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Overview

Steve defends clients in complex product liability litigation, with an emphasis on toxic tort cases.

He represents many of the nation’s largest petrochemical and chemical companies in all aspects of litigation. These companies specialize in the production of agricultural products and chemicals, oil and gas exploration and production and the manufacturing of paints, coatings, plastic resins and synthetic fibers.

Over the past decade, Steve has handled thousands of cases on behalf of commercial clients in the most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in the country. In addition, he has deposed hundreds of expert and fact witnesses, as well as defended the clients’ corporate representatives, in toxic tort matters.

In addition to toxic tort matters, Steve counsels in litigation involving tobacco, the fen-phen diet drug, securities, agribusiness, and labor and employment in state and federal courts. He has significant experience in defense trial preparation, including deposing fact and expert witnesses. He actively mentors young attorneys at the firm in developing such litigation skills.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2024 and 2025

Education

  • J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law
  • B.S., Saint Louis University
    • Business Administration
    • cum laude

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • Illinois
  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • The Missouri Bar


*Contact Steve to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the St. Louis office.
Experience
  • Defended and brought to cost-effective and favorable resolution product liability and toxic tort cases for the nation’s largest petrochemical and chemical companies in various plaintiff-friendly venues across the country.
  • Awarded summary judgment in benzene matter filed in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, through Daubert motions striking plaintiffs’ experts on causation.
  • Secured voluntary dismissal of a $750,000 claim alleging toxic exposures at a Canadian facility that formerly belonged to our client, a large petroleum and petrochemical distributor.
News Releases | May 28, 2020
Husch Blackwell Named CLOC's Inaugural Legal Innovation in Operations Project Award Winner

Husch Blackwell is believed to be the only law firm to date to be recognized by both the CLOC LIO Project and ACC Value Champion award series for its ability to implement legal solutions that cut spending, improve predictability and achieve better outcomes.

Community Leadership
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis