Stop Predators Now is the survivor-abuse practice of Costello & Costello in Chula Vista, California, working with of-counsel attorney Guinness Costello of a Los Angeles plaintiffs’ firm that represents survivors of childhood sexual abuse and institutional abuse across California. Every case is handled by a California-licensed attorney.
Stephen J. Costello
Attorney at Law
Steve Costello has practiced law for more than four decades. He earned his law degree magna cum laude from Northern Illinois University in 1984 and was admitted to the Illinois bar and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois that year. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2021 and practices from Chula Vista, in San Diego County.
Before law school, Steve earned a degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and became a certified public accountant. That background shapes how he handles institutional cases: he reads the documents, follows the money, and holds organizations to account for what their own records show they knew.
Steve is responsible for the content of this website. He can be reached at steve@costellolaw.com or 877-428-4544.
Education: J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law, 1984 (magna cum laude); B.A., University of Northern Iowa, 1981.
Admissions: California (2021); Illinois (1984); U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois.
Guinness J. Costello
Of Counsel
Guinness Costello is a Los Angeles attorney with years of experience focused on childhood sexual abuse and institutional abuse cases. He represents survivors only, throughout California.
Much of his work is in coordinated litigation against large institutions, where he has served in several court-appointed leadership roles on behalf of plaintiffs. He works with Steve on cases against counties, school districts, and other institutions that call for that experience.
Education: J.D., University of San Diego School of Law; B.A., Northern Illinois University.
Admissions: California; U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Central, Eastern, and Northern Districts of California; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
How we work. Every case is handled by a California-licensed attorney. Some matters, particularly those against counties and large institutions, are handled jointly by both attorneys under a written agreement you approve in advance. The fee does not increase because two attorneys are involved.