Steven Hilst, Esq.

Senior Attorney

Steven Hilst is a highly experienced California personal injury trial attorney with more than three decades of practice devoted to helping injured individuals and families seek justice. Now representing clients through Hillstone Law, he focuses on serious injury and wrongful death cases involving motor vehicle accidents, bicycle and pedestrian collisions, premises liability, defective products, brain injuries, dog bites, mass torts, and complex class action litigation.

Mr. Hilst earned his bachelor’s degree in American Government and Politics from the University of Southern California in 1984 before obtaining his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1987. While in law school, he initially worked on matters representing business and corporate interests, but quickly discovered his true calling was advocating for people, not corporations. That shift shaped the course of his career and solidified his commitment to standing up for individuals during the most difficult times in their lives.

With over 30 years of courtroom and litigation experience, Mr. Hilst is known for his deep personal investment in every case he handles. He has achieved numerous seven and eight figure settlements and verdicts, particularly in cases involving auto defects and catastrophic injuries. His work has earned him national recognition, including honors from The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers Top 25 Products Liability and Brain Injury Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America for Mass Torts, a ā€œVery Goodā€ Avvo rating, and distinction as a Master with the American Inns of Court.

Clients value Mr. Hilst not only for his legal skill, but for his compassion. He treats every client like family, understanding that behind every case is a person whose life has been turned upside down. He is known for aggressively challenging insurance companies that attempt to minimize or deny valid claims, and for fighting tirelessly to secure the full compensation his clients deserve.

A respected member of the California legal community, Mr. Hilst is affiliated with organizations such as the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Distinguished Justice Advocates. He has also served on the board of directors of the William J. Rea American Board of Trial Advocates Inn of Court and is a former president of The Justice Carlos Moreno Trial Practice, reflecting both his leadership and dedication to excellence in trial advocacy.

Education
  • University of San Diego School of Law, Post-Doctorate Law Degree
  • University of Southern California, Bachelor’s Degree, 1984
Memberships
  • The Beach Cities Trojan Club, Board Member
  • The Carlos Moreno Trial Practice In of Court, First President
  • The William J. Rea/ABOTA Inn of Court, Board of Directors
  • American Inns of Court, Master
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Member
Bar Admissions
  • The State Bar of California
California State Bar Admission

What People Say About Us

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Infinito
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Hillstone Law helped me and my wife solve our car accident lawsuit. They always kept us informed and made sure we got the best compensation possible
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Nathalie ramirez
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They were very helpful through the entire process and we got our case resolved super fast
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Heather Lobua
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Nice smoothe experience. Definitely recommended
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Jackie ā€œAnahiā€ B
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hillstone law was referred to me by an acquaintance and im glad i went to them, the staff are very helpful! thank you
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Maria Bohl
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Very polite and professional …thank You
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Angel Quiroz
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My experience was good I had plenty of updates throughout my case and it was done quick. I was also able to reach out and get a response every time. I am very happy I went with Hillstone law
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Bernardino Aguirre
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They answer all my questions and also where nice to talk to.
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Miranda
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Amazing lawyers, 10/10 service!
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THE CALAMESE FAMILY
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Good people love your work think you
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Yvonne M.
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So I spoke with the Co-Founder of Hillstone over the weekend and alot he said made sense, finally I'm getting my much needed settlement, this experience was alot to understand and know, but also having a good person that will keep you updated and informed is also important. Thanks to Edwin E. I'm glad this will be over, and I will recommend this Law Firm to another if needed, now I have to add stars finally getting to the finish line.
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Kim S.
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I cant thank the team at Hillstone Law enough for all of their hard work and dedication to my case. Everyone was very attentive and in constant communication with me every step of the way from finding the right care team to arranging treatments and procedures. Without them I wouldn't have been able to attain the medical care needed to ensure a proper recovery from injuries.
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Jared N.
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10/10 experience. Got into an accident awhile back that wasn't our fault. Eduardo picked up the case and helped us get justice. From start to finish it was a breeze and he took care of everything. If you're looking for a place to server you and your needs. Look no further.
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Zochi F.
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Jacob was incredible from beginning to end. From the first point of contact, Jacob was professional, consistent along with the other case managers. I highly recommend the services Hillstone Law provided!
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Tiffany R.
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I was in accident and unfortunately I didn't have full coverage but they still managed to get me the best settlement that I wasn't expecting at all. They was responsive to every phone call, text message and email that I sent. They kepted me in the loop the whole way through. Very professional at its best. I just had a overall great experience with Hillstone.
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Sasha S.
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I was in an accident this time last year and at first I tried to do everything myself through my insurance because I thought I couldn't afford an attorney. After asking my friends I was referred to Hillstone Law and was told that I don't have to pay them up front and they only get money if we win, I decided it was in my best interest to hire an attorney. The best decision I ever made was not only hiring an attorney, but hiring Hillstone Law! I called them, signed up, and let me tell you, they seriously live up to all their great reviews! They immediately started working on my case and I didn't have to do anything- they even scheduled my doctor appointments for me! The entire process was so carefree and let me get my life back on track. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!
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Ped N.
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The team at Hillstone Law really knows what they are doing!! The firm is professional and diligent. I I recommend chatting with them regarding any and all legal matters. The entire team is knowledgeable and were attentive at all times during my case. Call them if you need anything regarding a personal injury claim, thanks again for your patience and persistence Hillstone Law!
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Liberty Wongche
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I highly recommend Hillstone Law for anyone needing legal help.
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Jianna Maelynn
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Hillstone Law exceeded my expectations in every way.
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Selina Mariella
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They handled everything while I focused on recovering.
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Bailee Sefali
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I felt confident knowing Hillstone Law was representing me.
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Arisbeth Natasa
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illstone Law’s team is skilled, caring, and relentless.
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Liberty Darcy
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Their commitment to my case was clear from day one.
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Harlee Kassidy
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Hillstone Law gave me hope and delivered amazing results.
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Kamiyah Jayleen
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They truly understand how to help accident victims.
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Julietta Airen
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I couldn’t have asked for better attorneys to handle my case.
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Etta Elouise
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Hillstone Law was there for me when I needed help the most.