Kerry Steigerwalt - Partner at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers

Kerry Steigerwalt - Partner at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers

Kerry Steigerwalt is an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney, with a legal career spanning more than four decades. As a Founding Partner and Director of Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers, Kerry defends the rights of the accused with uncompromising dedication. His approach to criminal defense is defined by strategic insight, ethical integrity, and a focus on client-first legal representation.

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FAQs About Attorney Kerry Steigerwalt

How long has Kerry Steigerwalt been practicing criminal law?

Kerry Steigerwalt has been practicing criminal law in San Diego since 1984. His career includes decades of experience handling a wide range of criminal matters at both the State and Federal levels.

What types of cases does Kerry Steigerwalt handle?

Kerry represents clients facing a variety of criminal defense matters in San Diego, including felony and misdemeanor charges. His work has involved cases such as capital murder defense, “Three Strikes” cases, DUI and drunk driving offenses, drug-related crimes, and other serious criminal allegations.

Kerry is a Founding Partner and Director at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers. In this role, he is involved in case strategy, firm leadership, and mentoring attorneys within the practice.

What is Kerry Steigerwalt’s approach to representing clients?

Kerry’s approach to criminal defense includes thorough preparation and strategic case planning. He works with clients at each stage of the legal process, from initial charges through court proceedings.

Attorney Kerry Steigerwalt’s Background & Achievements

Kerry L. Steigerwalt has been practicing criminal law in San Diego since 1984. Throughout his legal career, he has earned widespread respect for his steady judgment, client-focused approach, and ability to handle high-stakes criminal matters with confidence and care. He has represented clients in courts throughout San Diego County, including handling both misdemeanor and felony matters at the State and Federal levels.

Kerry’s interest in the law began early and was shaped by a strong desire to protect individual rights within the justice system. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where he developed critical thinking and communication skills that would serve as a foundation for his legal career. Driven by his desire to make a difference in the legal system, Kerry went on to pursue his Juris Doctor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, graduating in 1984.

Building San Diego’s Largest Private Criminal Defense Firm

Following his graduation from law school and admission to the State Bar of California, Kerry Steigerwalt began building what would become a decades-long career in criminal defense. He gained valuable experience in handling a wide range of complex cases, including serious felonies, and has tried over 100 jury trials and secured acquittals in murder cases across every courthouse in San Diego County. This depth of experience laid the groundwork for the founding of Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers and continues to inform his leadership within the firm.

It was in 2013 that Kerry Steigerwalt co-founded Sevens Legal alongside criminal defense attorney Samantha Greene and business manager Stan Mann. As the firm’s Director and Founding Partner, Kerry has played a vital role in shaping the culture, vision, and growth of the practice. Under his leadership, Sevens Legal has grown into San Diego’s largest private criminal defense firm.

“My job is to make sure every client is treated fairly, no matter what charges they’re up against.” - Kerry Steigerwalt

Kerry Steigerwalt’s dedication to criminal defense is rooted in a long-standing belief that every person deserves a fair trial and effective legal representation. This principle, instilled in him during his law school years and reinforced through his early experiences in practice, is what drives him to advocate for clients with focus and determination, even in complex or high-stakes cases. His commitment to these values is reflected in his continued efforts to stay engaged in legal education and contribute to the broader legal community.

An Impact in the Courtroom and the Community

Throughout his legal career, Kerry Steigerwalt has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and an ability to navigate complex legal situations. His admission to the State Bar of California in 1984 marked the beginning of a career that would see him become a respected figure in San Diego’s legal community. Kerry’s approach to law combines thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and a genuine passion for justice—qualities that consistently guide his work representing clients in criminal matters.

Top Awards and Accolades

AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for 10+ Years

“To be recognized by my peers for both legal ability and ethical standards is an honor—and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with this work.” - Kerry Steigerwalt

Kerry Steigerwalt’s longstanding AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell is based on peer and judicial evaluations of legal ability and ethical standards. This distinction is awarded through a confidential review process conducted by fellow attorneys and members of the judiciary. He has maintained this rating for more than a decade, through the Martindale-Hubbell peer review process.

Kerry Steigerwalt was previously recognized by San Diego Magazine as a Top Lawyer, a local distinction based on input from peers and the publication’s editorial team. The selection process considers factors such as professional accomplishments, community involvement, and contributions to the legal field. His inclusion in the Top Lawyers list reflects his ongoing work in criminal defense and his involvement in the San Diego legal community.

Kerry Steigerwalt has received recognition from legal associations and publications at both the local and national levels. These honors are based on factors such as professional experience, peer input, and contributions to the legal field. Some of Kerry’s most notable honors include:

  • AV Preeminent® Rated (Martindale-Hubbell) for 10+ years

  • Previously named among San Diego’s Top 25 Lawyers: San Diego Metro Magazine

  • Previously recognized as a Top Lawyer: San Diego Magazine

Practice Areas

Kerry Steigerwalt’s practice spans a wide range of criminal defense matters in San Diego. He represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges at both the State and Federal levels, handling cases from initial investigation through court proceedings and trial. His primary areas of focus include:

  • Capital murder defense

  • “Three Strikes” cases

  • DUI and drunk driving offenses

  • Drug-related crimes

  • Assault and battery charges

  • Sex offenses

  • White-collar crimes

  • Federal criminal defense

Kerry’s courtroom experience includes handling complex legal proceedings and presenting arguments in a wide range of criminal cases. He has secured “not guilty” verdicts in serious felony cases in courthouses throughout San Diego County. These cases have involved charges such as murder, attempted murder, and sexual assault, reflecting the broad scope of matters he has handled in his practice.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and should be evaluated by a qualified attorney. For legal advice, please contact our office directly.

Education & Credentials

  • Juris Doctor Degree: Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 1984

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree: Millersville University of Pennsylvania, 1980

Professional Associations

  • The State Bar of California: Admitted 1984

  • Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego: Member since 1995

  • American Association for Justice: Member

  • California Public Defenders Association: Member

  • National Trial Lawyers: Member

Client Testimonials

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional legal representation I received from Kerry Steigerwalt. Facing a daunting case, I was anxious about the outcome, but Kerry provided the expertise, dedication, and support I needed to win.

From our initial consultation, Kerry demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and a strategic approach to my case. His attention to detail, thorough preparation, and ability to navigate complex legal issues were truly impressive. He kept me informed at every step, answered all my questions, and made me feel confident in our strategy.

If you need a skilled and dedicated lawyer, I highly recommend Kerry Steigerwalt. He exceeded all my expectations and secured a victory that has made a profound difference in my life. Thank you, Kerry, for your outstanding service.

  • Tajae P.

Attorney Kerry Steigerwalt and the Sevens Legal law firm were hired by our family to represent my son and help him fight these horrible charges made against him. Kerry and his law firm were professional and ethical in the representation of my son. They displayed expertise, wisdom, knowledge, and strategies to analyze a case and guide their investigators in the right direction to gather crucial information to help exonerate my son.

Kerry showed compassion to my son during a difficult time that affected his mental health. He made our family feel that our son was in good hands. Our family could not have asked for a more competent attorney to represent our son. This law firm should be very proud of the exquisite work they do to represent defendants. We are forever grateful to Kerry and the Sevens Legal law firm family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

  • Darrel H.

It’s no secret that Kerry is part of the biggest and best-rated law firm in San Diego. When dealing with legal issues, it can be your life at stake - TRUST KERRY! He will get you through the tough times you are enduring with fantastic results. If they had a 6-star review button, I’d give him 10 stars.

  • Chris K.

Kerry Steigerwalt Social Media Profiles

Courthouses in San Diego County

General Information

https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations

North County Courthouse:

325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/northcountycourthouse

East County

250 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/eastcountyregional

South County

500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/southcountyregional

Central Courthouse

1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/centralcourthouse2

Juvenile Court

2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/juvenilecourt