Steve has represented commercial policyholders in complex insurance disputes for nearly 30 years. Ranked by Chambers USA and recognized by his insurance coverage bar peers as one of The Best Lawyers in America for “Insurance Law,” Steve helps clients find strategic and creative solutions for resolving disputed insurance claims, including focused negotiations and mediation, to maximize their recoveries while minimizing their costs. Through thorough claim analysis and advocacy, Steve has helped policyholder clients successfully obtain reversals of scores of adverse coverage determinations without the need for litigation. But when necessary, he aggressively litigates coverage lawsuits on their behalf in state and federal courts throughout the country. Clients say that “Steve is a first-rate counselor with breadth and expertise across the insurance marketplace,” and that he “has a great combination of deep experience and practical judgment.”
Steve advises clients on coverage issues involving all types of commercial insurance policies. He regularly assists clients in matters involving directors and officers claims, professional services/errors and omissions claims, first-party property claims, environmental contamination and other mass tort claims, products-related claims, cutting-edge cyber/privacy claims, and governmental investigation claims, among others. With Steve's help, his clients have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in insurance proceeds.
Steve also helps clients prevent coverage disputes on the front end by reviewing their existing policies, identifying potential coverage gaps, and recommending areas of possible improvement at renewal. He counsels clients on assessing and preserving the value of potential insurance claims, obtaining defense coverage (even if damages may not be covered), and insurance issues in corporate transactions.
Steve regularly publishes articles and speaks on coverage-related issues, and is regularly quoted by leading insurance publications. He has been elected by his peers as a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel, which recognizes the nation's top insurance coverage attorneys.
In addition to his coverage work, Steve handles other types of commercial disputes, including complex contractual and indemnity disputes. He also has a long-standing commitment to pro bono work, and has represented victims of domestic violence for his entire career, as well as victims of human trafficking, clients with developmental disabilities, foreign nationals seeking asylum, and African American farmers subject to discriminatory loan practices.
