Two San Diego County law firms announced a merger on March 5, promising to provide quality representation for citizens seeking access to justice.
The newly linked Steigerwalt & Associates and Pacific Law Center will focus on representation for personal injury, bankruptcy and criminal defense. Thirty attorneys will work out of offices in San Diego, including a University City office at 4225 Executive Square.
The company will be called Kerry Steigerwalt’s Pacific Law Centers, or KSPLC.
The firm will provide coverage in San Diego and at the Vista Courthouse and in Riverside, Orange and Imperial counties.
Principal Kerry Steigerwalt is a longtime San Diego criminal defense attorney. He will be the managing partner of the new firm.
Steigerwalt is often recognized due to his high profile as a media consultant to local and national outlets. This is in addition to his achievements as a defense attorney on notable past cases, including providing insight to the media in 2002 during the murder trial of David Westerfield.
Pacific Law Center is a La Jolla-based national law company that was founded by Robert Arentz and Jeffrey Phillips. Arentz is an Arizona- and California-certified board certified specialist in criminal law and has more than 25 years of experience. Phillips worked in Arizona for the last 25 years managing a criminal law practice.
Steigerwalt pinpointed KSPLC’s commitment to continuing to offer experienced and effective legal services at affordable rates. The company offers free initial consultations.
Steigerwalt’s business philosophy is simple: Be able to provide affordable legal consultation to the masses.
“The very rich can afford whatever lawyers they choose,” Steigerwalt said. “The poor are provided lawyers at public expense. The big gap in legal representation involves the average citizen who becomes involved with litigation and doesn’t know where to turn. We’re here to provide them that same access to justice.”
Steigerwalt has practiced law for more than 20 years in San Diego. He is also a former San Diego County public defender, spending several years representing indigent clients before starting his private practice.
In addition to his practice, he offers insight to the media and has appeared on “Court TV,” CBS’ “48 Hours,” Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor” and on MSNBC.
His dedication and philosophy are seemingly rooted in the human psyche.
“People often feel overwhelmed, helpless or angry when faced with legal needs,” Steigerwalt said. “We recognize this is a difficult time for people and we want to assist them in bearing these burdens, both legally and personally. We pride ourselves on being accessible and readily available to educate the public about their rights.”
A graduate of Millersville State University in Pennsylvania, Steigerwalt earned his juris doctorate at Western States University Law School, now the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Arentz graduated with honors from Michigan State University and the Pepperdine School of Law. Phillips earned his juris doctorate from Arizona State University.
Steigerwalt is often seen on the baseball diamond locally, too, as he is a volunteer youth coach in the Tecolote Youth Baseball League.
For more information, call (800) 508-0000.