Steven Allen Nichols

Steven Allen Nichols, Business Attorney in Costa Mesa, California

Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratRutan Tucker Llp

Costa Mesa, CA

Practicing business in Costa Mesa since 1980.

46+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Steven Allen Nichols is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Steven has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Costa Mesa, CA
Experience
over 46 years
Known for
Business · General · Litigation
  • Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
  • Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Steven Allen Nichols: Steven Allen Nichols is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Steven has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Steven takes on

Steven concentrates on business, general, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Costa Mesa, California

Steven takes business matters in Costa Mesa, 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.

General cases in Costa Mesa, California

Steven takes general matters in Costa Mesa, 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.

Litigation cases in Costa Mesa, California

Steven takes litigation matters in Costa Mesa, 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.

Real Estate cases in Costa Mesa, California

Steven takes real estate matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Allen Nichols — business lawyer in Costa Mesa

Steven Allen Nichols is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Steven has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Steven Allen Nichols is a lawyer practicing business litigation, construction, construction and litigation and 3 other areas of law. Steven received a degree from USC Law School, and has been licensed for 46 years. Steven practices at Rutan & Tucker, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.

How Steven handles business matters

Steven Allen Nichols is a lawyer practicing business litigation, construction, construction and litigation and 3 other areas of law. Steven received a degree from USC Law School, and has been licensed for 46 years. Steven practices at Rutan & Tucker, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.

Who Steven represents

Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • USC Law School Los Angeles CA California St Univ Long Beach CA

Jurisdictions

Steven's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court

    1983 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    1980 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1980 · ACTIVE

Steven studied at — in USC Law School Los Angeles CA California St Univ Long Beach CA.

Law school and academic background

Steven completed — in USC Law School Los Angeles CA California St Univ Long Beach CA. 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.

Affiliations

Steven's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Memberships Associations •Orange County Bar Association (Construction Law Section) •American Bar Association Forum Committee on the Construction Industry

    membership

Locations

Steven Allen Nichols's office in Costa Mesa

Steven's primary office is at 611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-1931. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rutan Tucker Llp

611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400

Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1931

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Steven Allen Nichols — 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 business attorneys in Costa Mesa.

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 Allen Nichols claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Steven Allen Nichols — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Costa Mesa, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Steven Allen Nichols

  • How much does it cost to hire Steven for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in California typically take?

    Simple business 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 Costa Mesa?

    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 business clients right now?

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

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Costa Mesa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.