How much does it cost to hire Steven for a bankruptcy case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Steven offer a free consultation?

Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.

How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?

Simple bankruptcy 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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Irvine?

Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?

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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Steven accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Steven Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Irvine

Quick answer

Steven Smith is a shareholder based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Class Action. Steven has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at SMITH LC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Irvine, CA
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Class Action

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Class Action matters from Irvine, CA.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Steven takes on

Steven concentrates on bankruptcy, business, class action, commercial re, and construction. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Irvine, California

Steven takes bankruptcy 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Irvine, California

Steven takes business 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Irvine, California

Steven takes class action 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Commercial RE cases in Irvine, California

Steven takes commercial re 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Irvine, California

Steven takes construction 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Steven Smith — bankruptcy lawyer in Irvine

Steven Smith is a shareholder based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Class Action. Steven has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at SMITH LC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Steven Smith is the managing shareholder at Smith LC, focusing on civil litigation, and representing diverse businesses, franchisees and franchisors, and a variety of medium and small business owners. Mr. Smith has extensive litigation and trial experience in matters of breach of contract, fraud, real estate development, construction, personal injury, and intellectual property. Mr. Smith also provides advice and representation on business transactions, contracts, investments, personal financial planning, estate planning, and all aspects of real estate transactions. Mr. Smith is a distinguished litigator.

He has spent a large portion of his career inside the courtroom, where he has achieved great success for his clients. He has tried cases in California, Utah, Montana, Florida, the Marshall Islands, and been involved as lead counsel in dozens of cases in other states as well.

Some of his recent accomplishments include a $16.3 million jury verdict in a products liability claim, a $7 million jury verdict for a franchise breach of contract, a $1.5 million jury verdict in a wrongful termination case, $10.3 million settlement during trial on an assignment of a bad faith insurance claim, and a $6 million trial judgment on a disputed ownership of corporate stock claim.

Mr. Smith has also achieved defense verdicts, plus costs, on a $6 million products liability claim, a $15 million breach of contract claim against an international bank, a $10 million breach of contract claim on a licensing agreement, and a $3.5 million wrongful termination case. He has also successfully defended against a $400 million claim alleging violation of the trade secrets act and tort claims, and an $80 million trust/estate claim. Mr. Smith also favorably settled a $120 million legal malpractice claim for a client.

Mr. Smith obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, graduating with honors from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo in 1981. He received a Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude, from the J. Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University in 1984, where he was also the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Real Estate Transactions, Real Estate Finance, Computer Uses, and Accounting for Lawyers.

From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Smith was as a member of the California State Bar Standing Committee, Business Law Section, on the Limited Liability Company Subcommittee. Mr. Smith has served from 2008 to the present as a member of the California State Bar Standing Committee on CACI Civil Jury Instruction. Mr. Smith has also served as Judge Pro Tem for the Orange County Superior Court.

Mr. Smith has three children. In his spare time he enjoys traveling and golf. He is a sports enthusiast, and a dedicated fan of the Angels, the Dodgers, and the Ducks.

Steven's approach to bankruptcy cases

Steven Smith is the managing shareholder at Smith LC, focusing on civil litigation, and representing diverse businesses, franchisees and franchisors, and a variety of medium and small business owners. Mr. Smith has extensive litigation and trial experience in matters of breach of contract, fraud, real estate development, construction, personal injury, and intellectual property. Mr. Smith also…

Clients Steven works with

Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and class action matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Brigham Young University
J.D. · 1984
California Polytechnic State University
B.S. · 1981

Jurisdictions

Steven's state bar admissions

Arizona U.S. Supreme
2012 · ACTIVE
Utah
1985 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE

Steven studied at J.D. in Brigham Young University and B.S. in California Polytechnic State University.

Law school and academic background

Steven completed J.D. in Brigham Young University and B.S. in California Polytechnic State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Steven has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Steven Smith's office in Irvine

Steven's primary office is at 4 Park Plaza, Suite 1050, Irvine, CA, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

SMITH LC

4 Park Plaza, Suite 1050

Irvine, CA 92614

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Steven Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Steven. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Irvine.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steven Smith claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Steven Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Irvine, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Steven

Steven discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Steven's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Steven Smith

How much does it cost to hire Steven for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Irvine?
Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?
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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Steven Smith. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens To My House When I File Bankruptcy In California?
I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm about to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My home is currently worth around $600,000, but I owe $400,000 on the mortgage. I’m worried about
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · California
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Steven handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

Steven Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Irvine, California

Quick answer