Six Stebner Gertler & Guadagni Attorneys Named Finalists for 2026 Consumer Attorney of the Year Award

Six attorneys from the San Francisco-based elder abuse litigation firm Stebner Gertler & Guadagni have been named finalists for the 2026 Consumer Attorney of the Year award by Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC). The announcement, made by CAOC President Doug Saeltzer on August 18, highlights the firm's success in the case of Tennier, et al. v. MBK Senior Living LLC, which held a Petaluma memory care facility accountable for the neglect and death of an 85-year-old resident.

The finalist attorneys are Karman M. Guadagni, Kelsey S. Craven, Kirsten M. Fish, Kathryn A. Stebner, Deena K. Zacharin, and Valerie T. McGinty. The award honors a CAOC member who has significantly advanced the rights or safety of California consumers through a noteworthy case result. The winner will be chosen by a secret ballot of the CAOC board on September 10 and announced on November 14 at the Annual Installation and Awards Dinner during CAOC's 65th Annual Convention in San Francisco.

The case centered on Theresa Donahue, who resided at MuirWoods Memory Care in Petaluma. Staff were aware of her risk for falls due to dementia and other conditions, yet they repeatedly failed to provide necessary assistance. Over time, she suffered four falls and endured weeks of untreated scabies before a hip fracture from a fall in 2021 led to her decline and death. The trial team argued that the facility's purposeful understaffing was to protect profits, and despite the defense destroying staffing records, the attorneys proved their case through witness testimony and admissions. After an initial hung jury, the retrial resulted in a victory for the plaintiff.

The case has had far-reaching implications for elder protection in California. The defense's motion to compel arbitration was denied and upheld on appeal in a published decision, creating favorable precedent for elders challenging arbitration agreements in long-term care. Additionally, the evidence of spoliation contributed to the passage of Assembly Bill 251, which revised the California Elder Abuse Act to strengthen protections for elders and hold negligent facilities accountable.

Kathryn Stebner, a founding partner, emphasized the significance of the recognition, stating that it underscores the firm's commitment to advocating for vulnerable elders. The firm, established in 1991, has over 35 years of combined experience in litigating against nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other care providers. Their work has not only secured justice for individual families but also driven systemic changes that enhance the safety and rights of all California seniors.