Bauer, Steven M.

Steven M. Bauer

Retired Partner

Steven Bauer retired from the partnership in December 2023. Steven was Of Counsel in the Washington, D.C. office of Latham & Watkins following his retirement from the partnership. Steven has earned a reputation for winning our clients’ most challenging and notable battles. He has tried 44 cases, covering the full range of civil and criminal issues confronting corporations and executives.

At the time of his retirement, Steven was a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. The legal press recognizes him as “a go-to litigator in the San Francisco area and a smart, savvy and creative attorney who is fearless in the courtroom.” Chambers USA reports that “clients appreciate him as a 'fiercely loyal advocate' whose tenacity wins results.” His peers describe him as “very tough, extremely effective, and an incredibly good team player,” “an esteemed gentleman,” a “phenomenal lawyer,” and “strong-willed” with "great judgment.” The Daily Journal calls him a “renowned trial attorney,” quoting another lawyer: “Steve Bauer is one of the best lawyers there is.”

Steven‘s awards include:

  • The American College of Trial Lawyers 
  • Litigation Star (Benchmark Litigation)
  • Attorney of the Year (The Recorder)
  • Defense Verdict of the Year (Daily Journal)
  • Top-Ranked by Chambers USA
  • Top 100 Lawyers in California (Daily Journal)
  • Top 75 Intellectual Property Lawyers in California (Daily Journal)
  • 500 Leading Lawyers in America (Lawdragon)
  • Litigator of the Week (AmLaw Litigation Daily)
  • Litigators in the Spotlight (The American Lawyer)
  • Leading White Collar Defense Attorneys (International Who’s Who of Business Crime Lawyers)
  • Best Lawyers in Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Best Lawyers in America)

Steven served for 10 years as the Global Co-Chair of Latham’s White Collar Defense and Government Investigations Practice Group.

Education

  • JD, Stanford Law School, 1986
    Associate Editor, Stanford Law Review, Hurlbut Trial Advocacy Award
  • BA, Duke University, 1983
    summa cum laude