Mattheus E. Stephens

Mattheus Stephens is a partner in the San Diego law firm Progressive Law Group (a general civil litigation firm) and a Lecturer at the University of California, San Diego, where he teaches four courses including “The Law & Sex.”

After graduating from Rutgers School of Law, Stephens’ legal career began at Gray Cary Ames & Frye (now DLA Piper) as a litigation associate. His community service includes being the two-time Chair of the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission; serving on the Board of Directors for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center as well as the ACLU. He has also served as a Pro Tem Judge in Small Claims Court since 1999. He was appointed by Mayor Jerry Sanders to the City Civil Service Commission in 2008 and now serves as President.

His awards include being named a Top Attorney in 2013 by San Diego Magazine, named Top Attorney by the San Diego Daily Transcript in 2008 and nominated for the award in 2011; receiving the San Diego County Bar Association Award for Outstanding Service to the Community; the Pro Bono Publico Distinguished Service Award from the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program; the San Diego Democratic Club Gloria Steinem Communication Award; California State Bar Access and Fairness Committee 2002 Diversity Award Nominee; Champion of San Diego Pride in 2000, and UCSD Chancellor’s Commendation for Dedication to Social Justice Issues.

Important litigation matters have included the groundbreaking Title IX case against Mesa Community College and the case against the City of San Diego concerning the public parkland leases with Boy Scouts of America.