Hon. Stephen Foland, Comm.
Biography
The Hon. Stephen F. Foland has devoted his legal career exclusively to the resolution of Family Law disputes since 1984. Before his appointment as a Commissioner in 1994, nearly 40% of his practice involved mediating disputes, making him one of the pioneers in family law mediation in the Bay Area. While on the bench in Alameda County family law was approximately 50% of his caseload, where he continued to devote himself to the resolution of family law disputes.
Judicial Experience
1995-2004 Appointed as Superior Court Commissioner, Alameda County
- Specifically appointed to undertake family law matters as "permanent" Judge Pro Tem, not as Title IVD (AB1058) Child Support Commissioner
- Other duties included small claims, traffic, unlawful detainer, and civil court and jury trials.
1994 Appointed as Municipal Court Commissioner, Alameda County
Twice during his tenure the Alameda County Bar Association conducted its review of the Alameda County Bench, and each time Commissioner Foland's performance was rated highly.
Legal Practice
1988-1994 Law Offices of Stephen F. Foland
1984-1988 Partner, Struthers & Foland
1980-1984 Partner, Struthers Grossman & Foland
1978-1980 Partner, Struthers Harris Grossman & Foland
1975-1978 Associate, Struthers Harris & Grossman
- Beginning in 1983 practice of law devoted exclusively to Family Law Matters.
- Prior to appointment to municipal court in 1994, nearly 40% of practice was devoted to the mediation.
- Volunteered for "Pro Per" clinics in Family Law for the Tri-Valley Haven and the Alameda County Bar Association
Education
1975 J.D., Golden Gate University, School of Law
1967 B.A. in History, Indiana University - College of Arts & Sciences
Admissions
1975 Admitted to California and Federal Courts
1985 Certified by California State Bar as a Family Law Specialist
Memberships
1988-1994 Board of Directors of Alameda County Family Law Association (ACFLA)
1982 President of Livermore-Amador Bar Valley Bar Association
1978-1981 Board of the Livermore-Amador Bar Valley Bar Association (LAVBA), now Eastern Alameda County Bar Association
Alameda County Bar Association
Teaching and Lecturing
Commissioner Foland has spoken extensively on a wide variety of topics. Speaking Engagements include:
- Annual ACFLA Judge's Dinner, 1996-2003.
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) annual conference, twice on the Judge's panel, and once on a panel regarding spousal support.
- State Conference of CPA's, 2001. Presentation on high earner support cases.
- Co-Presenter with Bankruptcy Judge on topics relating to Family Law and Bankruptcy, to both family law and bankruptcy attorneys.
- Several Brown Bag Lunches to the ACFLA on various topics including stock options as income and as property, child custody, discovery, etc.
This page was last modified in June 2007
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