Stephen Demik

Stephen Demik is Senior Counsel with Singleton Schreiber’s Personal Injury, Mass Torts, and Civil Rights practices. A committed trial attorney with extensive experience in criminal and civil litigation and a passion for social justice, Stephen brings extensive experience in both criminal and civil litigation to bear on life-changing injury, wrongful death, product liability, mass tort, and police misconduct cases. He has built his legal career around defending the voiceless and underrepresented – ensuring that those harmed by negligence and misconduct have their voices heard, and wrongdoers are held accountable.

Stephen’s legal journey began in 2002 after earning his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Early in his legal career, he represented defendants on death row at San Quentin, developing a profound understanding of the criminal justice system at its highest levels. That foundation informed his transition into civil litigation and shaped an eclectic career that included representing several Guantánamo detainees, Native American activists, and communities affected by environmental harm.

Before joining Singleton Schreiber, Stephen served as Managing Attorney of Litigation at a prominent Texas firm. Prior to that, he ran his own practice, where he first-chaired numerous federal felony jury trials and took on clients from every walk of life. His courtroom experience spans a remarkable range of venues – from the Eighth and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal to state, tribal, and arbitration forums. He has tried cases across the country, from California to Virginia, with deep roots in California and South Dakota. Stephen also served as a Special Tribal Judge for the Oglala Lakota and Rosebud Sioux tribes, an experience that reflects his longstanding commitment to underserved communities.

Stephen’s work has earned him significant recognition, including the E. Stanley Conant Award for his dedication to protecting the rights of the indigent accused. Since 2009, he has taught trial lawyers nationwide at the Trial Lawyers College, with a focus on trial technique and courtroom communication. He has authored articles for publications including The Warrior legal magazine and has been featured in outlets ranging from the Daily Journal to the Rapid City Journal.

A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, Stephen grew up in a family steeped in storytelling, community service, and activism – a background that has always drawn him towards clients who need an advocate most. That sense of social responsibility remains at the core of his practice today.

Outside work, Stephen spends time with his two children, travels, plays drums in a local band, hikes, and volunteers. He speaks Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Whatever the case, his commitment remains the same: standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Stephen is licensed to practice law in California, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas, and before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. District Courts for the District of South Dakota, as well as the Southern and Central Districts of California.

E. Stanley Conant Award (2008)

Membership

Member, Trial Lawyers College Faculty

Member, American Association for Justice (AAJ)

News

• Multiple articles in "The Warrior", magazine – a publication of the Trial Lawyers College
• "Jury Pools Short on Native Americans", Rapid City Journal, July 7, 2019
• "Lessons Learned at Guantanamo Bay Prison", Rapid City Journal, February 9, 2019