Stephen Kostka, Employment Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Energy, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior CounselatPerkins Coie LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing employment in San Francisco since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Stephen Kostka?
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Quick answer
Stephen Kostka is a senior counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, Energy, and Environmental. Stephen has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Employment · Energy · Environmental
- Handles Employment, Energy, and Environmental matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Stephen Kostka: Stephen Kostka is a senior counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, Energy, and Environmental. Stephen has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Stephen Kostka
Stephen concentrates on employment, energy, environmental, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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Energy
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Environmental
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Employment cases in San Francisco, California
Stephen takes employment matters in San Francisco, 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.
Energy cases in San Francisco, California
Stephen takes energy matters in San Francisco, 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.
Environmental cases in San Francisco, California
Stephen takes environmental matters in San Francisco, 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.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Stephen takes general matters in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, California
Stephen takes litigation matters in San Francisco, 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
About Stephen Kostka — Over 53 years of California employment experience
Stephen Kostka is a senior counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, Energy, and Environmental. Stephen has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Stephen Kostka is a lawyer practicing employment & labor, litigation, environment and 9 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1970, and has been licensed for 53 years. Stephen practices at Perkins Coie LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Working with Stephen on a employment matter
Stephen Kostka is a lawyer practicing employment & labor, litigation, environment and 9 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1970, and has been licensed for 53 years. Stephen practices at Perkins Coie LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Who Stephen represents
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, energy, and environmental matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Stephen Kostka's legal education and bar admissions
University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law
J.D. · 1973
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
California U.S. Cour
1973 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara. 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.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen Kostka
Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Stephen Kostka's office in San Francisco
Stephen's primary office is at 505 Howard Street, Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA, 94105-3204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Perkins Coie LLP
505 Howard Street, Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA 94105-3204
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Stephen Kostka — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in San Francisco.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Kostka claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephen Kostka — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment 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 employment attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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 employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen Kostka
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a employment 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 employment attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in California typically take?
Simple employment 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 San Francisco?
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 employment 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
Employment attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Stephen handles employment matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 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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