Steve Pearson

Practice

Steve Pearson uses his over 50 years of experience to solve client problems and to create value for his clients. He has worked over the years in both the transactional and dispute resolution arena, including litigation in state and federal courts, and private arbitration and mediation. Steve also counsels clients on matters relating to their estate planning and assists families in transitioning businesses and properties to the next generation.

In addition, a significant part of Steve’s practice involves representing some of the larger non-profit organizations in the region. He uses his broad personal experience as an officer and director of a number of nonprofit organizations to ensure that his clients comply with the stringent requirements of nonprofits. Steve also represents private clubs in a broad spectrum of matters facing clubs with an emphasis on corporate governance. As a complement to his work with nonprofits, Steve trains nonprofit boards to ensure that board members meet their fiduciary obligations.

Steve also serves as assistant general counsel to the firm, advising his colleagues on a variety of matters relating to the firm’s practices, policies and procedures.  He has been designated AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating, for many years.

Background

Steve is a California native and has lived in the Monterey area for over 50 years. He lived in southern California, New York City, and San Francisco before settling down in a small town near Sacramento for most of his “growing up” years. There he learned the importance of personal connections and the benefits of a small community.

Steve attended Pomona College, a small liberal arts school in Claremont, California. At Pomona, he majored in history and met his future wife, Betsey. After graduating from Pomona, he spent 2 years in southern England, attending the University of Sussex, where he earned a Master’s degree. After he returned from abroad, he enrolled at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings College of the Law). Steve interviewed with Noland Hamerly in 1971 and felt an immediate connection to the lawyers he met there. Steve accepted a job with the firm and has remained there ever since.

Steve and Betsey involve themselves in the life of the Monterey County community, participating on a variety of non-profit boards as varied as the Carmel Bach Festival and the Community Foundation for Monterey County. At last count, they have enjoyed leadership roles in over 20 charitable organizations.

Their two sons attended school at Santa Catalina and Robert Louis Stevenson, and college in the east. Their children have provided the best grandparent opportunities one could hope for.

In his leisure time, Steve loves to read, write, cook and enjoy the beautiful outdoors; and partake in the region’s many cultural activities. He has a particular interest in architectural and art history, and in fine food and wine which takes Betsey and Steve on many overseas adventures.