Stephen B. Ruben

Practice areas

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law

Focus areas

Mediation, Mediation & Collaborative Law

Introducing STEPHEN B. RUBEN, ESQ: Distinguished Expert in Family Law, Esteemed Temporary Judge, and Accomplished Mediator

Stephen Ruben, an attorney certified as a specialist in Family Law by the State Bar since 2007, stands as an unparalleled authority in successfully navigating complex family law issues. With admission to the California Bar in 1992, he has solidified his reputation as one of the most highly sought-after family law practitioners, particularly noted for his prowess in handling intricate high-asset conflicts. These cases demand a keen comprehension of differentiating between communal and separate property classifications, claims for reimbursement, and agreements of transmutation.

His exceptional career trajectory commenced at Bryan, Hinshaw, where he advanced from an associate position to becoming a partner. This journey culminated in the establishment of the Ruben Law Firm in San Francisco in 1997. Serving as the managing director, his dedicated focus on the most intricate cases has marked him as the foremost expert for high-stakes litigation.

Mr. Ruben’s excellence has been consistently recognized, earning accolades such as the “Northern California Super Lawyer” designation since 2007 and the esteemed title of California’s Family Law Litigator of the Year in 2019. He maintains a consistent placement among the top ten family law attorneys in both San Francisco and the broader California region, showcasing an unwavering commitment to his field.

With extensive experience in every essential aspect of family law litigation, Mr. Ruben’s exceptional expertise shines in cases involving contentious custody matters, particularly those entailing international child abductions and child welfare in instances of domestic violence. This focus underscores his dedication to safeguarding the wellbeing of children.

For over twenty years, his service as a Senior Settlement Master in the San Francisco Unified Family Court has reinforced his exceptional standing, further augmented by an impressive Martindale-Hubbell rating for professionalism and integrity. His leadership role as the incoming President of the esteemed Lawyers Club of San Francisco Inn of Court promises to showcase his influential contributions.

In roles that underscore his enduring impact on the field, Mr. Ruben’s significant involvement with the Elkins Family Law Task Force has driven pivotal reforms in family law courts throughout California. Having served as a Judge Pro Tem on multiple occasions, he has been entrusted with weighty responsibilities in the San Francisco Superior Court, a testament to his impeccable training and steadfast commitment to justice.

In a remarkable achievement, Mr. Ruben obtained an L.L.M. from the highly-regarded Pepperdine School of Law/Strass Institute’s ADR program in 2021. This additional expertise, focused on high-conflict custody and international family law, coupled with exemplary training in mediation and arbitration, has further elevated his standing in the field. This proficiency led to his affiliation with ADR Services, where he collaborates with the foremost experts in the industry.

Demonstrating his enduring ambition and forward-looking vision, Mr. Ruben established his Family Law Resolution Firm in San Francisco in December 2022. It is unmistakably evident: when confronted with the most intricate and challenging family law disputes, Steve Ruben’s unparalleled expertise stands unmatched.