Steve has represented clients as lead counsel on major engagements, ranging from complex commercial litigation to class actions to product liability mass tort proceedings.
Steve has a demonstrated record of success in high stakes litigation. He has prevailed at trial and summary judgment, and defeated class certification for clients across the pharmaceutical, medical device, technology and retail industries. His cases have been reported on CNBC, Law360 and other publications.
Beyond his national engagements, Steve has also represented clients in numerous California employment litigation matters involving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination. He has also handled banking and securities fraud, breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secrets and shareholder dispute cases. Additionally, Steve has represented clients in environmental and land use litigation involving violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Steve is a member of Benesch's GenAI Commission, a multi-disciplinary AI-focused legal team.
Representative Experience
- Lead counsel for major life sciences company in Judicial Council of California coordinated proceeding (JCCP) involving more than 18,000 claimants in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a major healthcare manufacturer in an employment wrongful termination and retaliation lawsuit in the Northern District of California.
- National coordinating counsel representing multiple pharmaceutical 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 ongoing marketing and sales practices litigation pending in New Jersey District Court.
- In a published opinion, defeated class certification in consumer products class action in the Central District of California. Prior to ruling, plaintiff's last demand at mediation had been $450 million. Webb v. Carter’s Inc, et al.
- In a published opinion, obtained summary judgment in the Central District of California on behalf of life sciences 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.
- Significant business tort litigation experience across various industries involving claims of breach of contract, violation of Business and Professions Code sections 17200 and 17500, breach of warranty, fraud, theft of trade secrets, interference with contract and trade libel.
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Represented multiple cannabis companies in breach of contract actions and employment disputes.
- Represented companies in toxic tort and Prop 65 litigation alleging harmful exposures to chemicals.
- Represented clients in multiple environmental and land use litigation matters in California state trial and appellate courts involving Petitions for Writ of Mandamus, seeking injunctive relief and alleging CEQA violations.