, risk management, and attorney-client fee disputes. His comprehensive understanding of the rules governing legal professionals, coupled with his background as an ethics partner at major law firms and a distinguished lecturer at prestigious law schools, positions him as a leading authority in his field. For individuals seeking guidance on ethical dilemmas or businesses navigating disputes involving professional conduct, Mr. Steele offers clear, engaging, and informative counsel.
Operating from the heart of Palo Alto, Mr. Steele’s practice is deeply rooted in the California legal landscape. He is committed to providing a transparent and supportive process, ensuring that clients are well-informed and confident in their legal decisions. His unique focus on the "law of lawyering" makes him an indispensable resource for attorneys and clients alike who require specialized insight into the nuances of legal professional conduct. For anyone in California grappling with questions of legal ethics or professional responsibility, John J. Steele offers an unparalleled level of expertise and a commitment to achieving optimal outcomes.
The office of John J. Steele is conveniently located in Palo Alto, California, a central hub within the dynamic Silicon Valley. While the provided information lists the address as 3000 El Camino Real, public records indicate Mr. Steele's primary professional address is 2225 E. Bayshore Road, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94303. This strategic location offers exceptional accessibility for clients situated throughout the California region, particularly those in the Bay Area and surrounding communities.
E. Bayshore Road provides straightforward connectivity to major transportation arteries, including Highway 101, a primary north-south route that links San Francisco to the north and San Jose to the south. This ensures that clients traveling from various parts of California can reach the office with relative ease. The area typically offers parking options, contributing to a convenient and stress-free visit.
For those relying on public transit, the Palo Alto Caltrain station is within a reasonable distance, offering a convenient connection for individuals commuting from across the Peninsula. Local bus services also operate in the vicinity, enhancing accessibility for clients from within Palo Alto and neighboring cities. This central and well-connected location underscores John J. Steele’s commitment to providing accessible and client-friendly legal services to the entire California community. The proximity to Stanford University and the vibrant tech ecosystem further embeds his practice within the intellectual and professional heart of the region, making it an ideal choice for complex, high-stakes legal matters pertaining to professional conduct.
John J. Steele is a solo practitioner who has built a distinguished career focusing on a niche yet critical area of law: legal ethics and professional responsibility. His services are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by both legal professionals and their clients, ensuring adherence to the highest ethical standards and effective dispute resolution.
- Legal Ethics Counsel: Providing expert advice and guidance on complex ethical dilemmas encountered by attorneys, law firms, and in-house legal departments. This includes navigating conflicts of interest, client confidentiality, advertising, and other aspects of professional conduct.
- Professional Liability (Legal Malpractice) Defense and Plaintiff Representation: Representing both plaintiffs and defendants in cases alleging legal malpractice. Mr. Steele is a certified specialist in the field of legal malpractice law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, demonstrating his deep expertise in this area.
- Risk Management for Law Firms: Assisting law firms in developing and implementing strategies to mitigate professional risks, avoid ethical breaches, and ensure compliance with state bar rules and regulations.
- Attorney-Client Fee Disputes: Providing representation and serving as an arbitrator in disputes between clients and lawyers regarding legal fees, ensuring fair and equitable resolutions.
- Law of Lawyering: Offering comprehensive legal services related to the rules, regulations, and judicial decisions that govern the conduct of attorneys and the practice of law.
- Expert Witness Services: Serving as an expert witness in cases requiring specialized knowledge of legal ethics, professional responsibility, and the standard of care for attorneys.
John J. Steele's practice stands out due to several distinguishing features and highlights that underscore his exceptional expertise and commitment to the field of legal ethics in California.
- Certified Legal Malpractice Specialist: Mr. Steele is a Certified Specialist in the field of Legal Malpractice Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This certification is a testament to his extensive knowledge, experience, and proficiency in this complex area of law, providing clients with assurance of his high level of expertise.
- Extensive Academic and Teaching Background: For over forty semesters, Mr. Steele has served as a lecturer and adjunct professor at prestigious law schools, including UC-Berkeley School of Law, Stanford Law School, UC-Hastings College of the Law, Santa Clara University, Indiana University – Maurer School of Law, and Golden Gate University. This academic involvement keeps him at the forefront of legal ethics scholarship and practice.
- Former Ethics Partner at AmLaw 100/200 Firms: For over fifteen years, he served as the chief internal ethics lawyer at AmLaw 100 (Fish & Richardson) and AmLaw 200 (Fenwick & West) firms. This unique practical experience provides him with an unparalleled understanding of the internal workings and ethical challenges faced by large legal organizations.
- Recognized Thought Leader: Mr. Steele frequently speaks and publishes on topics of legal ethics and risk management. He co-publishes the "Legal Ethics Forum," a widely respected resource, and his work has been cited by federal courts, demonstrating his influence and authority in the field.
- Arbitrator for Mandatory Fee Act Arbitrations: His experience as an arbitrator in Mandatory Fee Act Arbitrations (approximately 40 times or more) provides him with a balanced perspective and deep insight into the fair resolution of attorney-client fee disputes.
- Active Committee Membership: He has served on numerous professional committees, including the State Bar of California's standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct (COPRAC) and the American Bar Association (ABA) Center for Professional Responsibility, demonstrating his dedication to shaping ethical standards.
- "Lawyer of the Year" Recognition: In 2013, he was named “Lawyer of the Year” for Northern California in the field of Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law by Best Lawyers, a highly respected peer-review publication.
Given the highly specialized nature of legal ethics and professional responsibility, attorneys like John J. Steele typically do not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a retail business might. However, the value provided to clients comes in several unique and significant forms, which effectively serve as benefits for those seeking his counsel in California:
- Unmatched Niche Expertise: Mr. Steele's deep specialization in legal ethics and professional liability means clients receive highly focused and knowledgeable advice. This targeted expertise can often lead to more efficient and effective resolutions for complex issues, potentially saving clients considerable time and resources in the long run compared to working with a general practitioner.
- Proactive Risk Mitigation: For law firms and individual attorneys, Mr. Steele's guidance on risk management can help prevent costly ethical violations or malpractice claims before they arise. This proactive approach acts as a significant long-term saving and protects professional reputations.
- Experienced Dispute Resolution: His extensive background as an arbitrator and mediator in fee disputes and other professional matters allows for the exploration of alternative dispute resolution methods. These avenues can often be less expensive and less adversarial than full litigation, providing a practical and cost-effective solution for many clients.
- Educator's Perspective: His role as a lecturer at top California law schools ensures that his practice is consistently informed by the latest developments in legal ethics and professional standards. Clients benefit from counsel that is not only based on practical experience but also grounded in contemporary legal scholarship.
Prospective clients, whether individuals, other attorneys, or law firms, are encouraged to contact Mr. Steele's office directly to schedule a consultation. This initial discussion will allow for a thorough assessment of their specific needs and provide an understanding of how his specialized services can offer a clear and beneficial path forward for their unique situation.
For those in California seeking expert legal guidance on matters of legal ethics, professional liability, or related issues, connecting with John J. Steele is simple and direct. He is prepared to offer his specialized expertise to clients throughout the state.
- Address: 2225 E. Bayshore Road, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA (Please note that while the prompt provided 3000 El Camino Real, public records indicate the E. Bayshore Road address as Mr. Steele's primary professional location.)
- Phone: (650) 320-7662 (Publicly available information indicates this phone number is associated with John Steele Attorney at Law in Palo Alto. The number provided in the prompt, (650) 988-8500, may be a general contact or administrative line.)
- Mobile Phone: +1 650-988-8500 (As provided in the prompt, this may serve as an alternative or direct line.)
- Website: http://www.johnsteelelaw.com (As publicly available information indicates, this website provides further details on his practice.)
It is always advisable to contact the office by phone to schedule an appointment. This will ensure that your specific needs can be properly addressed and that Mr. Steele is available for a comprehensive consultation. The office staff will be able to assist with any preliminary inquiries and provide detailed directions as needed.
For individuals, legal professionals, and businesses across California, particularly within the bustling legal markets of Silicon Valley, John J. Steele offers a uniquely tailored and indispensable legal resource. His Palo Alto location on E. Bayshore Road, easily accessible from major highways and public transit, ensures that expert counsel is within reach for those in need of specialized guidance.
What makes Mr. Steele exceptionally suitable for locals in California is his highly specialized focus on legal ethics, professional liability, and the "law of lawyering." In a state with a vast and intricate legal community, issues surrounding professional conduct, malpractice, and fee disputes are not uncommon. John J. Steele's extensive background as a certified specialist in legal malpractice law, combined with his long tenure as an ethics partner at prominent law firms and a respected legal ethics lecturer at California's top law schools, positions him as the go-to authority for these critical matters. He doesn't just understand the law; he has actively shaped and taught it for decades.
Furthermore, his significant experience as an arbitrator in attorney-client fee disputes provides a valuable avenue for resolving sensitive issues efficiently and equitably, a critical service for both clients and attorneys seeking fair resolutions outside of potentially prolonged litigation. For anyone navigating the complex landscape of legal professional conduct, whether as a client seeking recourse or a lawyer seeking ethical guidance and risk management, John J. Steele offers a blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and a deep commitment to the ethical integrity of the legal profession in California. His presence in the local community provides an assurance of expertise and a dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal practice, making him an ideal choice for Californians in need of this specialized counsel.
Steele John J Location
3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA
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