News
The attorneys of SGSB are leaders among many prestigious legal organizations in the California family law community.
Our attorneys are highly sought-after lecturers and teachers for legal education seminars on family law issues. SGSB’s lawyers are frequently recognized for the donation of their talents, wisdom and time to the advancement of the family law practice.
Some of our activities, recognitions and speaking engagements are listed here:
2026
July 2026
Brandon P. Kelsey is elevated to Partner with SGSB
May 2026
Associates Eric Sather and Samantha Weissman pass the Certified Family Law Specialist Exam.
Saul Gelbart is selected to Super Lawyers 2026 Top 5 List in Family Law for Southern California.
2025
May 2025
Natali Beltran joins SGSB as an Associate Attorney. Ms. Beltran became licensed to practice law in 2022 and exclusively practices family law. Ms. Beltran is a member of the Orange County Bar Association.
January 2025
George H. Peniche, III. is elevated to Partner with SGSB.
Eric J. Sather is installed as Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association for a three-year term.
2024
November 2024
SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Saul Gelbart and Robert Benavente, attend the 2024 AAML Annual Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois.
September 2024
Saul Gelbart attends the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) meeting in Seattle, Washington.
June 2024
Robert Benavente is sworn in as President of the Southern California Chapter of the AAML.
May 2024
Eric Sather graduated from the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas. NFLTI is the preeminent litigation skills course dedicated exclusively to family law. During this intensive eight-day program, attendees develop skills training in all aspects of family law litigation, from opening statement to closing argument. Attendees receive hands-on training and experience in developing the theme of the case, opening statements, evidence, custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, technology in the courtroom, direct and cross examination of parties and experts, and closing arguments.
April 2024
Partner Saul Gelbart attends the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL) meeting in Laguna Beach, California.
March 2024
SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Saul Gelbart, Eleanor Stegmeier, and Robert Benavente, attend the AAML retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
January 2024
Eric Sather commences his term as Chair of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division.
Partners Saul Gelbart, Eleanor Stegmeier, Jason Schwartz and Robert Benavente attend the annual AAML retreat in Santa Monica, California.
2023
August 2023
Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP congratulates Saul Gelbart for being recognized as the 2024 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in the Orange County Area.
Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP is pleased to announce that 6 lawyers have been included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®:
- Robert A. Benavente – Family Law
- Michael Fisher – Family Law and Family Law Mediation
- Saul Gelbart – Family Law
- Jason M. Schwartz – Family Law
- Eleanor Ann Stegmeier – Family Law and Family Law Mediation
An additional 4 lawyers have been included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America:
- Brandon Kelsey – Family Law
- George Peniche – Family Law
- Eric Sather – Family Law
- Samantha Weissman – Family Law
July 2023
Samantha Weissman and Eric Sather are selected to the 2023 Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars list.
May 2023
Samantha Weissman graduated from the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas. NFLTI is the preeminent litigation skills course dedicated exclusively to family law. During this intensive eight-day program, attendees develop skills training in all aspects of family law litigation, from opening statement to closing argument. Attendees receive hands-on training and experience in developing the theme of the case, opening statements, evidence, custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, technology in the courtroom, direct and cross examination of parties and experts, and closing arguments.
April 2023
Saul Gelbart attended the 2023 Annual Conference for The American College of Family Trial Lawyers. The four-day conference was held at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
March 2023
Robert Benavente was a co-presenter at the 2023 ACFLS Spring Seminar in Rancho Mirage presentation “Attributes of the Difficult to Litigate Business Appraisal,” which focused on the complexity of litigating business valuations in divorce cases in California courts. The seminar presented by the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists took place over a 3-day weekend in March with an audience of over 300 family law attorneys, forensic accountants, and judicial officers.
January 2023
Robert Benavente was a co-presenter on the panel “Audio-Visual Presentations in Hearings and Trial” at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Trial Advocacy Institute.
Saul Gelbart was a co-presenter on the panel “How to Present a Case, Part One” at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Trial Advocacy Institute.
Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, Robert Benavente, and Michael Fisher are selected as Super Lawyers Southern California honorees. Attorneys Stegmeier and Gelbart have been included in the Super Lawyers Southern California list for 20 years. Ms. Stegmeier was also selected to the Top 50: 2023 Orange County Super Lawyers List.
Eric Sather commences his term as Chair-Elect of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division.
2022
October 2022
SGSB opens its Coronado location to serve its San Diego County family law clients. Our San Diego County office is a short walk from the Coronado Ferry Landing and easily accessible via the Coronado Bridge.
August 2022
Michael Fisher was recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2023 Orange County “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law Mediation.
Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, Robert Benavente, and Michael Fisher were included in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
George Peniche and Eric Sather were included in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.
July 2022
Samantha Weissman and Eric Sather are selected to the 2022 Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars list.
June 2022
Samantha Weissman and Eric Sather attended the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Institute for Family Law Associates in Chicago, Illinois.
May 2022
George Peniche and Brandon Kelsey graduated from the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas. NFLTI is the preeminent litigation skills course dedicated exclusively to family law. During this intensive eight-day program, attendees develop skills training in all aspects of family law litigation, from opening statement to closing argument. Attendees receive hands-on training and experience in developing the theme of the case, opening statements, evidence, custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, technology in the courtroom, direct and cross examination of parties and experts, and closing arguments.
March 2022
Eleanor Stegmeier received the 2022 Family Law Person of the Year Award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).
Robert Benavente served as co-dean at the 2022 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter, Trial Advocacy Institute.
Saul Gelbart and Michael Fisher were panelists for the presentation: “Tracing A-Y: Identifying & Overcoming Problems in Complex Tracing,” at the 2022 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter, Trial Advocacy Institute.
Eric Sather commenced his second term as Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division. Mr. Sather serves as Business Development co-chair, initiating commercial and professional seminars for young lawyers in Orange County. In 2021, Mr. Sather served as Affiliates and Sections Liaison, coordinating events and collaborating with other sections and affiliate bar associations of the Orange County Bar Association.
January 2022
Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, Robert Benavente, and Michael Fisher are selected as Super Lawyers Southern California honorees.
2021
November 2021
Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP was ranked in the 2023 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list for Family Law – Regional Tier 1.
SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, and Robert Benavente, attended the 2021 AAML Annual Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois.
July 2021
SGSB welcomes Attorney Samantha L. Weissman to the firm. Ms. Weissman’s practice has been devoted to family law issues since her admission to the bar. Her proficiency in family law is evident in her published articles on important family law issues and her recognition in Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.
SGSB welcomes Attorney Brandon P. Kelsey to the firm. Mr. Kelsey is experienced in all types of family law matters, from simple support actions to complex high net worth marital estates.
June 2021
Robert A. Benavente presented on the topic of cross-examination of forensic accountants at the two-part seminar: “Income Available for Support: It’s Not What You Think,” organized by the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS).
May 2021
Saul Gelbart and Robert A. Benavente lectured at the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter’s 2021 Trial Basics Seminar on the topics of Order of Proof and Witnesses, Cross Examination of Lay Witnesses, AV Presentations, and Closing Argument.
April 2021
Saul Gelbart attended the 2021 Annual Meeting of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL).
January 2021
Eric Sather is installed as Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division. Mr. Sather serves as Affiliates and Sections Liaison, coordinating events and collaborating with other sections and affiliate bar associations of the Orange County Bar Association.
Robert Benavente was a panelist for the presentation “Litigating Premarital Agreements, Post-2020 UPA Amendments” at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter’s 29th Annual Trial Advocacy Institute.
2020
November 2020
SGSB is honored to be included in the elite group of firms ranked in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” once again!
April 2020
SGSB listed in Top 23 of Irvine Divorce Lawyers.
2019
November 2019
ACFLS Orange County recognized Eleanor Stegmeier with the Excellence in Family Law Lifetime Achievement Award.
SGSB is honored to be included in the elite group of firms ranked in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.”
October 2019
The American College of Family Trial Lawyers selected Saul Gelbart to join this select group of 100 of the top family law trial lawyers from across the United States.
September 2019
Saul Gelbart was a speaker at the San Diego County Family Law Bar Association’s Annual Seminar.
August 2019
Partners Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, and Robert Benavente are named in the 2020 Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law.
June 2019
SGSB partners Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart and Robert Benavente attended the Southern California Chapter AAML 2019 Chapter Retreat in Washington, D.C.
This year, SGSB was a Gold Sponsor of the Public Law Center Volunteers for Justice fundraising silent auction and dinner held at Hotel Irvine.
April 2019
Saul Gelbart, Robert Benavente, Jason Schwartz and Michael Fisher named OCBA Southern California Super Lawyers in 2019.
February 2019
SGSB partners and IAFL Fellows, Eleanor Stegmeier and Saul Gelbart, proudly represented SGSB in Melbourne, Australia for the 2019 IAFL Annual Meeting.
January 2019
Saul Gelbart served as Co-Dean of the 27th Annual Trial Institute of the AAML at Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
Congratulations to Jason Schwartz, who begins his term as Southern California Regional Director of ACFLS.
2018
December 2018
Jason Schwartz delivered the introduction of the Honorable Michael J. Naughton (Ret.) when Judge Naughton was awarded the Outstanding Service to Family Law Award at the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists awards dinner in San Francisco.
November 2018
SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, and Robert Benavente, attended the 2018 AAML National Convention held in Chicago, Illinois.
October 2018
Saul Gelbart lectured on “Breach of Fiduciary Duties” to the Orange County Bar Association.
September 2018
Saul Gelbart lectured on “Cross-Examination Techniques” to the San Diego Family Law Bar Association.
August 2018
Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz and Robert Benavente named in the 25th Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law.
June 2018
Jason Schwartz lectured to the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Orange County Chapter.
SGSB once again is among the published sponsors of the Public Law Center, Access to Justice fundraising dinner held at Hotel Irvine. The event includes a silent auction and dinner.
May 2018
Jason Schwartz lectured to the Orange County Criminal Defense Attorneys Bar.
Spring 2018
Robert Benavente lectured on the topics of cross examination of expert and lay witnesses in the family law trial, and closing arguments, at the AAML Trial Basics Seminar and the ACFLS Trial Tech workshop.
March 2018
Jason Schwartz served as trial coach for the Western State College of Law moot court team at the national law school moot court competition in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March, 2018. The team placed in the semi-finals.
Eleanor Stegmeier and Michael Fisher lectured on “The Value of Mediation in the Family Law Arena and How the Mediator Can Assist the Family Law Practitioner” at the OCBA Family Law Section luncheon.
2017
December 2017
Holiday fun! OCBA Family Law Section Holiday Party.
And the SGSB Law Holiday Party. Our “family” has certainly grown!
January 2017
Saul Gelbart is named “Family Law Person of the Year” by the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the highest honor they bestow on an individual.
2016
October 2016
SGSB moves its Orange County office to the corner of Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard in Centerpointe Business Complex.
August 2016
Saul Gelbart is named Orange County Family Law Attorney of the Year by Best Lawyers, published by U.S. News & World Report.
June 2016
Each year in June, SGSB is among the published sponsors of the Public Law Center, Access to Justice fundraising dinner held at Hotel Irvine. The event includes a silent auction and dinner.
Saul Gelbart serves as Chair of a committee organizing a three-day retreat presented by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers at the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, California. The retreat includes continuing legal education seminars each day followed by networking events each evening.
Eleanor Stegmeier and Robert Benavente are co-panelists on a legal education round table discussion during the AAML retreat at the Montage Laguna Beach.
April 2016
Robert Benavente is admitted into the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (“AAML”) making him one of the youngest attorneys in the Southern California Chapter of the AAML.
Saul Gelbart lectures at the AAML “Trial Basics Seminar” held at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California.
2015
October 2015
Jason Schwartz lectured to the Orange County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section on the topic “Crossover Issues in Trust & Estate Law and Family Law.”
September 2015
Saul Gelbart traveled to Taormina, Sicily to attend the annual meeting of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (“IAFL”).
Eleanor Stegmeier is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine and Super Lawyers magazine for the 14th consecutive year.
Saul Gelbart is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine and Super Lawyers magazine for the 14th consecutive year.
Robert Benavente is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine and Super Lawyers magazine for the 3rd consecutive year.
July 2015
For the 20th consecutive year, Eleanor Stegmeier is named among “The Best Lawyers in America” in the practice area of Family Law.
Saul Gelbart is named in the 22nd Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law.
Robert Benavente is named in the 22nd Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law.
Jason Schwartz is named in the 22nd Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the practice area of Family Law.
Jason Schwartz is elected to serve on the Board of Directors – as the Membership and Benefits Director – of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (“ACFLS”) board for 2016.
June 2015
Eleanor Stegmeier becomes a member of the Forensic and Business Evaluators subcommittee for the AAML Foundation and a member of the 2015 Grant Committee. Ms. Stegmeier is elected to the Executive Board of the AAML, Southern California Chapter for 2016.
Jason Schwartz travels to London, England as part of a 500-member delegation of attorneys from the American Bar Association to attend the re-dedication of the Magna Carta in a ceremony held on the document’s 800th anniversary. The ceremony, which includes distinguished guests such as the Prime Minister of England, Queen of England, Duke of Cambridge, Duke of Edinburgh, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Attorney General of the United States, and the United States’ Ambassador to England, is held in Runnymede, England.
As part of the event, Mr. Schwartz attends a private dinner for the ABA Delegates held at the House of Lords, England.
May 2015
Saul Gelbart and Jason Schwartz present their educational program entitled “Protecting the Separate Property Interest (Or, Would You Rather Go To The Dentist?)” for the First American Title Company Family Law Seminar.
April 2015
Saul Gelbart lectures at the two-day AAML “Trial Basics Seminar” held at the Westin South Coast Plaza and University of California, Irvine, School of Law.
Robert Benavente presents his continuing legal education lecture entitled, “See the Mix-up: Practice Tips on Litigating Tracing Issues” for the White, Zuckerman, Warsovsky, Luna, and Hunt CLE program.
2014
Eleanor Stegmeier is inducted into the Western State University, College of Law Hall of Fame. This extraordinary accomplishment is conferred during a Black Tie Gala held at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
Robert Benavente serves as the President of the Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section.
Eleanor Stegmeier is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine, Orange Coast magazine, and Super Lawyers magazine for the thirteenth consecutive year.
Saul Gelbart is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine, Orange Coast magazine, and Super Lawyers magazine for the thirteenth consecutive year.
Robert Benavente is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine, Orange Coast magazine, and Super Lawyers magazine for the second consecutive year.
SGSB attorney Jason Schwartz is a guest correspondent on “Money Matters With Dino” radio show. Mr. Schwartz offers his perspective on the topic “The Million Dollar Pre-nup.”
Eleanor Stegmeier moderates the Attorney Fees and Sanctions legal education seminar presented by Judge Thomas Lewis, Assistant Supervising Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court and Judge Mark Millard of the Orange County Superior Court.
Some of our activities, recognitions and speaking engagements are listed here:
| January 2025 | George H. Peniche, III. is elevated to Partner with SGSB. |
| January 2025 | Eric J. Sather is installed as Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association for a three-year term. |
| November 2024 | SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Saul Gelbart and Robert Benavente, attend the 2024 AAML Annual Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois. |
| September 2024 | Saul Gelbart attends the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) meeting in Seattle, Washington. |
| June 2024 | Robert Benavente is sworn in as President of the Southern California Chapter of the AAML. |
| May 2024 | Eric Sather graduated from the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas. NFLTI is the preeminent litigation skills course dedicated exclusively to family law. During this intensive eight-day program, attendees develop skills training in all aspects of family law litigation, from opening statement to closing argument. Attendees receive hands-on training and experience in developing the theme of the case, opening statements, evidence, custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, technology in the courtroom, direct and cross examination of parties and experts, and closing arguments. |
| April 2024 | Partner Saul Gelbart attends the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL) meeting in Laguna Beach, California. |
| March 2024 | SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Saul Gelbart, Eleanor Stegmeier, and Robert Benavente, attend the AAML retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico. |
| January 2024 | Eric Sather commences his term as Chair of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division. |
| January 2024 | Partners Saul Gelbart, Eleanor Stegmeier, Jason Schwartz and Robert Benavente attend the annual AAML retreat in Santa Monica, California. |
| August 2023 | Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP congratulates Saul Gelbart for being recognized as the 2024 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in the Orange County Area. |
| August 2023 | Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP is pleased to announce that 6 lawyers have been included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®:
|
| July 2023 | Samantha Weissman and Eric Sather are selected to the 2023 Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars list. |
| May 2023 | Samantha Weissman graduated from the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas. NFLTI is the preeminent litigation skills course dedicated exclusively to family law. During this intensive eight-day program, attendees develop skills training in all aspects of family law litigation, from opening statement to closing argument. Attendees receive hands-on training and experience in developing the theme of the case, opening statements, evidence, custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, technology in the courtroom, direct and cross examination of parties and experts, and closing arguments. |
| April 2023 | Saul Gelbart attended the 2023 Annual Conference for The American College of Family Trial Lawyers. The four-day conference was held at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida. |
| March 2023 | Robert Benavente was a co-presenter at the 2023 ACFLS Spring Seminar in Rancho Mirage presentation “Attributes of the Difficult to Litigate Business Appraisal,” which focused on the complexity of litigating business valuations in divorce cases in California courts. The seminar presented by the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists took place over a 3-day weekend in March with an audience of over 300 family law attorneys, forensic accountants, and judicial officers. |
| January 2023 | Robert Benavente was a co-presenter on the panel “Audio-Visual Presentations in Hearings and Trial” at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Trial Advocacy Institute. |
| January 2023 | Saul Gelbart was a co-presenter on the panel “How to Present a Case, Part One” at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Trial Advocacy Institute. |
| January 2023 | Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, Robert Benavente, and Michael Fisher are selected as Super Lawyers Southern California honorees. Attorneys Stegmeier and Gelbart have been included in the Super Lawyers Southern California list for 20 years. Ms. Stegmeier was also selected to the Top 50: 2023 Orange County Super Lawyers List. |
| January 2023 | Eric Sather commences his term as Chair-Elect of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division. |
| October 2022 | SGSB opens its Coronado location to serve its San Diego County family law clients. Our San Diego County office is a short walk from the Coronado Ferry Landing and easily accessible via the Coronado Bridge. |
| August 2022 | Michael Fisher was recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2023 Orange County “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law Mediation. |
| August 2022 | Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, Robert Benavente, and Michael Fisher were included in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. |
| August 2022 | George Peniche and Eric Sather were included in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. |
| July 2022 | Samantha Weissman and Eric Sather are selected to the 2022 Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Stars list. |
| June 2022 | Samantha Weissman and Eric Sather attended the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Institute for Family Law Associates in Chicago, Illinois. |
| May 2022 | George Peniche and Brandon Kelsey graduated from the National Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (NFLTI) in Houston, Texas. NFLTI is the preeminent litigation skills course dedicated exclusively to family law. During this intensive eight-day program, attendees develop skills training in all aspects of family law litigation, from opening statement to closing argument. Attendees receive hands-on training and experience in developing the theme of the case, opening statements, evidence, custody evaluations and psychological testing, business valuations, technology in the courtroom, direct and cross examination of parties and experts, and closing arguments. |
| March 2022 | Eleanor Stegmeier received the 2022 Family Law Person of the Year Award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).
|
| March 2022 | Robert Benavente served as co-dean at the 2022 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter, Trial Advocacy Institute.
|
| March 2022 | Saul Gelbart and Michael Fisher were panelists for the presentation: “Tracing A-Y: Identifying & Overcoming Problems in Complex Tracing,” at the 2022 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter, Trial Advocacy Institute.
|
| March 2022 | Eric Sather commenced his second term as Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division. Mr. Sather serves as Business Development co-chair, initiating commercial and professional seminars for young lawyers in Orange County. In 2021, Mr. Sather served as Affiliates and Sections Liaison, coordinating events and collaborating with other sections and affiliate bar associations of the Orange County Bar Association. |
| January 2022 | Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, Robert Benavente, and Michael Fisher are selected as Super Lawyers Southern California honorees. |
| November 2021 | Stegmeier, Gelbart, Schwartz & Benavente, LLP was ranked in the 2023 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list for Family Law – Regional Tier 1. |
| November 2021 | SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, and Robert Benavente, attended the 2021 AAML Annual Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois.
|
| July 2021 | SGSB welcomes Attorney Samantha L. Weissman to the firm. Ms. Weissman’s practice has been devoted to family law issues since her admission to the bar. Her proficiency in family law is evident in her published articles on important family law issues and her recognition in Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. |
| July 2021 | SGSB welcomes Attorney Brandon P. Kelsey to the firm. Mr. Kelsey is experienced in all types of family law matters, from simple support actions to complex high net worth marital estates. |
| June 2021 | Robert A. Benavente presented on the topic of cross-examination of forensic accountants at the two-part seminar: “Income Available for Support: It’s Not What You Think,” organized by the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS).
|
| May 2021 | Saul Gelbart and Robert A. Benavente lectured at the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter’s 2021 Trial Basics Seminar on the topics of Order of Proof and Witnesses, Cross Examination of Lay Witnesses, AV Presentations, and Closing Argument.
|
| April 2021 | Saul Gelbart attended the 2021 Annual Meeting of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL).
|
| January 2021 | Eric Sather is installed as Board Member of the Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division. Mr. Sather serves as Affiliates and Sections Liaison, coordinating events and collaborating with other sections and affiliate bar associations of the Orange County Bar Association. |
| January 2021 | Robert Benavente was a panelist for the presentation “Litigating Premarital Agreements, Post-2020 UPA Amendments” at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Southern California Chapter’s 29th Annual Trial Advocacy Institute.
|
| November 2020 | SGSB is honored to be included in the elite group of firms ranked in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” once again!
|
| April 2020 | SGSB listed in Top 23 of Irvine Divorce Lawyers |
| November 2019 | ACFLS Orange County recognized Eleanor Stegmeier with the Excellence in Family Law Lifetime Achievement Award. |
| November 2019 | SGSB is honored to be included in the elite group of firms ranked in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”
|
| October 2019 | The American College of Family Trial Lawyers selected Saul Gelbart to join this select group of 100 of the top family law trial lawyers from across the United States. |
| September 2019 | Saul Gelbart was a speaker at the San Diego County Family Law Bar Association’s Annual Seminar. |
| August 2019 | Partners Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz, and Robert Benavente are named in the 2020 Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law. |
| June 2019 | SGSB partners Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart and Robert Benavente attended the Southern California Chapter AAML 2019 Chapter Retreat in Washington, D.C. |
| June 2019 | This year, SGSB was a Gold Sponsor of the Public Law Center Volunteers for Justice fundraising silent auction and dinner held at Hotel Irvine. |
| April 2019 | Saul Gelbart, Robert Benavente, Jason Schwartz and Michael Fisher named OCBA Southern California Super Lawyers in 2019. |
| February 2019 | SGSB partners and IAFL Fellows, Eleanor Stegmeier and Saul Gelbart, proudly represented SGSB in Melbourne, Australia for the 2019 IAFL Annual Meeting. |
| January 2019 | Saul Gelbart served as Co-Dean of the 27th Annual Trial Institute of the AAML at Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
|
| January 2019 | Congratulations to Jason Schwartz, who begins his term as Southern California Regional Director of ACFLS. |
| December 2018 | Jason Schwartz delivered the introduction of the Honorable Michael J. Naughton (Ret.) when Judge Naughton was awarded the Outstanding Service to Family Law Award at the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists awards dinner in San Francisco. |
| November 2018 | SGSB partners and AAML Fellows, Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, and Robert Benavente, attended the 2018 AAML National Convention held in Chicago, Illinois. |
| October 2018 | Saul Gelbart lectured on “Breach of Fiduciary Duties” to the Orange County Bar Association. |
| September 2018 | Saul Gelbart lectured on “Cross-Examination Techniques” to the San Diego Family Law Bar Association. |
| August 2018 | Eleanor Stegmeier, Saul Gelbart, Jason Schwartz and Robert Benavente named in the 25th Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law. |
| June 2018 | Jason Schwartz lectured to the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, Orange County Chapter. |
| June 2018 | SGSB once again is among the published sponsors of the Public Law Center, Access to Justice fundraising dinner held at Hotel Irvine. The event includes a silent auction and dinner. |
| May 2018 | Jason Schwartz lectured to the Orange County Criminal Defense Attorneys Bar. |
| March 2018 | Jason Schwartz served as trial coach for the Western State College of Law moot court team at the national law school moot court competition in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March, 2018. The team placed in the semi-finals. |
| March 2018 | Eleanor Stegmeier and Michael Fisher lectured one “The Value of Mediation in the Family Law Arena and How the Mediator Can Assist the Family Law Practitioner” at the OCBA Family Law Section luncheon. |
| Spring 2018 | Robert Benavente lectured on the topics of cross examination of expert and lay witnesses in the family law trial, and closing arguments, at the AAML Trial Basics Seminar and the ACFLS Trial Tech workshop. |
| December 2017 | Holiday fun! OCBA Family Law Section Holiday Party
and the SGSB Law Holiday Party. Our “family” has certainly grown! |
| January 2017 | Saul Gelbart is named “Family Law Person of the Year” by the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the highest honor they bestow on an individual. |
| October 2016 | SGSB moves its Orange County office to the corner of Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard in Centerpointe Business Complex. |
| August 2016 | Saul Gelbart is named Orange County Family Law Attorney of the Year by Best Lawyers, published by U.S. News & World Report. |
| June 2016 | Each year in June, SGSB is among the published sponsors of the Public Law Center, Access to Justice fundraising dinner held at Hotel Irvine. The event includes a silent auction and dinner. |
| June 2016 | Saul Gelbart serves as Chair of a committee organizing a three-day retreat presented by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers at the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, California. The retreat includes continuing legal education seminars each day followed by networking events each evening.
Eleanor Stegmeier and Robert Benavente are co-panelists on a legal education round table discussion during the AAML retreat at the Montage Laguna Beach. |
| April 2016 | Robert Benavente is admitted into the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (“AAML”) making him one of the youngest attorneys in the Southern California Chapter of the AAML.
Saul Gelbart lectures at the AAML “Trial Basics Seminar” held at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. |
| October 2015 | Jason Schwartz lectured to the Orange County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section on the topic “Crossover Issues in Trust & Estate Law and Family Law.” |
| September 2015 | Saul Gelbart traveled to Taormina, Sicily to attend the annual meeting of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (“IAFL”). |
| September 2015 | Eleanor Stegmeier is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine and Super Lawyers magazine for the 14th consecutive year.
Saul Gelbart is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine and Super Lawyers magazine for the 14th consecutive year. Robert Benavente is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine and Super Lawyers magazine for the 3rd consecutive year. |
| July 2015 | For the 20th consecutive year, Eleanor Stegmeier is named among “The Best Lawyers in America” in the practice area of Family Law.
Saul Gelbart is named in the 22nd Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law. Robert Benavente is named in the 22nd Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the practice area of Family Law. Jason Schwartz is named in the 22nd Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the practice area of Family Law. |
| July 2015 | Jason Schwartz is elected to serve on the Board of Directors – as the Membership and Benefits Director – of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (“ACFLS”) board for 2016. |
| June 2015 | Eleanor Stegmeier becomes a member of the Forensic and Business Evaluators subcommittee for the AAML Foundation and a member of the 2015 Grant Committee. Ms. Stegmeier is elected to the Executive Board of the AAML, Southern California Chapter for 2016. |
| June 2015 | Jason Schwartz travels to London, England as part of a 500-member delegation of attorneys from the American Bar Association to attend the re-dedication of the Magna Carta in a ceremony held on the document’s 800th anniversary. The ceremony, which includes distinguished guests such as the Prime Minister of England, Queen of England, Duke of Cambridge, Duke of Edinburgh, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Attorney General of the United States, and the United States’ Ambassador to England, is held in Runnymede, England. As part of the event, Mr. Schwartz attends a private dinner for the ABA Delegates held at the House of Lords, England. |
| May 2015 | Saul Gelbart and Jason Schwartz present their educational program entitled “Protecting the Separate Property Interest (Or, Would You Rather Go To The Dentist?)” for the First American Title Company Family Law Seminar. |
| April 2015 | Saul Gelbart lectures at the two-day AAML “Trial Basics Seminar” held at the Westin South Coast Plaza and University of California, Irvine, School of Law. |
| April 2015 | Robert Benavente presents his continuing legal education lecture entitled, “See the Mix-up: Practice Tips on Litigating Tracing Issues” for the White, Zuckerman, Warsovsky, Luna, and Hunt CLE program. |
| 2014 | Eleanor Stegmeier is inducted into the Western State University, College of Law Hall of Fame. This extraordinary accomplishment is conferred during a Black Tie Gala held at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. |
| 2014 | Robert Benavente serves as the President of the Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section. |
| 2014 | Eleanor Stegmeier is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine, Orange Coast magazine, and Super Lawyers magazine for the thirteenth consecutive year.
Saul Gelbart is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine, Orange Coast magazine, and Super Lawyers magazine for the thirteenth consecutive year. Robert Benavente is named a Super Lawyer as published in Los Angeles Magazine, Orange Coast magazine, and Super Lawyers magazine for the second consecutive year. |
| 2014 | SGSB attorney Jason Schwartz is a guest correspondent on “Money Matters With Dino” radio show. Mr. Schwartz offers his perspective on the topic “The Million Dollar Pre-nup.” |
| 2014 | Eleanor Stegmeier moderates the Attorney Fees and Sanctions legal education seminar presented by Judge Thomas Lewis, Assistant Supervising Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court and Judge Mark Millard of the Orange County Superior Court. |