Stephen J. Plog is the co-founder and managing partner of Plog & Stein P.C. He has practiced law since 1998 and focused solely on divorce and family law since 2001.
What drew Stephen to become a lawyer. During his undergraduate studies at New Mexico State University, Stephen enrolled in several government classes and ended up pursuing a supplemental pre-law minor. He continued his education in government studies and public administration before ultimately deciding the law was the career for him. He earned his Juris Doctor from Qunnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut, in 1997.
“I realized the most viable way to help people and potentially make changes to better society as a whole would be to serve as an attorney. Aside from academics, I had always been good at arguing. Moreover, as a movie fan, I enjoyed seeing courtroom drama on the big and small screens.”
What drew Stephen to the practice of divorce law. Stephen relocated to Denver after law school, and opened a law firm with his twin brother. In 1999, after meeting Laura Stein, the firm Plog & Stein P.C. was officially formed. It didn’t take him long to find his niche.
Within a few years of opening his firm, the majority of Stephen’s caseload was divorce and child custody. They decided for focus their practice exclusively on divorce and family law matters.
“While hanging my own shingle was a risk, it ultimately led me to family law. This was the area in which we could have the greatest positive impact on people’s lives and obtain tangible results for them.”
The philosophy Stephen brings to the practice of divorce law. For Stephen and his firm, they approach each case with the goal of delivering an outcome as close to their clients’ objectives as possible. Stephen believes this is best accomplished through a keen understanding of the law, thorough preparation and honest communication and advisement of the client.
“The practice of law is really about one thing, obtaining results for clients. I also believe that the practice of law needs to be direct and efficient. It’s about substance over style, not the other way around. I have always been very big on trying to cut out as much of the pomp and circumstance of practicing, believing efficiency is key to good representation. That said, the quality of an attorney’s work should never be diminished for the sake of frugality.”
The inspiration for Plog & Stein P.C. Even in law school, Stephen knew he wanted to chart his own course. He knew he would launch his own firm and be able to choose the type of work he did, the cases he handled and the clients he represented. Over his 23 years of practice, he has never worked for anyone other than himself.
“As the Frank Sinatra song goes, ‘I did it my way …’”
Some of Stephen’s professional accomplishments. He has argued a case before the Colorado Supreme Court and set a new legal precedent tied into common law marriage in Colorado. He has grown his firm over the course of his career and they have plans to open an office in Florida this year.
“Truthfully, I’m most proud of each and every instance in which we (myself and our attorneys) have gotten a favorable outcome for a client in a contentious case. Nothing feels better than getting a just result for a client and truly helping them as they move on with their lives.”
Stephen in the community. Stephen and the attorneys at Plog & Stein P.C. frequently volunteer at free legal clinics, offering advice to those who are unable to afford an attorney. “It’s nice to be able to give back some time and advice to those in need.”
Stephen also serves on the domestic relations best practices committee in one of the Denver area courts. Outside of the law, Stephen is an animal lover and donates to local rescue organizations as well as individuals in need of financial help for their pets.
Stephen outside of the office. He is devoted to his family. “Nothing matters more.” He also enjoys traveling with his family around the country and the world, believing seeing new places and cultures makes for a well-rounded perspective. He also enjoys golf and the study of languages.
“With each new country I visit, I immerse myself in a few weeks of studying and practicing the language.”
