About Steven
Steven J. Chidester: Experienced Estate Planning and Nonprofit Legal Counsel in La Jolla
Steven J. Chidester is a highly respected legal professional dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for individuals, families, and organizations navigating complex legal matters related to estate planning, trust administration, charitable giving, and nonprofit governance. With a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the intricacies of these areas, Mr. Chidester consistently delivers strategic counsel and effective representation to his clients.
At Withers Bergman LLP, Mr. Chidester focuses his practice on providing sophisticated legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. He distinguishes himself through a combination of meticulous legal expertise, technological innovation – employing computer modeling to analyze the economic implications of various estate planning strategies – and a genuine commitment to client success. His experience extends beyond traditional estate planning, encompassing executive compensation matters for tax-exempt organizations, offering crucial guidance in navigating complex compensation and intermediate sanction regulations.
Mr. Chidester's expertise is particularly valuable for organizations seeking to maximize their philanthropic impact and ensure long-term sustainability. He has represented numerous exempt organizations in a wide range of matters, including complex IRS audits, civil litigation, and probate court disputes. His courtroom experience, coupled with his understanding of state Attorneys General regulations, provides a robust defense for these organizations, safeguarding their assets and mission. He proactively advises clients on compliance matters and develops strategies to mitigate potential risks.
Mr. Chidester’s deep knowledge of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law complements his estate planning and nonprofit work, enabling him to provide a holistic approach to his clients’ legal needs. He assists families in preserving wealth, minimizing tax liabilities, and ensuring a smooth transfer of assets to future generations, while also providing strategic guidance for closely held businesses navigating corporate governance, succession planning, and shareholder disputes.
Key areas of expertise include:
- Estate Planning: Mr. Chidester designs comprehensive estate plans that reflect his clients' wishes and minimize estate taxes, ensuring their assets are distributed according to their intentions. This includes wills, trusts, sophisticated gifting strategies, and advance healthcare directives.
- Trust and Estate Administration: He expertly guides families through the complexities of probate and trust administration, ensuring assets are properly valued, distributed, and accounted for in accordance with legal requirements.
- Charitable Giving: Mr. Chidester advises individuals and organizations on philanthropic strategies, including establishing private foundations, making charitable donations, and fulfilling charitable remainder trusts.
- Nonprofit/Charities Law: He provides legal counsel to tax-exempt organizations on governance, compliance, operational issues, and represents them in disputes with the IRS and state regulators.
- Executive Compensation: Mr. Chidester specializes in the legal aspects of executive compensation for tax-exempt organizations, including compliance with IRS regulations regarding intermediate sanctions.
Credentials and Recognition: Mr. Chidester’s dedication to excellence has been repeatedly recognized throughout his career. He has been honored with the Lawyer of the Year: Nonprofit / Charities Law award in San Diego (2025 and 2023), and consistently recognized as a Recognized Attorney in Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates by Best Attorney USA since 2011. His expertise in nonprofit law has also earned him the Lawyer of the Year: Nonprofit / Charities Law award in San Diego (2023).
Education and Qualifications: Mr. Chidester is a highly qualified legal professional with a strong commitment to professional development. He maintains an active and successful legal practice, consistently seeking to expand his knowledge and skills.
- Bar Admissions: Admitted to the bar in California.
- Awards: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2011.
- City: La Jolla, State: California, Country: United States.
Contact Information: To schedule a consultation and discuss your legal needs, please contact Withers Bergman LLP. Mr. Chidester is dedicated to providing personalized attention and strategic guidance to help you achieve your goals.
