Kochan & Stephenson - Berkeley, CA

Relentless and Compassionate Representation at Kochan & Stephenson

When an employer abuses their power, employees often feel helpless, particularly if they are low-wage earners, speak out about illegal activity, or face bias due to their differences. At Kochan & Stephenson, based in Berkeley, California, we have dedicated our entire practice to standing up for mistreated workers. For over 35 years, partners Deborah Marie Kochan and Mathew Nimrod Stephenson have fought side-by-side to bring justice and closure to employees. We limit our caseload intentionally so that we can immerse ourselves in the details of every client's experience. If you have been treated unfairly on the job, you might think, 'I urgently need a sexual harassment lawyer' or 'how can I find a whistleblower attorney' to protect my career. Our trial-tested firm provides the formidable, highly personalized legal counsel required to take on even the largest employers and defense firms.

We believe that fighting on behalf of vulnerable employees is extremely satisfying and vital. Our legal team is committed to holding employers accountable for the financial loss and emotional hardship they cause. When you choose to hire an employment lawyer or secure employee rights legal counsel from our Berkeley office on Shattuck Avenue, you are getting seasoned advocates who prepare every single case as if it is going to trial, ensuring maximum leverage during settlement negotiations.

Specialized Employee Representation Across Key Practice Areas

Our boutique firm represents employees in these key areas:

• Workplace discrimination: Challenging unlawful employment practices based on race, age, gender, national origin, pregnancy, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Whistleblower claims: Protecting and defending brave individuals who face retaliation or termination after reporting an employer's illegal or improper conduct.
• Wrongful termination: Seeking substantial damages for employees who are fired for exercising their right to take medical leave or complaining about harassment.
• Sexual harassment: Providing compassionate and aggressive representation to hold employers liable for failing to prevent a hostile work environment.

Proven Courtroom Success and the Famous Laguna Honda Case

What sets Kochan & Stephenson apart is our unwavering commitment to seeing cases through to a successful verdict or settlement, regardless of how powerful the opponent. In one of our most notable cases, Kerr v. CCSF, our firm successfully represented whistleblowers Dr. Derek Kerr and Dr. Maria Rivero against the City and County of San Francisco. The litigation resulted in a landmark $750,000 wrongful termination settlement along with significant public concessions, exposing improper financial practices at Laguna Honda Hospital. This case demonstrates our ability to conduct thorough investigations and defeat large entities in court.

Decades of Legal Excellence and Professional Recognition

Both Deborah Kochan and Mathew Stephenson hold prestigious legal accolades reflecting their standing in the California legal community. Deborah, a University of San Francisco psychology graduate and J.D. from UC Law San Francisco, is an active member of the California Employment Lawyers Association and the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. She has also served as an adjunct professor teaching pretrial discovery and sex discrimination. Mathew has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer and holds an AV Preeminent rating. We offer our services on a contingent fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Your voice matters, and you do not have to navigate this challenging process alone. Kochan & Stephenson provides completely free, confidential initial consultations to evaluate your potential claims. Contact our Berkeley office today to speak directly with an experienced advocate who will analyze your case and help you take the first step toward reclaiming your career and securing the justice you deserve.