Attorneys

  • Steven Mudd photo

    Steven M. Mudd

    Steven M. Mudd has been with the firm since 2011. Prior to joining Hempel & Mudd Law, he worked for Adult and Child Protective Services, and specialized in the investigation of elder financial abuse. He has worked closely with law enforcement and the D.A.’s Office to help prosecute perpetrators of financial crimes against the elderly.

    Mr. Mudd was also a Professor of Law at the Monterey College of Law, having taught both legal writing and guardianships. He spent his final years there as a Supervising Attorney at the Monterey College of Law’s Community Justice Center, Guardianship Clinic.

    Mr. Mudd now focuses exclusively on probate, estate planning, and elder law. His background provides a strong foundation for protecting clients in matters involving financial vulnerability and fiduciary responsibility, and he is committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective legal services.
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    Mr. Mudd is an active member of the California Bar Association, the California Bar Trusts and Estates Section, the Monterey County Bar Association (MCBA), the MCBA Trusts and Estates Section, and the National Adult Protective Services Association.

    Awards

    • West Publishing Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in law school. Graduated second in class.
    • Moot Court finalist.
    • Child Abuse Prevention Council “Front Line Award” for working to protect children from abuse.
    • Certificates of Special Recognition from U.S. Congress, CA. State Senate, and CA. State Assembly for service to the community.
    • Research Fellow at the Panetta Institute for Public Policy​

    Education

    • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), University of California, San Diego
    • Master of Science (M.S.), Northeastern University
    • Juris Doctorate (J.D.), Monterey College of Law
  • Helen Hempel photo

    Helen B. Hempel (retired)

    Prior to her retirement, Helen B. Hempel was certified as an Elder Law attorney by the California and ABA accredited National Elder Law Foundation. She was a member of the California Bar Association, the Monterey County Bar Association (MCBA), the MCBA Trusts and Estates Section, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

    Ms. Hempel was a member of the Alliance on Aging Board, Ombudsman Advisory Committee, Alzheimer’s Association Local Program Committee, and the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. She also served as a mentor with the Pay It Forward Program at the California State University, Monterey Bay.

    Ms. Hempel earned B.A. and M.A. degrees at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned a Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Juris Doctorate (J.D) degree from the University of Oregon.