Stebner Gertler & Guadagni: Champions of Elder Justice and Legal Reformation

Celebrating Legal Excellence: Acknowledgment by the CAOC

In a notable recognition of legal prowess and dedication, Stebner Gertler & Guadagni has announced the selection of six of its distinguished attorneys as finalists for the 2026 Consumer Attorney of the Year award. This accolade, bestowed by the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), celebrates those who have made significant contributions to advancing the rights and safety of California consumers through impactful legal outcomes.

The firm earned this prestigious acknowledgment due to its successful litigation against MBK Senior Living LLC. The case, Tennier, et al. v. MBK Senior Living LLC, held a Petaluma facility accountable for severe elder neglect and the subsequent death of a resident. The announcement of the finalists was made by Doug Saeltzer, president of CAOC, on August 18. The winners, determined by a secret ballot of the CAOC board, will be unveiled at the Annual Installation and Awards Dinner during the organization's 65th Annual Convention on November 14 in San Francisco.

The attorneys recognized for their exemplary work in this case are Karman M. Guadagni, Kelsey S. Craven, Kirsten M. Fish, Kathryn A. Stebner, Deena K. Zacharin, and Valerie T. McGinty. Their collective efforts underscore the firm's commitment to justice and advocacy for the vulnerable.

The Case that Sparked Change: Tennier, et al. v. MBK Senior Living LLC

The case centered around Theresa Donahue, an 85-year-old resident of MuirWoods Memory Care in Petaluma. Despite being aware of her susceptibility to falls and her need for assistance due to dementia and other medical conditions, the facility's staff failed to meet her needs consistently. Tragically, she suffered multiple falls and endured weeks of untreated scabies, culminating in a fall in 2021 that led to a hip fracture, her subsequent decline, and eventual death.

Stebner Gertler & Guadagni built a compelling case highlighting the facility's deliberate understaffing to protect profits. Even when the defense attempted to obscure the truth by destroying staffing records, the attorneys skillfully proved the understaffing through witness testimonies and admissions from the staff. Though the first trial ended in a hung jury, the relentless pursuit of justice by the team led to a victorious retrial.

This case not only brought justice to Donahue's family but also instigated significant legal reforms for elder protection in California. Among these was the denial and subsequent upholding on appeal of the defense's motion to compel arbitration, establishing favorable legal precedent for elders contesting long-term-care arbitration agreements. Furthermore, the evidence of spoliation was instrumental in the passage of Assembly Bill 251 (Kalra), which revised the California Elder Abuse Act to better safeguard elders and hold negligent parties accountable.

A Legacy of Advocacy: Stebner Gertler & Guadagni's Commitment to Elders

Established in 1991, Stebner Gertler & Guadagni has carved its niche as a formidable force in elder abuse litigation. With over 35 years of combined experience, the San Francisco-based firm is dedicated to holding nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals accountable for their actions. Their attorneys advocate fiercely for elders and their families, addressing cases of neglect, physical and financial abuse, and wrongful death, as well as pursuing class actions and multi-party litigation against unethical business practices targeting seniors.

The recognition of these six attorneys as CAOC finalists underscores the firm's steadfast commitment to the dignity and independence of elders throughout their lives. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, Stebner Gertler & Guadagni remains at the forefront, championing the rights of the elderly and driving meaningful change in elder protection laws.