Stephen M. Vernon earned his J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1978, after graduating with distinction from Stanford University in 1975. Mr. Vernon has served as faculty at Stanford Law School's Advocacy Skills Workshops as well as the USF Law School Intensive Trial Advocacy Program. He has also served as a Santa Clara County Superior Court Judicial Arbitrator and Judge Pro Tempore (for trial and settlement), and as a Receiver and Referee for San Mateo County Superior Court.

He brings to bear 40 years of experience in court, administrative proceedings, negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution, in many kinds of disputes, such as Business disputes (investment, control and mismanagement, collections, torts, intellectual property, and employment); Real Property problems (sale and lease disputes, "hidden" defects, neighbor battles, insurance coverage, environmental issues, and government issues - such as zoning proceedings); License defenses; and Elder Law (estates, trusts, conservatorships, and elder abuse).

Throughout the pursuit of justice, even at and after trial, Mr. Vernon looks for opportunities to defuse and resolve conflicts, making peace if possible.