Stephen is a Shareholder and member of the Complex and Commercial Litigation practice group. His expertise lies in handling of complex issues and disputes at all levels and stages, including analyzing potential risks, resolving disputes before escalation, consulting on regulatory challenges and developments, and defending class actions and complex litigation matters across the United States.

Stephen has a particular interest in evolving markets, especially the cyber insurance industry.  Over the years, Stephen has represented insureds in data breach and privacy-related class actions and individual matters. He is passionate about the cyber insurance industry and regularly writes about relevant issues and developments. Stephen currently serves as Interim Executive Director of the Cyber Insurance Professionals Association.  He has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his insurance expertise for over ten consecutive years.

Stephen also has substantial experience in representing financial services entities. With a consumer finance focus, Stephen helps lenders maximize their business opportunities and minimize their regulatory and compliance risks. As a seasoned litigator, he has successfully defended national banks, financial institutions, installment lenders, mortgage lenders, mortgage servicers, fintechs, and vehicle finance lenders in lawsuits asserting complex claims. He contributed as an author for the American Bar Association’s State Consumer Protection Law treatise, which compiles the consumer laws of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Stephen’s complex litigation experience encompasses the defense of hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other health-care providers in medical malpractice actions. Over the years, he has obtained jury verdicts for physicians, finding no breach of the standard of care.  Stephen has also favorably resolved malpractice claims filed against hospitals, physicians, and nurses.

Stephen has been recognized by both The Best Lawyers in America© and Mid-South Super Lawyers. He has been elected as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and is rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.

Community & Professional

  • American Bar Association
  • Alabama State Bar, Business Torts & Antitrust Law Section (Chair, 2017 to 2020)
  • Birmingham Bar Association, Federal Practice Section (Secretary/Treasurer, 2017, Chair, 2020); Civil Courts Procedure Committee (Chair, 2017)
  • Mississippi State Bar
  • Tennessee State Bar
  • Cyber Insurance Professionals Association (Interim Executive Director)
  • Professional Liability Underwriting Society
  • International Association of Defense Counsel (Former Member)
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Admissions

  • State Bar: Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee
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