In February 2010, Michael J. Lightfoot and Richard M. Steingard left their respective international “full-service” law firms to form Lightfoot & Steingard LLP, a firm devoted to the representation of clients in criminal and civil rights cases. A similar path was taken by Stephen B. Sadowsky, Mr. Lightfoot’s former long-time partner, who joined the firm in October 2010. In creating Lightfoot Steingard & Sadowsky LLP, we returned to our roots, practicing in a small firm setting dedicated to the zealous and individualized representation of our clients. Quin Denvir, California’s first State Public Defender and former Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of California, serves as of counsel to the firm to provide essential guidance, particularly on matters related to appellate and habeas corpus proceedings. Naomi Svensson, Seema Ahmad, and Erin Murphy ably complement and enhance the thoughtful analysis and work product that are the mainstays of our firm’s practice. Together, our goal is to ensure that each client is skillfully represented through a collaborative and innovative team effort, which draws upon decades of experience – not only in trials and appeals, but in the successful building of solid relationships with the judiciary, the defense community, prosecutors, and, most importantly, clients.

Commitment to the Client
We pride ourselves on a resolute commitment to the client, the client's causes, and the client's unique circumstances.

We represent individuals, corporations, businesses, and organizations facing a broad array of criminal allegations. Our clients include professionals (such as attorneys, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, accountants, and business executives), as well as bankers, brokers, entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, and others.

Discretion, as Shakespeare says, may well be the better part of valor. To us, however, it is a necessary component of our service to each client. Our lawyers have been described as never making “a scene in the courtroom. All they care about is the welfare of the client.”¹ To the extent possible, we seek to avoid media involvement and attention, as we believe the client’s causes are best served through studious and diligent effort, not unnecessary self-promotion. The client’s interests are paramount.

Integrity, Compassion, Ethics
We conduct our work with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards. As a firm and as individuals, we are committed to the pursuit of justice, fairness, and the protection of each client’s constitutional rights. We prioritize opportunities to engage in pro bono, public interest, philanthropic, educational and mentoring opportunities.

Experience
Lightfoot Steingard & Sadowsky LLP brings over 100 years of combined criminal and civil rights litigation experience to bear when representing our clients. Our lawyers have extensive experience in federal and state courts across the country and with various governmental agencies including the SEC, IRS, ATF, FBI, DEA, ICE, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys, state Attorneys General, District Attorneys, and City Attorneys. Our breadth of experience and our commitment to practicing with the highest integrity has earned us a reputation as one of the “go to” criminal defense firms in California.

We are a principled law firm. We practice in a supportive and respectful environment extending from the founding partners to the indispensible support staff. We are determined to practice at the highest level in a manner that brings dignity to the profession. Above all, we are committed to our clients, the preservation of their rights, and the successful outcome of their legal matters.

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¹Ross Johnson, Power of Attorneys, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE, February 1998, at 74.