Steven Wilhelm named IAOTP Top Attorney of the Decade for 2026

IAOTP will honor Steven H. Wilhelm at its 2026 Annual Awards Gala at New York City’s Plaza Hotel. The recognition adds to a string of awards for the California attorney, who has practiced law for 51 years and founded Steven H. Wilhelm, APC in 1980.

Why it matters: - The Top Attorney of the Decade title adds another national recognition for Steven H. Wilhelm, whose practice has focused on trusts and estates, business transactions and real estate. - The award also underscores the longevity of Wilhelm’s career, which has spanned more than five decades. - IAOTP’s gala recognition can boost professional visibility for honorees across legal and business circles.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Steven H. Wilhelm as Top Attorney of the Decade for 2026. - IAOTP will honor Wilhelm at its 2026 Annual Awards Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Wilhelm is Owner, President, Attorney and Business Advisor of Steven H. Wilhelm, APC.

The details: - Wilhelm has 51 years of experience practicing law. - He founded Steven H. Wilhelm, APC in 1980. - The firm works in business law, real estate, estates and trusts. - The firm’s primary focus is trusts and estates, business transactional matters and real estate transactions. - Wilhelm is a former 1972 Olympic Alternate. - He attended the University of Kansas on academic and athletic scholarships. - He balanced law school with part-time work and Olympic training. - After earning his law degree, Wilhelm was licensed in Kansas. - He later returned to California and joined the Law Offices of Joseph St. John. - At that firm, Wilhelm helped establish the commercial and business litigation division and handled complex civil litigation matters. - His firm has been voted among the Best Business Law Firms in San Diego County by peers. - The firm has also been recognized by the Leading Lawyers Association, Lawyers of Distinction and Who’s Who of Top Attorneys in North America. - Wilhelm has held Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Rating since 1980. - He is a member of the California Bar Association, San Diego Bar Association, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and the Kansas Bar Association. - IAOTP President Stephanie Cirami said the panel found Wilhelm’s integrity, perseverance and excellence to be a clear fit for the honor. - Wilhelm’s earlier IAOTP honors include Top Attorney of the Year in 2021, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, and selection as one of IAOTP’s Top 50 Fearless Leaders in 2023. - He was also inducted into the IAOTP Hall of Fame in 2023. - Wilhelm was featured in TIP Magazine and on a Reuters billboard in Times Square after the 2021 honor. - The release says his work has been recognized through publications, professional organizations and media features worldwide. - Wilhelm attributes his success to perseverance, discipline and a passion for serving others. - Outside work, Wilhelm enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Between the lines: - IAOTP’s award history suggests the group is building a long-term relationship with Wilhelm, not just a one-time recognition. - The repeated honors point to a broader reputation strategy that blends legal achievement, leadership and public visibility. - The Decade title appears to be IAOTP’s strongest endorsement yet of Wilhelm’s standing in the profession.

What's next: - Wilhelm is set to be recognized at IAOTP’s gala in New York City. - He says he will continue helping businesses and individuals navigate complex legal matters. - Wilhelm also plans to keep mentoring future generations of legal professionals. - More information is available at Steven H. Wilhelm’s website. - IAOTP also lists event details at its award gala page. - A feature video is available here.