Steven is a veteran products liability and toxic tort defense litigator with a rare track record of trying high-stakes liability cases to verdict. He focuses on protecting manufacturers—including Fortune 500 companies—and premises owners against asbestos, product liability, and site-related injury claims. He practices from Sewickley, Pennsylvania as a member of our virtual office, The Link.
Over his 30-year career, Steven has tried multiple products liability and asbestos cases to verdict in Ohio and Pennsylvania, a distinction that is relatively uncommon in a field where most cases resolve before trial. He has achieved significant results at both the trial and appellate levels, including defense verdicts and appellate reversals. Among them is a Supreme Court of Ohio decision that reversed a plaintiff’s verdict in favor of the defense and set the governing standard for causation in Ohio toxic tort litigation.
Steven’s guiding principle is that thorough preparation is essential to effective advocacy. He prioritizes deep familiarity with each client and case through rigorous research and investigation. He also works closely with clients to understand their objectives and risk tolerance, aligning litigation strategy with their goals—whether that means pursuing trial or positioning a case for efficient resolution. By mastering the details, he is best positioned to build strategies that challenge liability theories, manage risk, and achieve favorable outcomes.
Prior to joining the firm, Steven was a partner at a civil litigation and insurance defense boutique firm. He was drawn to Husch Blackwell for its collaborative, multidisciplinary platform, which supports both attorneys and clients in handling complex litigation. The firm’s structure, combined with the opportunity to work alongside respected colleagues, enables him to deliver optimal results for the firm’s clients in challenging matters.