Steve is a partner in the Litigation Section of Troutman Sanders and heads the Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation Practice Group. His practice focuses primarily on environmental litigation although he has significant litigation and trial experience in construction and civil and commercial matters as well. Steve represents clients in a broad range of matters from state and federal permit challenges, to property contamination claims, to one of the largest environmental cases ever filed in the United States.
Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation
Helped win summary judgment for a major utility in litigation with the EPA over alleged violations of the new source review requirements of the Clean Air Act (appeal pending).
Represents permit holders in challenges to permits issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Shore Protection Act, and other statutes.
Represents commercial real estate developers, landowners and manufacturing facilities in litigation over property contamination and devaluation claims.
Has represented corporate and governmental entities in RCRA citizen suits.
Obtained favorable results for state agencies in litigation under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.
Construction Litigation
Represents one of the world’s largest industrial boiler manufacturers in litigation over the supply and construction of a coal-fired utility boiler and related equipment.
Represented large utility companies in litigation related to the construction of coal-fired power plants.
Lead counsel to an international architectural firm in a successful arbitration proceeding against a general contractor for damages for breach of contract.
Civil and Commercial Litigation
Lead trial counsel in litigation involving banking and mortgage fraud disputes.
Trial counsel in litigation over fiduciary duties in trust and accounting dispute.
Represents a major lending institution in commercial foreclosure and mortgage deficiency actions.
Counseled and represented minority shareholders in disputes related to closely-held businesses.
Reported Decisions
United States v. Alabama Power Co., No. 01-00152, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 28962 (N.D. Ala. March 14, 2011) and 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 34643 (N.D. Ala. March 14, 2011).
United States v. Alabama Power Co., No. 01-00152, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 58866 (N.D. Ala. July 24, 2008).
Eagle N. Am., Inc. v. Tronox, L.L.C., No. 407-131, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 35099 (S.D. Ga. April 29, 2008).
City of Oxford v. FAA, 428 F.3d 1346 (11th Cir. 2005).
Sprayberry Crossing Partnership v. Phenix Supply Co., 274 Ga. App. 364 (2005).
United States, et al. v. Alabama Power Co., 372 F. Supp. 2d 1283 (N.D. Ala. 2005).
Publications & Presentations
“Medical Monitoring: Injury or Remedy?” Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Georgia, September 30, 2011.
“Knowledge Is Power: Practical Considerations for Understanding and Appealing to Your Jury in Complex Litigation,” Thought Leadership Series CLE, March 3, 2009.
Co-author, "NSR Enforcement Heats Up Down South While Industry Awaits Tie-Breaking Ruling From Midwest," Andrews Environmental Reporter, Vol. 25, Issue 3, September 10, 2004.
Co-author, "New Source Review Enforcement and Reform," Georgia Bar, Environmental Law Section Newsletter, Summer 2002.