Community Service
Firm-Sponsored and Firm-Organized Projects
At Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C., service to our community is an essential part of who we are. In addition to our attorneys’ leadership and service, our firm regularly organizes hands-on community service projects that bring together legal professionals, their families, and local partners to make a meaningful and lasting impact. From environmental stewardship to supporting local nonprofit organizations, these projects reflect our commitment to strengthening the Central Coast through collective effort. Below are examples of the service initiatives our firm proudly sponsors, organizes, and participates in.
Morro Rock Cleanup
Date: September 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Morro Bay Beach (meet at Morro Rock)
We gathered at Morro Rock to remove litter and help protect the California Central Coast shoreline.
- Partners: San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association
- Sponsored by: Stein-Conaway Law Firm, PC
- Team Members: Kara Stein-Conaway, Carrie Winters, Sarah Matthews, Daniella Perez
Jack’s Helping Hand
Date: April 6, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: 1811 Illinois Way, Nipomo, CA 93444
We partnered with Jack’s Helping Hand to support children with disabilities and serious illnesses. Volunteers helped landscape and beautify the area where the organization’s horses are housed. These horses provide therapeutic riding services that bring comfort, healing, and strength to children facing serious health challenges. Learn more at https://www.jackshelpinghand.org/
- Partners: Jack’s Helping Hand, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association and San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association.
- Sponsored by: Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. organized this event with Jack’s Helping Hand and coordinated with volunteers from both the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association and the San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association.
- Law Firm Team Members: Kara Stein-Conaway, Carrie Winters, Sarah Matthews.
Avila Beach Cleanup
Date: September 8, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Avila Beach
We gathered at Avila Beach to remove litter and help protect the California Central Coast shoreline.
- Partners: San Luis Obispo County Bar Association and San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association.
- Sponsored by: Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. sponsored the event by organizing the event and providing bags, gloves, snacks, and drinks for the participants.
- Law Firm Team Members: Kara Stein-Conaway and Sarah Matthews.
Jack’s Helping Hand
Date: March 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 1811 Illinois Way, Nipomo, CA 93444
We partnered with Jack’s Helping Hand to support children with disabilities and serious illnesses. Volunteers helped landscape and beautify the area where the organization’s horses are housed. These horses provide therapeutic riding services that bring comfort, healing, and strength to children facing serious health challenges. Learn more.
- Partners: Jack’s Helping Hand, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, and San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association.
- Sponsored by: Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C. organized this event with Jack’s Helping Hand and coordinated with volunteers from both the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association and the San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association.
- Law Firm Team Members: Kara Stein-Conaway and Sarah Matthews.
Our Attorneys’ Leadership & Service to Our Community
At Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys are deeply committed to strengthening and serving the Central Coast community, both inside and outside the courtroom. Through leadership in professional organizations, public education, mentorship, and community service, our attorneys work to support future generations of legal professionals and contribute meaningfully to the community we are proud to call home. The following highlights reflect the dedication and impact of each of our attorneys in their community leadership and service.
Kara Stein-Conaway
Community Leadership & Service
Leadership in Legal Organizations
Since completing her role as President of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Kara has focused her leadership efforts on providing consistent and meaningful community service opportunities for members of the legal profession and their families.
- President, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association (2022)
- President, Women Lawyers Association of SLO County (2019)
- Board Member, SLO County Bar Association (2021–Present)
- Board Member, Women Lawyers Association of SLO County (2016–Present)
Recognition for Contributions to the Legal Community
Kara’s dedication has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards.
- President’s Award, SLO County Bar Association (2022)
- Pentangelo Award, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association (2020) – Recognized for outstanding contributions to the SLO County Bar Bulletin, blending professional insight with personal reflection.
- President’s Award, Women Lawyers Association of SLO County (2019)
- Rising Star Award, Women Lawyers Association of SLO County (2017)
Legal Education & Public Engagement
Kara is committed to educating the public on legal issues.
Speaker at panels and MCLE events including:
- SLO College of Law Women in the Law Panel (2017)
- SLO WLA Annual Ethics Update Panel (2016)
- Cal Poly Law School Panel (2016)
- Co-presenter with Jeff Stein: “What Family Law Lawyers Should Know About Criminal Law” and “What College Students Should Know About Criminal Law” (2014)
- Member of the Board of Governors, CACJ (1989–2007)
- President, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association (2003–2004)
- Chairman, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section (1982–1984)
Legal Education & Public Engagement
Jeff is committed to educating the public on legal issues.
Speaker at panels and MCLE events including:
- Panel Discussion – Criminal Law and the Court System
- SLO County Bar Association, Panel Presentation – Justice System Principles
- SLO County Bar Association CLE: “Judicial Independence: Why It Matters” (July 17, 2025 – Hybrid at Madonna Inn and via Zoom)
Recognition for Contributions to the Legal Community
- President’s Award, SLO County Bar Association (2003)
- Seitz Award for Community Service – Recognized by the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association for outstanding service to the legal community.
- Pentangelo Award – Honored for significant contributions to the SLO County Bar Association Bulletin, showcasing thought leadership and engagement.
Community Contributions
- SLO College of Law – Community Advisory Board (2020–2025)
- Served as a member of the advisory board, contributing and supporting the law school’s mission to provide accessible legal education.
- Pro Bono Representation – Jeff provides selective pro bono representation for indigent individuals seeking relief from sex offender registration requirements, helping ensure fair access to justice for those in need.
- Consulting attorney for San Luis Obispo Democratic Party community political organizing
- Trusted Legal Advisor – Jeff is frequently sought out for her legal insight and guidance, offering thoughtful advice to colleagues, community members, and legal organizations. His ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable counsel reflects his commitment to service and mentorship within the legal community.
Jeff R. Stein
Leadership in Legal Organizations
Jeff has served in key leadership roles within statewide and local legal organizations. Through his leadership in California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Jeff has worked extensively on California legislative initiatives to improve the criminal justice system at the policy level.
- President, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) (2011-2012)
- Chairman, CACJ Legislative Committee (1994, 2005–2007)
Carrie Winters
Attorney Coach for High School Mock Trial Programs
Carrie has dedicated years to mentoring students through local Mock Trial programs, helping them develop advocacy skills and a deeper understanding of the legal system.
- Atascadero High School (2023 – Present)
- San Luis Obispo High School (2017 – 2022)
Legal Education Advocate
Carrie teaches Remedies, sharing her legal knowledge and mentoring future attorneys.
- Remedies Professor at San Luis Obispo College of Law (2019 – Present)
Community Leadership
Carrie supports local motorcycle enthusiasts and safety initiatives through her role as Treasurer.
- Treasurer, Central Coast Motorcycle Association (2022 – Present)
Raymond Allen
- Director, Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund (2007 – 2018)
Supporting educational opportunities for local students through scholarship funding. - Editor, SLO County Bar Bulletin (2018 – 2020)
Shaped the voice of the local legal community by curating insightful articles, highlighting member achievements, and fostering meaningful professional dialogue. His editorial leadership helped elevate the Bulletin into a platform for connection, recognition, and reflection within the SLO legal world. - Director, SLO County Bar Association Charities (2011 – 2017)
Helping guide charitable initiatives that benefit the local legal and broader community.
California Polytechnic State University Engagement
Raymond supported Cal Poly students through teaching and coaching, helping them develop advocacy and critical thinking skills.
- Guest Lecturer, Political Science Department (2015 – 2016)
- Attorney Coach & Competition Judge, Mock Trial Team (2010 – 2012)
Volunteer Legal Service
Raymond provided pro bono legal support to vulnerable populations in the community.
- San Luis Obispo County Women’s Shelter Program
- In Pro Per Family Law Clinic (2007 – 2011)
Mentorship at Alton & Allen, Inc.
Over the years, Raymond has mentored 23 interns through the Alton & Allen, Inc. internship program, providing hands-on training in professional responsibility, courtroom practice, and the inner workings of the legal system. His guidance has helped shape the next generation of attorneys with both skill and integrity.