Stephen Toohill Named California Real Estate Lawyer of the Year Finalist

Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP is proud to announce that Partner Stephen Toohill is a finalist for California Real Estate Lawyer of the Year 2025. This statewide recognition from The Recorder honors attorneys who have demonstrated leadership, excellence, and significant contributions to California’s real estate legal landscape.

For more than 40 years, Stephen has served as a trusted advisor to developers, investors, owners and tenants across the Western U.S., guiding clients through high-stakes acquisitions, developments, leases, financings, and sales. His recent projects include representing investors in the $115 million acquisitions of two high-rise office towers in Irvine and advising a joint venture on a transformative mixed-use development at the San Francisco Transit Center.

“After four decades of practice, it’s really rewarding to see the trust I’ve built with colleagues and clients pay off,” Stephen said. “Many longtime friends in the legal community are retiring or stepping back, and it’s been an honor to have them refer their most valued clients to me.”

Stephen’s work spans a wide range of real estate sectors, including commercial, retail, hospitality, industrial, and biotech. He’s known for his practical, thoughtful approach to solving challenges in complicated deals. Beyond his legal practice, Stephen contributes to leading industry publications and speaks frequently on commercial leasing topics. He also gives back to the community, having chaired the Nativity Prep Academy Board of Trustees and led fundraising efforts for his local parish.

“The work has changed over the years — clients expect faster communication, and deals are more often national in scope,” Stephen reflected. “But at the end of the day, understanding your client’s business and earning their trust are still what matter most.”

The winners of the 2025 California Legal Awards will be announced later this year.