For over thirty years, Stephen has represented plaintiffs in mass tort, class action, single-plaintiff, and multi-district litigation across a wide range of practice areas, including consumer protection, antitrust, pharmaceutical products litigation, insurance law, environmental remediation, toxic exposure, and maritime personal injury. No matter whom he represents, Stephen’s goal is maximizing his client’s recovery. He has represented individual landowners and parish governments in high-profile environmental litigation, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in remediation costs. He has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for workers exposed to asbestos and other toxic substances. As court-appointed lead counsel in class actions over unfair claims adjusting, he has obtained eight figure settlements on behalf of insurance policy holders. He has also led numerous class actions on behalf of healthcare providers against health insurance companies for antitrust violations and unlawful billing practices, recovering over one billion dollars for Louisiana doctors and hospitals.

Stephen has a well-earned reputation for taking complex litigation to trial. He was nominated for “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice for his role on the trial team in the landmark Scott v. American Tobacco litigation, which created a $270,000,000 fund for smoking cessation programs for Louisiana smokers. As a testament to his legal success and commitment to his clients, Stephen has been selected for inclusion to the Louisiana Super Lawyers list from 2009-present and has served on the Board of Governors for the Louisiana Association for Justice for over a decade.

Stephen’s trial work is complemented by his vast appellate experience. He has a national reputation for effective drafting and arguing of appeals in both state and federal courts. Recognizing his reputation for integrity and courtroom ability, courts routinely appoint Stephen to committee positions in state and national class actions and multidistrict litigation. His high standing among his peers is reflected in his Martindale-Hubbell® highest-possible Peer-Review rating of A.V., 5 out of 5, Preeminent. He is also a frequent lecturer on trial techniques and class action lawsuits. He is admitted to the bars of Louisiana, Texas, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Stephen’s hallmark competitive nature, strategic acumen, and desire to win are evident outside the courtroom as well. Stephen is an accomplished offshore sailor, having won numerous national and international regattas and set multiple course records in races to Newport, the Bahamas, Bermuda and Mexico.