Steven A. Mindel, CFLS*
With over 30 years of experience in family law, Steven A. Mindel is the Managing and Founding Partner of FMBK and a Certified Family Law Specialist*, dividing his time between leading one of Southern California’s premier family law firms and representing clients in complex matters. Since founding FMBK in 1990 as a small Los Angeles-based family law firm, Steve has grown the firm into one of the largest and most respected in the region. Today, FMBK boasts over 20 attorneys and offices in West Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Calabasas.
Steve’s practice centers on consensual dispute resolution, including mediation, contractual family law, and the negotiation of complex premarital and postmarital agreements, cohabitation agreements, and domestic partnership agreements. Known for his personalized, “hand-in-glove” approach, he brings deep insight and efficiency to every client interaction. He also created FMBK’s summer program to give rising 3Ls hands-on experience in family law, and remains committed to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
Steve is also a hobby chef who has published two cookbooks, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and kickboxing instructor, and a devoted NASCAR fan, especially loyal to Team Hendrick.
Steve earned his J.D. from USC Gould School of Law and graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA. He remains actively involved with both alumni communities.
- J.D., USC Gould School of Law, 1985
- B.A., UCLA, Magna Cum Laude, 1981
- Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
Credentials & Community Impact
Recognized, connected, and committed—our awards, affiliations, and service work reflect dedication to both the law and the community.
Associations & Memberships
Honors, Awards & Accomplishments
- Super Lawyers – Named every year since 2004
- Top 100 Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine – 2007–2025
- Top 10 Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine – 2020–2025
- AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell
- Recognized in Best Lawyers in America – 2010–2022
- Featured on cover of Super Lawyers insert, Los Angeles Magazine (2009)
- Profiled in Super Lawyers Magazine – “The Man Who Would De-Fang Divorce”
- Recipient, Ethel Levitt Humanitarian Award (Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center, 2017)
- Two-time honoree for volunteer service, Los Angeles Free Clinic
- Lifetime Eagle Scout
- Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Community Involvement
- Founder, FMBK Summer Program for Rising 3Ls
- Past President, University Synagogue Board of Trustees
- Board Member, 24 Karat Club
- Lifetime Member, UCLA and USC Alumni Associations
- Former Board Member, Pacific Coast Soccer Club (PCSC)
- Former Legal Advisory Board Member, Los Angeles Free Clinic
Published Work & Presentations
- Contributor, Huffington Post “Divorce” Column
- Author, Cooking For Our Friends – A cookbook for large gatherings
- Speaker at MCLE events, bar associations, and professional legal organizations
- Topics include Premarital Agreements, Child Custody, Legal Marketing, Law Firm Management, and more
- Selected CLE Presentations:
- “The Ethics of Attracting and Converting Prospects into Clients”
- Don’t Push Print Into the Margins – Super Lawyers Webcast and Live Program
- Our Side of the Street – ACFLS & Levitt & Quinn MCLE Program
- Cross-Over Challenges: Family Law & Probate – LACBA Aviva K. Bobb Advanced PVP Symposium
- First Client Interview – CEB’s inaugural Basics Conference
- Premarital Agreements & How to Keep Your Law Firm From Becoming a Not For Profit Organization – White, Zuckerman, et al.
- The Intersection of Post Marital Agreements and Estate Planning – Legal Education Institute
- Marketing 101 for Attorneys – BHBA Barristers
- Preparing for Child Custody Evaluations – Divorce Magazine
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Media Features
Steven A. Mindel, CFLS*
With over 30 years of experience in family law, Steven A. Mindel is the Managing and Founding Partner of FMBK and a Certified Family Law Specialist*, dividing his time between leading one of Southern California’s premier family law firms and representing clients in complex matters. Since founding FMBK in 1990 as a small Los Angeles-based family law firm, Steve has grown the firm into one of the largest and most respected in the region. Today, FMBK boasts over 20 attorneys and offices in West Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Calabasas.
Steve’s practice centers on consensual dispute resolution, including mediation, contractual family law, and the negotiation of complex premarital and postmarital agreements, cohabitation agreements, and domestic partnership agreements. Known for his personalized, “hand-in-glove” approach, he brings deep insight and efficiency to every client interaction. He also created FMBK’s summer program to give rising 3Ls hands-on experience in family law, and remains committed to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
Steve is also a hobby chef who has published two cookbooks, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and kickboxing instructor, and a devoted NASCAR fan, especially loyal to Team Hendrick.
Steve earned his J.D. from USC Gould School of Law and graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA. He remains actively involved with both alumni communities.
- J.D., USC Gould School of Law, 1985
- B.A., UCLA, Magna Cum Laude, 1981
- Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
Associations & Memberships
Honors, Awards & Accomplishments
- Super Lawyers – Named every year since 2004
- Top 100 Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine – 2007–2025
- Top 10 Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine – 2020–2025
- AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell
- Recognized in Best Lawyers in America – 2010–2022
- Featured on cover of Super Lawyers insert, Los Angeles Magazine (2009)
- Profiled in Super Lawyers Magazine – “The Man Who Would De-Fang Divorce”
- Recipient, Ethel Levitt Humanitarian Award (Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center, 2017)
- Two-time honoree for volunteer service, Los Angeles Free Clinic
- Lifetime Eagle Scout
- Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Community Involvement
- Founder, FMBK Summer Program for Rising 3Ls
- Past President, University Synagogue Board of Trustees
- Board Member, 24 Karat Club
- Lifetime Member, UCLA and USC Alumni Associations
- Former Board Member, Pacific Coast Soccer Club (PCSC)
- Former Legal Advisory Board Member, Los Angeles Free Clinic
Published Work
- Contributor, Huffington Post “Divorce” Column
- Author, Cooking For Our Friends – A cookbook for large gatherings
- Speaker at MCLE events, bar associations, and professional legal organizations
- Topics include Premarital Agreements, Child Custody, Legal Marketing, Law Firm Management, and more
- Selected CLE Presentations:
- “The Ethics of Attracting and Converting Prospects into Clients”
- Don’t Push Print Into the Margins – Super Lawyers Webcast and Live Program
- Our Side of the Street – ACFLS & Levitt & Quinn MCLE Program
- Cross-Over Challenges: Family Law & Probate – LACBA Aviva K. Bobb Advanced PVP Symposium
- First Client Interview – CEB’s inaugural Basics Conference
- Premarital Agreements & How to Keep Your Law Firm From Becoming a Not For Profit Organization – White, Zuckerman, et al.
- The Intersection of Post Marital Agreements and Estate Planning – Legal Education Institute
- Marketing 101 for Attorneys – BHBA Barristers
- Preparing for Child Custody Evaluations – Divorce Magazine