Bernadette M. Stafford joined Reid & Hellyer in an “Of Counsel” position in 2021. Her range of experience with an international law firm to “Of Counsel” positions for several firms to running her own firm allows her to think creatively and outside of the box across multiple areas of law. Ms. Stafford has been involved in or handled business litigation, insurance defense, construction litigation, trust litigation, corporate matters, including a multi-million-dollar stock purchase, appeals, estate planning, financial elder abuse, and employment defense, among other areas.
Ms. Stafford graduated from U.C. Davis in 2006 where she received the Witkin Award for Legal Writing, served as editor of the U.C. Davis Law Review and the Journal of Juvenile Law & Policy, and was honored to have her article on elder abuse published in the U.C. Davis Law Review.
After graduating from law school, Ms. Stafford was a member of the commercial litigation group for the international law firm of Crowell & Moring where she primarily defended large corporations against class action allegations, including early termination fees and wage and hour claims. She also participated in the antitrust group representing national opt-out plaintiff companies in antitrust recovery actions against antitrust cartels. In addition, she co-presented on green building construction topics at the Construction Superconference and for the Associated General Contractors conferences and co-authored an article about Proposition 65 for the nationally published magazine For the Defense.
Ms. Stafford then went on to work for various firms in an “Of Counsel” position where she had the opportunity to get her feet wet in a variety of practice areas. One day she prepared paperwork and filings to incorporate a new business, the next day she argued a motion in court for a trust litigation matter, and the next day she defended a client before the California Labor Board. Ms. Stafford enjoyed the challenges that these new experiences presented and was able to add other practice areas to her legal repertoire.
In 2019, with the depth of practice she had gained in her diverse roles, Ms. Stafford started her own firm, Stafford Law, to be a “one stop shop” for corporate issues, estate planning, legal counseling and litigation needs for her clients. She continues to service her own clients part-time in this capacity outside of devoting her time to Reid & Hellyer clients.
When Ms. Stafford is not honing her legal skills, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 energetic children, staying fit and healthy, practicing her Spanish, and savoring Mexican dishes and tequilas.
Education
2002: Bachelor of Arts, British & American Literature, Franciscan University of Steubenville, cum laude, member of Alpha Chi Honor Society
2006: Juris Doctorate, U.C. Davis School of Law
Admissions
California, 2007
U.S. District Court, Central, Northern and Southern District
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
