Stephen E. Hyam
Trusted advice
for the real world.
Outside general counsel for businesses, owners, and individuals throughout California. Stephen provides practical analysis and creative solutions on contracts, transactions, governance, and risk, with steady guidance that enables informed decisions. When a dispute cannot be resolved, Stephen handles the litigation.
Business perspective, courtroom sensibility
Stephen advises businesses and individuals on issues ranging from day-to-day operations, risk management, and governance challenges to complex legal problems, always with an eye on what is realistic, achievable, and in the client's genuine interest. If litigation is necessary, Stephen is ready.
For more than 25 years, Stephen has served as counsel to business owners, closely held companies, and individuals. He provides a broad range of services, including legal analysis, transaction guidance, and help with partnership and governance issues, and, when a dispute cannot be resolved, representation in California state courts and federal court. Stephen is a member of the State Bar of California, admitted in 1998. He earned his J.D. from Pepperdine University and his B.S. in Business from California State University, Northridge.
Real solutions for real people
Framing the issue clearly is the first step to resolving it. Stephen provides disciplined thinking and practical guidance across a range of matters.
Outside General Counsel
For companies that need seasoned legal input but do not need full-time counsel.
Early Analysis
Frame the issue, identify the alternatives, and help clients make sound decisions quickly.
Business Litigation
Build a coherent theory, identify issues and facts, and position for a positive outcome.
Experience gained from a varied practice
Examples of matters Stephen has handled for his clients.
Complex Financial Review and Tracing
Investigated and analyzed years of business and personal records to identify the existence and scope of embezzlement, traced stolen funds, and presented evidence to federal law enforcement and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Responding in High-Risk Circumstances
Created and executed a plan to protect clients from imminent death threats, hired a high-functioning team including a counterinsurgency expert and private security, and directed long-term safety and asset-preservation strategies.
Operations and Systems Analysis
Evaluated outdated accounting and recordkeeping practices, identified deficiencies, and recommended corrective measures to improve internal controls, increase efficiency, and provide cost savings.
Asset Recovery and Damage Analysis
Led a decade-long investigation that identified stolen business opportunities and hidden assets, calculated financial losses, and obtained a $10 million recovery.
Ownership Disputes
Created an exit strategy for the co-owner of a business facing a contentious partner, a governance breakdown, fiduciary-duty issues, and business-continuity concerns.
Dispute Management
Negotiated a resolution with a hard money lender following notice of default on a loan of more than $3 million, achieving resolution without costly litigation.
High-Stakes Defense
Established the innocence of an attorney and private investment fund manager falsely accused of being a co-conspirator in an alleged nine-figure Ponzi scheme.
Complete Transactions in Contested Settings
Guided a client through a real-property acquisition from a bankruptcy estate, overcoming competing interests and adverse circumstances.
Proportionate Strategy
Obtained a judgment for a client against a debtor in bankruptcy for hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, and prepared a collection strategy proportional to the situation while still preserving rights.
Favorable Resolution
Resolved a nearly seven-figure claim against his clients for less than 10% of the amount sought, after years of litigation and without the cost and uncertainty of trial.
Optimize Contracts
Analyzed and revised a client's contracts to minimize ambiguity, establish clear rights and responsibilities, and build greater protections against future liability.
Regain Rights
Evaluated industry-standard distribution contracts, identified areas of weakness, and negotiated toward eventual contract termination so the client could regain distribution rights.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Every client deserves clear-eyed advice and a trusted advisor, not just a technician, in their corner.