DAN GREENE
A native of San Diego, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where I delved into a wide array of subjects such as economics, engineering, history, philosophy, French, and Theatre. I graduated with a double minor in French and Theatre.
Following my college years and enduring four harsh winters, I returned to San Diego and embarked on a career with a test-prep and tutoring company under the ownership of a Washington Post subsidiary. This company specialized in Education, Academics, and Test Preparation. Through dedication and hard work, I advanced to the position of Director of Business and Marketing for the Southern California offices, which involved traveling to different states to deliver public speaking engagements to large audiences. In 2000, I decided to leave that role to pursue a law degree from California Western School of Law.
As a law clerk and student intern, I gained valuable experience working for the Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, and for the Federal Defenders of San Diego. During this period, I received high honors for my thesis on a critical issue related to the rights granted to citizens by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to present and argue this issue before the Fourth District Court of Appeal.
Upon completing my studies at California Western, where I was honored with Academic Achievement awards for achieving the highest grades in Advanced Criminal Litigation, Trial Practice, and the Internship Program, and where I was selected to deliver the keynote student graduation speech, I went on to serve as a certified graduate law clerk at the San Diego County Public Defender's Office. In this role, I actively sought to garner as much practical experience as possible, handling numerous cases under the supervision of attorneys and with the consent of clients. This internship furnished me with invaluable hands-on experience that has greatly benefitted me throughout my two decades of private practice.
In 2004, I joined as an associate attorney at one of the largest criminal defense law firms in Southern California at that time. Interestingly, it was my first time setting foot inside 3555 Fourth Avenue. By 2008, I had risen to the position of managing attorney at the firm's downtown office. Thereafter, I made the decision to move to a renowned boutique criminal defense firm where I held the role of senior associate for fifteen years. In that time, the firm became known for its distinguished reputation and impressive track record of success in the field of criminal defense.
That leads me to April 2024, marking the beginning of my new journey as a criminal defense attorney. I am thrilled to announce that I have taken on the role of managing partner at Sevens Legal, APC, where I am reuniting with two exceptional criminal defense attorneys who hold a special place in my heart. Both Kerry Steigerwalt and Samantha Greene are esteemed figures in the San Diego and Southern California legal communities. Kerry is a brilliant trial lawyer and a remarkable mentor for young attorneys. His sharp business acumen is matched only by his unwavering dedication to defending the rights of the accused. Watching Kerry in action is truly awe-inspiring. As for Samantha, she is one of the most outstanding and committed criminal defense lawyers I have ever known. Her relentless pursuit of fairness and justice for her clients within our complex legal system is unparalleled. Oh, Samantha and I are also married.
We first crossed paths at work in 2004, tied the knot in 2008, and now find ourselves completing a full circle of sorts. While she remains my "boss" socially, she has now become one of my two exceptional business partners. Each of us brings unique strengths to the table, enriching the firm and enhancing our practice of criminal defense law. I am thrilled to be part of the Sevens Legal team and to contribute my specific skill set to a firm that has undeniably left its mark over the past decade, supporting those in need during challenging times and under difficult circumstances. The current team we have assembled is truly remarkable, and I am confident that it will only grow stronger and more formidable. Our firm stands as a prominent force in the realm of Southern California criminal defense practices, particularly in the vibrant legal landscape of San Diego.
As for myself, I am deeply passionate about advocating for individuals on what may be one of their most challenging days. When no one else is willing to stand by their side and offer support, I am there. Regardless of the accusations or actions involved, our legal system mandates that everyone deserves a robust defense, and I embrace that solemn duty wholeheartedly. I take pride in my track record of securing not-guilty verdicts, hung juries, and dismissals across every courthouse in San Diego, along with obtaining "not-true" findings in Juvenile Court and achieving success in various courts in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. I have even prevailed in preliminary hearings, motions to dismiss, and motions to suppress evidence, accomplishments that many in the legal field consider rare, if not nearly impossible – arguably more rare in our justice system than achieving outright acquittals.
In 2018, I achieved not-guilty verdicts in a first-degree murder trial and a multiple alleged victim child molest trial, where my clients were facing a combined potential sentence of over 210 years-to-life in prison if found guilty. These cases, among others, contributed to my recognition as the 2019 Trial Attorney of the Year by the San Diego County Criminal Defense Bar Association. More than any other honor or award received thus far, this recognition stands as the accomplishment of which I am most proud.
Finally, I am a proud member of the State Bar of California, holding licenses to practice in all state courts within California. I also hold privileges to practice before the federal courts for the Southern and Central Districts of California. Additionally, I have been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Outside of my legal practice, I find joy in coaching youth baseball, engaging in activities with my children, watching movies and shows centered around courtroom drama, and tirelessly striving to secure not-guilty verdicts for my clients. I am also an avid San Diego Padres fan, which can often times feel more challenging than any of my other life responsibilities.
