Steve has decades of experience representing clients in high stakes litigation, including mass tort product liability lawsuits, consumer class actions and complex commercial litigation matters.
His experience includes serving as lead counsel for healthcare industry clients in federal multi-district litigation and state-coordinated proceedings involving thousands of claimants. Steve has handled several cases brought by individual state Attorneys General, alleging violation of state false advertising statutes. He has also represented clients across industries in enforcement actions brought by various state agencies.
Steve has handled numerous cases alleging violations of the California Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), False Advertising (B&P section 17500), and Unfair Competition (B&P section 17200) statutes and is presently defending such cases on behalf of retail clients in both state and federal courts in California. He also advises clients on advertising and promotion strategies and regulatory compliance. Steve is part of a team at Benesch advising clients on PFAS regulatory and compliance strategies.
Steve has defended against improper marketing and labeling claims of all types, including alleged false and deceptive advertising and improper promotion of pharmaceutical, medical device, technology and consumer products. He has worked with leading scientific and regulatory experts to defend against claims that the products at issue caused economic or physical injuries to individuals or the environment.
Beyond his national engagements, Steve has represented clients in breach of contract, banking and securities fraud and shareholder dispute cases. He has also represented multiple retail and e-commerce, technology and manufacturing clients in California employment litigation matters involving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, theft of trade secrets and wage and hour disputes.
Steve is the editor of Benesch’s AI Reporter, a monthly newsletter reporting on AI innovation, regulation and litigation.
Representative Experience
- Lead counsel for major life science manufacturer in an 18,000-plaintiff mass tort coordinated proceeding in LA County Superior Court. Through multiple trials and aggressive motion practice over a period of 5 years, eliminated 90% of case inventory.
- In 2024, obtained summary judgment on behalf of a non-profit organization in a case involving allegations of tortious interference with contract and related claims.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a major healthcare manufacturer in an employment wrongful termination and retaliation lawsuit in the Northern District of California.
- In a published opinion, defeated class certification in a consumer products class action on behalf of manufacturing client in the Central District of California. Prior to the class cert hearing, plaintiffs' last demand at mediation had been $45 million. Webb v. Carter’s Inc, et al.
- National coordinating counsel representing multiple healthcare companies in defense of state attorney general actions, alleging violation of state unfair trade practice statutes.
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In a 2023 case garnering national attention, obtained a $5 million judgment in a Northern District of California banking fraud case on behalf of a national cannabis retailer/distributor against Washington state-based payment processing company. Case involved issues of federal cannabis illegality as well as violations of FinCEN regulations and the Bank Secrecy Act.
- Represent manufacturer of diabetes medication in marketing and sales practices class action litigation pending in New Jersey District Court, alleging breach of express and implied warranties, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and violation of state consumer protection statutes.
- In a published opinion, obtained summary judgment in the Central District of California on behalf of healthcare manufacturer in product liability failure to warn case. Thompson v Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Represented developer of neuropathic pain medication in international arbitration of breach of contract and fraud action against manufacturer/distributor over worldwide marketing and distribution of the product.
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Represented multiple cannabis companies in breach of contract actions and employment disputes.
- Represented agricultural manufacturing client in toxic tort litigation alleging harmful exposures to chemicals.
- Represented clients in environmental and land use litigation matters in California state trial and appellate courts alleged CEQA violations and related claims.