Biography

Steve is in commercial litigation, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants on a variety of commercial and complex civil cases (including breach of contract claims, shareholder disputes, merger and acquisition disputes, covenants not to compete, civil rights issues, property disputes, bank liability claims, and adversary proceedings in bankruptcy). Additionally, Steve has substantial experience in commercial tax assessment litigation and pursuit of tax exempt status for non-profit corporations.

Steve is certified as a mediator, arbitrator and early neutral evaluator by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and has been selected as a member of the Board of Neutrals of the American Arbitration Association.

His background as a high school English teacher comes into practice every day. "A good trial lawyer has to be a good storyteller," he says. He often advises students to preface their legal education with an English degree.

Steve spends much of his free time with his two daughters, who are both competitive gymnasts ("I work, then chase after my kids," he laughs). He also does considerable pro bono work for the parent organization of the gym where they train.

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Representative Matters

• Obtained favorable verdict for a public utility regarding destruction of a power 
facility by a landslide.
• Obtained summary judgment for a software/management corporation in a breach 
of contract action involving computer-assisted training programs.
• Obtained favorable settlement in breach of contract action involving valve
performance at a nuclear power facility.
• Obtained directed verdict in suit against major banking institution regarding fraud 
and breach of contract claims relating to a customer's account.

Professional Affiliations

• Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Allegheny County Bar Association
• Mercer County Bar Association
• Board of Neutrals, American Arbitration Association
• Recognized as an AV® rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell peer review

Background

• 2000  Metz Lewis Brodman Must O'Keefe LLC
• 1981  Rose, Schmidt, Hasley & DiSalle
• 1976-1978  English Teacher