About Steven
Steven Brunolli took a pragmatic route through law school. He earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law, where he built the groundwork for courtroom and appellate work. Classrooms, clinics and legal research shaped his early approach to cases and client problems.
During law school he served as a legal extern to the Honorable Cynthia Bashant in 2018 at the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. That placement exposed him to federal procedure and the daily mechanics of district court decision-making. It also gave him firsthand experience observing motion practice, case management and judicial reasoning at the trial level.
After finishing his studies Brunolli secured certification in legal research through Westlaw. The credential signals a practical command of case law databases and research techniques that support brief writing and oral argument preparation. He applies those skills in drafting pleadings, preparing appellate records and checking statutory and regulatory materials.
He is admitted to practice in California and is also admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Those admissions allow him to handle matters that begin in state court and proceed to federal appellate review. He is active in bar-related and professional circles and holds a Barrister position with the American Inns of Court - Welsh Inn, participating in programs that promote courtroom skills, ethics and collegial exchange among judges and lawyers.
Brunolli is based at Higgs Fletcher & Mack. At the firm he collaborates with colleagues across practice groups, contributing research, drafting and courtroom support. Colleagues note his preference for careful preparation and methodical work on briefs and filings. The experience from his federal externship and his research training informs how he approaches factual development and procedural strategy.
He handles matters that arise in California courts and matters that proceed to the Ninth Circuit. His background combines federal courtroom exposure, formal legal training and targeted research certification. He currently practices at Higgs Fletcher & Mack, handling matters in California and before the Ninth Circuit.
