Atty. Stephen Michael Knaster

Atty. Stephen Michael Knaster

Stephen Michael Knaster is a lawyer practicing securities litigation, litigation. Stephen received a B.A. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1976, and has been licensed for 36 years.

San Francisco San Francisco 36 yrs experience 36 year
Call (628) 218-5342 Book Appointment

Litigation & More Attorney · Serving San Francisco, CA · 36+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Stephen Michael Knaster at a Glance

Stephen Michael Knaster is an Of Counsel based in San Francisco, California, practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. They have 36+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1990. Their practice focuses on litigation. Admitted to practice in California (1990), New York (2005), and District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth and Tenth Circuits, U.S. District Court, Central a (2005). Educated at University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law, Berkeley (J.D., 1989) and State University of New York at Buffalo (B.A. Philosophy, 1976). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California American Bar Association American Philosophical Association. Serves clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Stephen Michael Knaster

  • Stephen Michael Knaster is a lawyer practicing securities litigation, litigation
  • Stephen received a B.A. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1976, and has been licensed for 36 years
  • Stephen practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco, CA

Practice Areas Explained

Stephen Michael Knaster's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen Michael Knaster handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in San Francisco.

Civil Litigation in San Francisco

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Stephen Michael Knaster is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in San Francisco

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

San Francisco Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a San Francisco-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Stephen Michael Knaster

Where is Stephen Michael Knaster's law office located?
Stephen Michael Knaster's law practice is located in San Francisco, California. The firm is Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Stephen Michael Knaster handle?
Stephen Michael Knaster focuses on litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Stephen Michael Knaster practiced law?
Stephen Michael Knaster has 36+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1990.
Where did Stephen Michael Knaster go to law school?
Stephen Michael Knaster earned their education at (J.D., 1989); (B.A. Philosophy, 1976).
How can I contact Stephen Michael Knaster for a consultation?
You can contact Stephen Michael Knaster directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Stephen Michael Knaster received?
Stephen Michael Knaster's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in San Francisco Choose Stephen Michael Knaster

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Stephen Michael Knaster's practice in the field of litigation.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Stephen Michael Knaster brings 36+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in California, New York, and District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth and Tenth Circuits, U.S. District Court, Central a, Stephen Michael Knaster can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Focused Litigation Practice

Concentrating on litigation means Stephen Michael Knaster's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.

Local Presence in San Francisco

A San Francisco-based practice means Stephen Michael Knaster attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Search Reference

How People Find Stephen Michael Knaster Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in San Francisco commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Stephen Michael Knaster.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Stephen Michael Knaster directly.

Stephen Michael Knaster's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law, Berkeley
- 1989
B.A. Philosophy
State University of New York at Buffalo
- 1976

Awards & Professional Honors

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1990
New York
Admitted: 2005
District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth and Tenth Circuits, U.S. District Court, Central a
Admitted: 2005

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