Stephen E. Penner graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. After graduation, he served in the Vietnam War as a Gunnery Officer on the USS Turner Joy from 1971-1973. Upon his return stateside, Stephen completed his remaining two years of Naval Service in San Diego as First Division Officer on the USS Prairie, as Shore Patrol Officer for Long Beach Naval Station, and instructed Naval Gunfire Support to the Marines in Little Creek, Virginia. Upon completion of his Naval Duty in 1975, Stephen E. Penner attended California Western School of Law. After 2 vigorous years, Steve graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from Cal Western in 1977. He passed the Bar that same year and moved to Santa Barbara to open up his first law office and has been in private practice ever since.

From 1977-1990, Stephen built up his practice and expanded his client base by primarily working on Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Personal Injury cases.  With the help of a dedicated staff, Stephen expanded his practice to include Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Litigation, Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation, Real Estate, and Product Liability claims.

Penner & Purves have represented over 8,000 clients in the Tri-Counties and offer a multitude of legal expertise. For nearly 35 years the firm has been dedicated to serving the community by offering personal representation with a commitment to professional integrity. Penner & Purves offers representation that is result-oriented, and reasonably priced.