Atty. Steven J. Chidester

Atty. Steven J. Chidester

At Withers Bergman LLP, Steven focuses his practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration, charitable giving and representing tax-exempt organizations. He has designed and used computer modeling to show the economic consequences of various estate planning and charitable giving techniques.

La Jolla La Jolla 39 yrs experience 39 year
Call (858) 756-4410 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Steven J. Chidester at a glance

Steven J. Chidester is a trusts, family law, and business attorney based in La Jolla, California, practicing at Withers. They have 39+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1987. Admitted to practice in California (1987). Educated at Brigham Young University (J.D., 1985) and Brigham Young University (B.A.). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Serands clients in La Jolla, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • At Withers Bergman LLP, Steven focuses his practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration, charitable giving and representing tax-exempt organizations
  • He has designed and used computer modeling to show the economic consequences of various estate planning and charitable giving techniques
  • Steven is also experienced in the area of executive compensation, focusing on compensation and intermediate sanctions issues for tax-exempt organizations
  • Steven has represented exempt organizations in IRS audits, in civil and probate court, and before state Attorneys General

Practice Areas Explained

Steven J. Chidester's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Steven J. Chidester handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Steven J. Chidester is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Steven J. Chidester is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Steven J. Chidester is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

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 La Jolla 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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in La Jolla or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Steven J. Chidester

Where is Steven J. Chidester's law office located?
Steven J. Chidester's law practice is located in La Jolla, California. The firm is Withers. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Steven J. Chidester handle?
Steven J. Chidester focuses on trusts, family law, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Steven J. Chidester practiced law?
Steven J. Chidester has 39+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1987.
Where did Steven J. Chidester go to law school?
Steven J. Chidester earned their education at (J.D., 1985); (B.A.).
How can I contact Steven J. Chidester for a consultation?
You can contact Steven J. Chidester 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 Steven J. Chidester received?
Steven J. Chidester's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law; Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates; Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (San Diego); Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (San Diego).

Education

J.D.
Brigham Young University
- 1985
B.A.
Brigham Young University
- In Progress

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (San Diego)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Nonprofit / Charities Law (San Diego)
- 2023

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1987

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