Stephen Thomas Freeman, General Attorney in Irvine, California
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on General, M&A, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
PartneratK&L Gates LLP
Irvine, CA
Practicing general in Irvine since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 9 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Stephen Thomas Freeman?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Stephen Thomas Freeman is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Tax. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K&L Gates LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
- Based in
- Irvine, CA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- General · M&A · Tax
- Handles General, M&A, and Tax matters from Irvine, CA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Stephen Thomas Freeman: Stephen Thomas Freeman is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Tax. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K&L Gates LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Stephen's practice areas in Irvine
Stephen concentrates on general, m&a, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Irvine, California
Stephen takes general matters in Irvine, 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.
M&A cases in Irvine, California
Stephen takes m&a matters in Irvine, 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.
Tax cases in Irvine, California
Stephen takes tax matters in Irvine, 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 Thomas Freeman, general attorney serving Irvine
Stephen Thomas Freeman is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Tax. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K&L Gates LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 9 client reviews. Stephen works from Irvine, California and takes on general matters across the region.
Stephen Thomas Freeman is a lawyer practicing tax, corporate/m&a, food industry and 1 other area of law. Stephen received a B.B.A. degree from University of Michigan, Dearborn in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. Stephen practices at K&L Gates LLP in Irvine, CA and 1 other location.
Stephen's approach to general cases
Stephen Thomas Freeman is a lawyer practicing tax, corporate/m&a, food industry and 1 other area of law. Stephen received a B.B.A. degree from University of Michigan, Dearborn in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. Stephen practices at K&L Gates LLP in Irvine, CA and 1 other location.
Clients Stephen works with
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, m&a, and tax matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
J.D. · 1984
University of Michigan, Dearborn
B.B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
California
1987 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1984 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and B.B.A. in University of Michigan, Dearborn.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and B.B.A. in University of Michigan, Dearborn. 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
Stephen's legal honors and published work
Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California State Bar of Michigan
membership
Locations
Stephen Thomas Freeman's office in Irvine
Stephen's primary office is at 1 Park Plaza, Twelfth Floor, Irvine, CA, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen Thomas Freeman — 5.0/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
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 general attorneys in Irvine.
5.0
9 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Thomas Freeman claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephen Thomas Freeman — 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 Irvine, 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 Thomas Freeman
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 Irvine?
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 Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco 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.
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 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
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in California
If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Irvine handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.