Biography

As a trial attorney, Steve Lowenthal represents individual and business entities in all forms of trial and arbitration matters throughout the state and country including a variety of complex commercial matters. He has also developed a niche consulting practice, arising from his tenure at the Chairman of Farella (2005-2016), as a counselor to small, closely-held corporations, partnerships, law firms, trusts, or high net worth families dealing with operational issues, fiduciary duty questions, and related matters.

Professional services firms operating in competitive markets often find themselves grappling with complex legal and strategic issues relating to liability, strategic planning, structure, and similar questions. Addressing these issues requires an analysis of both the big picture, and operational details, and advice concerning their business activities.

Steve has a unique set of skills, drawn from the combination of his professional work as a litigator and his management roles at Farella. Whether he is analyzing the financial statements of a law or accounting firm, or meeting with and counseling the principals of an investment management firm, he represents an experienced, analytical, and forward-thinking voice that is a considerable competitive advantage for firms that benefit from a dispassionate, data-driven, and experienced point of view.

This same sense of pragmatism also guides Steve in his work as a litigator. He takes a decidedly businesslike approach to his practice of trial law, leading teams that provide practical advice, solutions, and efficient dispute resolution. His goal, where possible, is to seek a resolution of the dispute on terms favorable to his clients from a business and strategic perspective, but is prepared to handle the dispute through arbitration or trial when that approach is in the clients’ best interests.

He has taught trial advocacy at the Stanford University Law School Advocacy Skills Workshop and at the trial advocacy workshop at the University of San Francisco Law School. 

Distinctions

  • Northern California Super Lawyers (2005, 2007-2019)

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Past President of the Board of Governors of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers
  • Board member of the Legal Aid Society of San Francisco
  • Stanford Law School Center for the Legal Profession Advisory Committee
  • Advisory Committee for the Project for Attorney Retention

Firm Highlights

Publication

New PFAS Federal Drinking Water Standards Create Major Liability and Litigation Risk

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has released a final regulation setting individual drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for five per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These MCLs are incredibly stringent due to EPA’s stated concerns...

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Publication

Where Are We Now, Following Maui County, Sackett, and the Latest EPA Guidance?

The last few years have seen significant developments in our understanding of the reach of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). (Indeed, “reach” here can be interpreted literally and figuratively.) The two issues plaguing...

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News

JPMorgan Chase Accuses TransUnion of Stealing 'Trade Secrets'

Intellectual property practice chair Eugene Mar provided expert commentary to American Banker for the article "JPMorgan Chase Accuses TransUnion of Stealing 'Trade Secrets'." In the article, he said: "By filing this as a trade...

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News

Burdened by Debt, Savvy SF Office Owners Get Creative

Restructuring, insolvency, and creditors rights partner Gary Kaplan provided expert commentary in The San Francisco Standard article, "Burdened by Debt, Savvy SF Office Owners Get Creative." In the article, Gary explained that in most cases...

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Publication

California Regulation of Charitable Fundraising Platforms: Part I - Definitions

Welcome to  EO Radio Show - Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . In episode 76, I introduce the provisions of California's Charitable Fundraising Platforms law (Gov. Code, § 12599.9). These rules are relevant to all...

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Publication

Court Reinstates CPPA Enforcement Authority and Confirms No Delay Necessary for Enforcement of Future CCPA Regulations

A recent appellate decision has made clear that the regulations promulgated under California’s groundbreaking consumer privacy law, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)), are ripe...

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Publication

Copyright Law for Influencers and Brands: How Content Creators and Companies Hiring Them Can Navigate Copyright Law for a Successful Partnership

In recent years, the advent of the social media “influencer” has revolutionized advertising. Companies often partner with influencers to market their products, hoping to tap into the influencer’s devoted audience. Likewise, influencers create certain content...

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Event

Unplugged: The Renewable Energy Speaker Series - The IRA's Environmental Justice Incentive Programs

Join Farella Braun + Martel and the Environmental Law Institute for the relaunch Unplugged: The Renewable Energy Speaker Series with Farella’s John Ugai and guest speakers Miana Campbell with U.S. Department of Energy, Maria Castillo with...

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News

Farella Braun + Martel Earns San Francisco Green Business Recertification

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News

Farella Awards 2024 Diversity Scholarships to Bay Area Law Students

Farella Braun + Martel’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2024 Diversity Scholarship grants totaling $45,000 to Bay Area first-year law students Marcus Albino, Saamia Haqiq...

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