Contact Information

555 Capitol Mall 9th Floor

Sacramento CA 95814

916.325.4549: T

916.444.8989: F

sgoff@mhalaw.com

Practice Focus

Health Care Litigation

Counseling

Stephen L. Goff | Shareholder

Professional Experience

What I Do: Health Care Litigation and Counseling

Meeting the needs of my clients has always been my primary focus.

Avert Litigation if Possible

My first goal in litigation is to explore possibilities for early resolution.  At the outset, I try to determine the factors a client will weigh the day before the trial begins.  Cases settle before, during and after trial or arbitration.  My approach is to help a client look forward in time and make the best decision before spending the money, time and energy required for litigation.

Tailor the Process

My second goal is to attempt to tailor the dispute resolution process to the dispute.  Some disputes should be arbitrated in one day.  Others should be tried to a jury for a month.  Some require extensive document review and depositions.  Others require a single “fact” witness and/or one expert witness.  I evaluate what each case will require and determine what procedural mechanisms will be appropriate, effective and efficient.

Work with Opposing Counsel

I try to work with opposing counsel to define the process.  My experience and understanding of the dynamics of dispute resolution help me work with opposing counsel to tailor the process to the dispute.  My aim is to ensure that my clients have a fair “day in court” within a reasonable timeframe and at a financial cost appropriate to the complexity of the dispute.

Stay Focused, Communicate

Sometimes a pitched battle is the only alternative.  At these times, my approach is to develop an overarching strategy and then stay focused on the day-to-day execution of the strategy.  I ensure that our team performs tasks timely, expediently and thoroughly.  We communicate clearly, succinctly and (usually) in writing.  We know and follow the rules.  Most of the truly vitriolic conduct in litigation starts when one side or the other loses focus, runs out of time, or doesn’t communicate.  Then rules get broken or twisted, motions are filed and money and time are wasted.

Listen, Set Priorities, Explore Alternatives

In negotiation and business counseling, I discover and set priorities by carefully listening to my client.  By explaining substantive legal principles and exploring alternatives, I have helped clients "cut to the chase" in negotiations and avoid posturing and delays.

Representative Matters

Collected more than $100 million in judgments, awards, and settlements for clients as lead trial/arbitration counsel.

Defended health care providers and health plans in high profile/high stakes litigation and arbitration.

Counsel to health care entities regarding managed care contracting, policies and procedures for legal risk avoidance and business office practices.

Leadership Positions/Affiliations

Member, State Bar of California

Member, Sacramento County Bar Association

Member, American Bar Association – Health Law Subgroup

Member, American Health Lawyers Association

Member, Federal Bar Association

Member, California Society of Healthcare Attorneys

Former Member, American Inns of Court

Former Lawyer Delegate to the Ninth Circuit Conference for the Eastern District of California (1999-2002)

Former Litigation Section Manager, McDonough Holland & Allen PC (1996-1999)

Honors/Awards

Recognized on The Best Lawyers in America® 2007, 2008 & 2009 list, Commercial Litigation and Health Care Law

BTI Client Service All-Star, 2006

Recognized as a 2004 Northern California Super Lawyer®