Steven James Foster, Business Attorney in Los Altos, California
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Los Altos, CA
Practicing business in Los Altos since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Steven James Foster?
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Quick answer
Steven James Foster is an attorney based in Los Altos, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. Steven has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Altos, CA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Los Altos, CA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Steven James Foster: Steven James Foster is an attorney based in Los Altos, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. Steven has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Steven takes on
Steven concentrates on business, estate planning, probate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Wills
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Business cases in Los Altos, California
Steven takes business matters in Los Altos, 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.
Estate Planning cases in Los Altos, California
Steven takes estate planning matters in Los Altos, 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.
Probate cases in Los Altos, California
Steven takes probate matters in Los Altos, 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.
Tax cases in Los Altos, California
Steven takes tax matters in Los Altos, 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.
Trusts cases in Los Altos, California
Steven takes trusts matters in Los Altos, 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 James Foster — business lawyer in Los Altos
Steven James Foster is an attorney based in Los Altos, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. Steven has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Steven James Foster is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, taxation, wills and 4 other areas of law. Steven received a degree from Iowa State University, Ames IA, and has been licensed for 39 years. Steven practices in Los Altos, CA.
How Steven handles business matters
Steven James Foster is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, taxation, wills and 4 other areas of law. Steven received a degree from Iowa State University, Ames IA, and has been licensed for 39 years. Steven practices in Los Altos, CA.
The kind of cases Steven takes
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in Los Altos and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Hastings College of the Law, University of California
J.D. · 1987
Iowa State University, Ames IA University of California Hastings College of Law, San Francisco CA University of Texas
M.B.A. University · 1981
Jurisdictions
Steven's state bar admissions
Colorado
1991 · ACTIVE
California
1987 · ACTIVE
Steven studied at J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and M.B.A. University in Iowa State University, Ames IA University of California Hastings College of Law, San Francisco CA University of Texas.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and M.B.A. University in Iowa State University, Ames IA University of California Hastings College of Law, San Francisco CA University of Texas. 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 James Foster's office in Los Altos
Steven's primary office is at 221 Main St Unit 2050, Los Altos, CA, 94023-9051. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Steven James Foster — 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 Los Altos.
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 James Foster claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Steven James Foster — 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 Los Altos, 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 James Foster
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 Los Altos?
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 Los Altos, 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
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Los Altos handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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