Steven Richard Wainess, Bankruptcy Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of Counsel
San Diego, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in San Diego since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 2.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Steven Richard Wainess?
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
Steven Richard Wainess is an of counsel based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment. Steven has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Civil Rights · Employment
- Handles Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Steven Richard Wainess: Steven Richard Wainess is an of counsel based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment. Steven has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Steven Richard Wainess
Steven concentrates on bankruptcy, civil rights, employment, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
View other Bankruptcy attorneys
Civil Rights
View other Civil Rights attorneys
Employment
View other Employment attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Business
View other Business attorneys
Creditor Rights
View other Creditor Rights attorneys
Bankruptcy cases in San Diego, California
Steven takes bankruptcy matters in San Diego, 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.
Civil Rights cases in San Diego, California
Steven takes civil rights matters in San Diego, 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.
Employment cases in San Diego, California
Steven takes employment matters in San Diego, 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 San Diego, California
Steven takes general matters in San Diego, 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 San Diego, California
Steven takes litigation matters in San Diego, 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
About Steven Richard Wainess — Over 44 years of California bankruptcy experience
Steven Richard Wainess is an of counsel based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment. Steven has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Steven Richard Wainess is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, insolvency, labor & employment and 3 other areas of law. Steven received a A.A. degree from Los Angeles Valley College in 1975, and has been licensed for 44 years. Steven practices in San Diego, CA.
How Steven handles bankruptcy matters
Steven Richard Wainess is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, insolvency, labor & employment and 3 other areas of law. Steven received a A.A. degree from Los Angeles Valley College in 1975, and has been licensed for 44 years. Steven practices in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases Steven takes
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, civil rights, and employment matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Steven Richard Wainess's legal education and bar admissions
San Fernando Valley College of Law
J.D. · 1981
Los Angeles Valley College
A.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Steven's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Steven studied at J.D. in San Fernando Valley College of Law and A.A. in Los Angeles Valley College.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed J.D. in San Fernando Valley College of Law and A.A. in Los Angeles Valley College. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of Steven Richard Wainess
Steven has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Steven Richard Wainess's office in San Diego
Steven's primary office is at 92101 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92102. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Steven Richard Wainess — 2.9/5 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 San Diego.
2.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steven Richard Wainess claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Steven Richard Wainess — 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 San Diego, 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 Richard Wainess
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 San Diego?
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.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving San Diego, 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.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 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 bankruptcy attorneys in California
If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74

Bobby B. Saadian, Esq.
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 52

Steven A. Kronenberg
San Francisco, California
5.0· 43

Timothy William Combs
Riverside, California
5.0· 37

John David Sarai, Esq.
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 37