Stephen Craig Payne, General Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on General, Health Care, and Litigation
PartneratGibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing general in Los Angeles since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Stephen Craig Payne is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Health Care, and Litigation. Stephen has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- General · Health Care · Litigation
- Handles General, Health Care, and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Stephen Craig Payne: Stephen Craig Payne is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Health Care, and Litigation. Stephen has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp.
Areas of practice
Stephen's practice areas in Los Angeles
Stephen concentrates on general, health care, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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General cases in Los Angeles, California
Stephen takes general matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Los Angeles, California
Stephen takes health care matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Stephen takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Los Angeles, California
Stephen takes product liability matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Stephen Craig Payne, general attorney serving Los Angeles
Stephen Craig Payne is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Health Care, and Litigation. Stephen has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp. Stephen works from Los Angeles, California and takes on general matters across the region.
Mr. Stephen Craig Payne is a lawyer practicing defective and dangerous products, litigation, health care and 1 other area of law. Stephen received a degree from Cornell University in 1993, and has been licensed for 30 years. Stephen practices at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Los Angeles, CA and 1 other location.
How Stephen handles general matters
Mr. Stephen Craig Payne is a lawyer practicing defective and dangerous products, litigation, health care and 1 other area of law. Stephen received a degree from Cornell University in 1993, and has been licensed for 30 years. Stephen practices at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Los Angeles, CA and 1 other location.
The kind of cases Stephen takes
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, health care, and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices
Cornell University
Bachelor · 1993
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
2002 · ACTIVE
New York
1996 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at Bachelor in Cornell University.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed Bachelor in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Stephen Craig Payne's office in Los Angeles
Stephen's primary office is at 333 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen Craig Payne
Stephen has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Stephen Craig Payne — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen Craig Payne
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in California typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Stephen is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new general clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Stephen handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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