Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Stockton, CA
Established in 1997 by five partners from San Joaquin County's oldest law firm, Herum Crabtree Suntag, LLP was founded to deliver high-quality, client-focused legal services with technological innovation and efficiency. Our attorneys are regionally and state-wide recognized for expertise in land use, water law, real estate, complex business litigation, environmental law, and sophisticated business transactions. We prioritize a client-driven approach, combining specialized legal knowledge with cost-effective solutions tailored to the Central Valley's dynamic economic landscape. Our firm has grown significantly since inception, now serving as a leader in the region while maintaining the agility of a mid-sized practice. We represent diverse clients, including public agencies, agricultural entities, and Fortune 500 companies, with a commitment to ethical representation and community-driven growth.Our appellate advocacy, environmental compliance guidance, and land use litigation experience have earned us a reputation for resolving complex legal challenges. We emphasize proactive client education to prevent disputes, particularly in employment law, while maintaining aggressive litigation capabilities when necessary. Our practice areas align with California's economic growth trends, reflecting our deep understanding of regional industries. We provide personalized estate planning, tax advisory services, and intellectual property protection, leveraging specialized expertise in both transactional and regulatory matters. Our dedication to excellence is demonstrated through decades of successful client representation in state and federal courts, including landmark appellate decisions.
Services
Land Use Planning
Water Law
Environmental Compliance
Business Formation
Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in Central Valley land use and water law litigation
- Our attorneys are certified specialists in tax and estate planning matters
- We provide proactive employment law counseling to prevent costly litigation
- Our firm handles complex appellate cases in state and federal courts
- We combine regional expertise with national litigation capabilities
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
Responsive attorneys
Successful litigation outcomes
Deep regional knowledge
Client-focused approach
Services
Land Use Planning
Our attorneys assist clients with land development processes including general plan amendments, use permits, and environmental impact reports. We represent developers, public agencies, and landowners in securing entitlements and resolving disputes. Our team has handled over 25 appellate cases related to land use regulations and CEQA compliance.
Water Law
We provide comprehensive water law services including rights adjudication, supply negotiations, and environmental compliance. Our firm represents public agencies and private entities in water rights disputes and regulatory matters before state and federal agencies.
Environmental Compliance
Our environmental law practice advises businesses on compliance with state and federal regulations. We assist with permitting, enforcement defense, and litigation related to environmental impact assessments and pollution control standards.
Business Formation
We guide clients through business entity selection, formation, and transactional matters. Our services include contract drafting, tax planning, and corporate governance for startups and established companies in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning attorneys create customized strategies to minimize taxes and ensure asset distribution according to client wishes. We prepare trusts, wills, and powers of attorney while advising on probate and business succession planning.
People
Steven A. Herum
Partner
Co-founding partner with extensive experience in appellate advocacy and complex litigation. Specializes in land use disputes and environmental law cases across California courts.
Jeanne M. Zolezzi
Partner
Environmental law specialist with significant courtroom experience. Represents clients in regulatory compliance and natural resource management cases throughout California.
Dana A. Suntag
Partner
Experienced arbitrator and litigator handling business disputes and real estate matters. Provides alternative dispute resolution services certified by the Third District Court of Appeal.
Joshua J. Stevens
Partner
Business law attorney focusing on corporate transactions and agricultural operations. Advises clients on commercial contracts and entity formation in Central Valley industries.
Steven D. Crabtree
Of Counsel
Senior legal advisor with expertise in public agency representation. Provides strategic counsel on land use and water rights issues to municipal clients.
Questions
What areas of law does HerumCrabtreeSuntag, LLP specialize in?
We specialize in land use planning, water rights, environmental compliance, business formation, estate planning, and complex litigation matters.
Do you represent both businesses and individuals?
Yes, we represent public agencies, agricultural operations, Fortune 500 companies, and individual clients across California.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Stockton, we serve clients throughout the Central Valley, Northern California, and handle appellate cases statewide.
How does the firm handle complex litigation cases?
Our attorneys have extensive experience in state and federal courts, often assembling multidisciplinary teams for large-scale multi-party litigation.
What sets your estate planning services apart?
Our tax-certified attorneys create customized plans combining wealth transfer strategies with business succession planning for family-owned enterprises.
