Our Team

Steven H. Berniker, Partner

Steven graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies and History. He attended the University of California, Hastings School of Law. Upon graduation, Steven donated his time advocating for parents with disabled children with the Individualized Education Program and the Administrative Hearing Process. Steven has been a practicing attorney for over thirty years. He has a wealth of experience in Family Law, Social Security Law, and Veterans’ Benefits. Steven enjoys swimming, walking his dog, and doting on his children.

David L. Pfaff, Partner

David graduated from UNC, Patino School of Law and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from California State University, Sacramento. Having graduated from a night law school run by a bounty hunter (Leonard Padilla), David has a very practical education in the law. Prior to becoming an attorney, David worked for WEAVE helping victims of domestic violence obtain Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. Although he primarily practices Family Law, David has extensive experience in the areas of Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency as well as Administrative and Criminal Law. An avid tennis player and student of Tai Chi, David has practiced law with his significant other Sally Gonzales for more than 12 years. David and Sally had their own practice together until joining forces with Steven Berniker to form BERNIKER & PFAFF.

Sally C. Gonzales, Attorney at Law, Of Counsel

Sally graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology and a minor in English. Prior to joining BERNIKER & PFAFF, Sally worked for the State of California for nearly twenty years before leaving her career as an IT Manager to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. Sally attended UNC Patino School of Law at night while working full-time during the day. Sally prides herself in being tenacious and fully embraces the company logo of a bulldog. Sally has enjoyed her second career as an attorney for nearly 14 years, practicing in the areas of Bankruptcy, Family Law, Immigration, and Wills and Trusts. Sally enjoys reading, traveling, and gardening.

Gloria Negrete, Paralegal

Before joining BERNIKER & PFAFF Gloria graduated from California State University, Chico in 2019 where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. While at Chico State, Gloria interned at the Butte County Jail, working closely with inmates. Gloria received her Paralegal Certificate from the University of California, Los Angeles in August 2022. In her free time, Gloria likes to take her dog on hikes and explore the California mountains and coast.

David Filante, Assistant

David grew up on Northern California, working on local farms. After graduating from high school, David began a career in manufacturing; first in machining and later, in custom cabinetry for the Martis Camp area of Truckee, California. After more than 20 years in manufacturing, David needed a change and an opening serendipitously became available at BERNIKER & PFAFF. Without hesitation he joined our team, eager to learn and ready to excel.