My colleague just informed me of the passing of Stephen Elias. I googled his name online and came across your article. I just wanted to reach out and send my condolences.

I met Mr. Elias and his wife Catherine over three years ago when I was considering a position with his Bankruptcy Law Project. I met both of them at a hotel in San Francisco. Both were extremely compassionate and kind.

As a young bankruptcy attorney I was anxious to learn from someone with Mr. Elias' credentials and experience.

In the end I decided to start my own firm, but Mr. Elias remained somewhat of a mentor over the past three years.

I emailed him occasionally when issues arose in my bankruptcy practice that I did not know how to deal with. Mr. Elias always promptly responded to my emails and challenged me to think outside the box when dealing with client issues.

I will forever be grateful for his assistance and support during the short time that I knew him. I am very saddened to hear of his passing.

Mr. Elias touched many people's lives and I am greatly blessed to have met him. His Nolo Press books adorn the bookshelves in my office.

 

Melissa D. Polk, Esq., is an attorney based in San Francisco, Calif.