SEF bio page photo

Steven E. Fineman

Managing Partner

  • "One of the nation's premier plaintiffs' firms."

    American Lawyer
  • "Representing the best qualities of the plaintiffs' bar."

    The National Law Journal
  • "Their effective and caring advocacy for clients has earned Lieff Cabraser its first-class reputation."

    The Daily Journal
  • NLJ Hot List icon
  • U.S. News Best Lawyers badge 2011-2012
  • Super Lawyers Nationwide
  • Lieff Cabraser: follow us on (social media links)

    Visit us on Facebook
    Follow us on Twitter
    View our YouTube channel
    Read our LinkedIn profile
    Read our Tumblr
    Visit us on Google+

Attorneys

During nearly 20 years with the firm, Steve has distinguished himself not only as a nationally-recognized litigator, but also as a respected author, educator, and leader in the legal community.

As the managing partner of Lieff Cabraser, Steve was recognized by Lawdragon magazine in 2008 as one of the "100 Managing Partners You Need to Know." The publication stated that Steve:

"Brings the rare ability to herd cats to his role overseeing an exceptional organization of plaintiff class action lawyers."

Steve focuses on representing institutional and individual investors in securities and financial fraud litigation, and on mass tort, consumer fraud and human rights litigation. In addition, he oversees the monitoring and analysis of client portfolios for losses due to securities fraud, a free service provided by the firm to help clients determine whether to pursue legal action.

Additional Engagements

Steve is the President of the Public Justice Foundation and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Civil Justice Foundation. He is a leader in other organizations devoted to serving the interests of civil justice and access to the courts for all. Steve writes and speaks frequently on federal court practice and complex litigation. He serves as a guest lecturer at Stanford University Law School and has played a prominent role in Columbia Law School's Global Justice Forum.

Awards & Honors

SuperLawyers & Best Lawyers

  • The Best Lawyers in America, based on peer and blue ribbon panel review, selected for list of "The New York Area's Best Lawyers," 2005-present
  • Member, Best Lawyers Advisory Board, a select group of U.S. and international law firm leaders and general counsel
  • "New York Super Lawyers," Super Lawyers, 2006-present
  • "Top Attorneys In Securities Law," Super Lawyers Business Edition, 2008-present
  • "Lawdragon Finalist," Lawdragon, 2009-present
  • Consultant to the Office of Attorney General, State of New York, in connection with an industry-wide investigation and settlement concerning health insurers' use of the "Ingenix database" to determine usual and customary rates for out-of-network services, April 2008-February 2009
  • "100 Managing Partners You Need to Know," Lawdragon, 2008
  • "40 under 40," selected as one of the country's most successful litigators under the age of 40, The National Law Journal, 2002
  • NLJ Hot List icon
  • U.S. News Best Lawyers badge 2011-2012
  • Super Lawyers Nationwide
  • Lieff Cabraser: follow us on (social media links)

    Visit us on Facebook
    Follow us on Twitter
    View our YouTube channel
    Read our LinkedIn profile
    Read our Tumblr
    Visit us on Google+

Education

  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D., 1988)

     

    University of California, San Diego (B.A., 1985)

     

    Stirling University, Scotland (English Literature and Political Science, 1983-84)

Memberships

  • American Association for Justice

  • American Bar Association

  • American Constitution Society

  • Association of the Bar of the City of New York

  • Bar Association of the District of Columbia

  • Civil Justice Foundation
    (Board of Trustees, 2004-present)

  • Fight for Justice Camapign

  • Human Rights First

  • National Association of Shareholder and Consumer Attorneys
    (Executive Committee, 2009-present)

  • New York State Bar Association

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
    (Board of Directors, 2001-2004)

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association's "Bill of Particulars"
    (Editorial Board and Columnist, "Federal Practice for the State Court Practitioner," 2005-present)

  • Plaintiff Toxic Tort Advisory Council
    (Lexis/Nexis, Mealey's Publications and Conferences Group, 2002-2005)

  • Public Justice Foundation
    (President, July 2011-present; Executive Committee, July 2006-present; Board of Directors, July 2002-present; Co-Chair, Major Donors/Special Gifts Committee, July 2009-present; Class Action Preservation Project Committee, July 2005-present)

  • State Bar of California

  • Supreme Court Historical Society

Admissions

  • California

  • New York

  • U.S. Supreme Court

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

  • U.S. District Court, Central District of California

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California

  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York

  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

Offices