M. Max Steinheimer

Of Counsel

Max Steinheimer is a highly respected trial lawyer with a deserved reputation for success in the courtroom. He has served as lead trial counsel in over 40 jury trials in state and federal courts throughout California and Nevada.

Max is well known for his acuity in jury selection. He uses expert witnesses in creative and winning ways, and utilizes cutting edge technology to present and prove the essential elements of his client’s case.

Max has handled a very broad mix of cases including defense of product liability claims (wrongful death, personal injury, fire, and property damages) on behalf of equipment manufacturers, lessors of construction equipment, automotive component part manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies; defense of public entities in dangerous condition of public property, sexual harassment and wrongful termination cases; defense of physicians, architects, engineers, and attorneys in professional negligence claims; prosecution and defense of eminent domain actions on behalf of public entities; defense of contract claims; prosecution of water rights claims on behalf of water and irrigation districts; defense of corporate directors and companies for claims of dissolution and breach of fiduciary duty; and defense and prosecution of claims for damage/destruction of vineyards, orchards, and row crops.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • San Joaquin County Bar Association, 1972-present; Board of Governors, 1975-1980; President, 1979
  • Washoe County Bar Association, 1971-present
  • California Lawyers Association, Litigation Section
  • Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, 1974-present; Board of Governors, 1982-1986
  • Pro Bono Representation of Animal Friends Connection Humane Society in Lodi, 1990-present

Honors & Rankings

  • AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, 1976-present
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), 1990-present
  • American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), 1998-present
  • Super Lawyers, Northern California Super Lawyers, Construction Litigation, 2007-2022
  • Sacramento Magazine, Top Lawyers, Business Litigation, Insurance Litigation, 2015-2018
  • The Order of Barristers
  • University of California at Davis, First Alumni Award, 1988
  • Trial Counsel for Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority (Yuba County, California)
    • TRLIA v. Danna (Trial 2011). Eminent domain proceeding to acquire right of way for levee construction
  • Counsel for San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (San Bernardino County, California)
    • San Bernardino, etc., et al. v. San Gabriel Valley Water Company, etc., et al. (Filed 2013). Action to enforce water decrees and prevent over-drafting
  • Trial Counsel for Fallbrook Public Utility District (Fallbrook, California)
    • United States of America, et al. v. Eastern Municipal Water District (Trial 2009). Claim for breach of agreement to provide water
  • Trial Counsel for Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District
    • Central San Joaquin Irrigation Dist. V. Stockton East Water District (Trial 2013). Breach of contract and interpretation of California State Water Code Wheeling Statute

Announcements

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Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • San Joaquin County Bar Association, 1972-present; Board of Governors, 1975-1980; President, 1979
  • Washoe County Bar Association, 1971-present
  • California Lawyers Association, Litigation Section
  • Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, 1974-present; Board of Governors, 1982-1986
  • Pro Bono Representation of Animal Friends Connection Humane Society in Lodi, 1990-present

Honors & Rankings

  • AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, 1976-present
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), 1990-present
  • American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), 1998-present
  • Super Lawyers, Northern California Super Lawyers, Construction Litigation, 2007-2022
  • Sacramento Magazine, Top Lawyers, Business Litigation, Insurance Litigation, 2015-2018
  • The Order of Barristers
  • University of California at Davis, First Alumni Award, 1988