J.D. Stewart, Esq.
J.D. Stewart is a solo practitioner based in San Diego, California. The focus of his practice is providing competent and ethical tax planning strategies to individuals and small business owners.
Mr. Stewart also has nearly ten years’ experience in business and civil litigation, business formations, acquisitions and mergers, employment law, and contract drafting. In addition, Mr. Stewart is well-versed in matters of international law, international tax planning, and international commercial arbitration, making him an excellent choice as legal counsel for business owners with interests that extend beyond United States borders.
Born in Long Beach, California, and a long-time member of the Ocean Beach community of San Diego, Mr. Stewart has strong ties to our Southern California communities. After completing his service as a Korean Linguist in the United States Marine Corps in 2007, Mr. Stewart attended San Diego State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a focus in creative writing, awarded in December 2014. The following year, Mr. Stewart began his legal education at University of San Diego-School of Law. In three years’ time he earned two law degrees—he was awarded a Juris Doctor with a concentration in International Law in December 2017, and a Master of Laws in Taxation in May 2018. While in attendance at University of San Diego, Mr. Stewart was also editor in chief of the law school’s newspaper “Motions”, and a member of the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (VICAM team) where he was selected to compete in Hong Kong.
As a business and tax attorney, Mr. Stewart prides himself in assisting business owners form and sustain businesses that maximize revenue and minimize tax obligations while ensuring legal compliance with all regulatory and employment laws. For his individual clients, Mr. Stewart provides detailed estate planning that protects their hard-earned wealth from unnecessary taxation.
As a veteran of the Marine Corps and a life-long advocate for equality and justice, Mr. Stewart also prides himself in being available to veterans and other at-risk members of our community for pro bono and low-cost legal services. In 2017, the Tom Homann LGBT Law Association awarded Mr. Stewart a grant for his supportive work within the LGBT community. In addition, Mr. Stewart has volunteered in low income legal clinics with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, has worked in low income tax clinics assisting people in trouble with the IRS, and avails his services to local non-profit organizations in need. In total, Mr. Stewart dedicates thirty percent of his practice to pro bono efforts, believing that justice is meant to be afforded to all, not only those who can afford it. (If you are in need of pro bono services, please submit a request through the pro bono page).
Mr. Stewart splits his time between his San Diego office, his Tennessee residence, and his South American home. When he hangs up his cap and shakes off the “Mr.”, J.D. is an avid outdoorsman. Whether surfing, sailing, or fishing, his feet are rarely dry.
Education
Defense Language Institute
Korean Language Associate’s Degree Program (2006)
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts in English (2014)
University of San Diego School of Law
Juris Doctor w/Concentration in International Law (2017)
Master of Laws in Taxation (2018)
Legal Associations
California State Bar
San Diego County Bar Association
Tom Homann LGBT Law Association
Association for International Arbitration
International Bar Association
Languages
English, Spanish, Korean