PUBLICATIONS

Steve publishes, speaks and writes regularly on topics related to his areas of practice.  He is the
author of “Enforcing the Non-Compete and Confidentiality Duties of High Level Executives,” Employment Law Update (Aspen Law & Business 1998).

In 2010, with Pepper Hamilton partner Eric Rothschild, he published an article titled “Defending Darwin” in the ABA publication Litigation Fall 2010 (37:1).

Numerous other publications include:

•    “Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Tells Supervised Institutions Not to Worry About Waiver of Privilege,” Financial Fraud Law Report (April 2012).

•    “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Celebrates First Birthday By Flexing Its Enforcement Muscles: Settlement Costs Capital One $210 Million” (2012) (client alert).

•    “Disparate Impact Claims Under Fair Housing Act Remain Viable as Case Is Removed from Supreme Court Docket” (2012) (client alert).

•    “Supreme Court in Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes Rejects Certification of Largest Gender Discrimination, Employment Class Action in Nation’s History, Holds Plaintiffs Cannot Prove Common Class Claims, Raises Bar for Certification of All Claims,” Appellate Law360, Employment Law360, Class Action Law360 (June 2011).

•    “How the Dodd-Frank Act Affects Preemption of State Consumer Financial Laws: A Primer on Subtitle D of Title X” (2010) (client alert).

•    “What Every Client and Lawyer Should Know About E-Discovery,” Consumer Finance Law Quarterly Report (Fall 2007).

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Steve is a frequent speaker on legal developments and issues, at bar association meetings, and on college campuses.    

Selected speaking engagements include the following:

•    Spoke on “Religious Liberty and Public Education” at the University of New Orleans (October 24, 2013).

•    Spoke on e-discovery at the Legal Intelligencer’s annual Litigation Summit in Philadelphia (September 20, 2013).

•    Spoke on “UDAAP in the Age of the CFPB” at a meeting of the ABA Committee on Consumer Financial Services in Naples, FL, (January 6, 2013).

•    Presented a webinar entitled “Mastering the Science of Cross Examination” for Lorman Educational Services (February 17, 2012).

•    Spoke on “Fair Lending – Compliance, Risk and Liability” at the invitation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission in San Antonio (August 2, 2011).

•    Spoke on “Litigation and Dodd-Frank – Possible Effects on Consumer Litigation” at the ABA Section of Business Spring Meeting in Boston (April 14, 2011).

•    Spoke on “Selected Issues in the World of Social Media” at the Delaware Valley Corporate Counsel Association annual in-house conference in Philadelphia (April 7, 2011).

PRO BONO & PUBLIC SERVICE

Steve has an active pro bono practice for persons and causes in need.  He has handled pro bono cases involving political asylum, the rights of children, social security, child support, religious liberty, science education, organ allocation, and free speech.  

Steve is a longtime volunteer and immediate past president of the board of directors of the Homeless Advocacy Project in Philadelphia.

Steve serves as a judge pro tem/mediator for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Steve is a member of the Legal Advisory Committee of the National Center for Science Education.

Steve is concerned about the environment and the future of the planet for us and all of our children.  He is active in the Sierra Club and Citizens’ Climate Lobby.  

AWARDS

2011 William R. Klaus Pro Bono Award from Pepper Hamilton LLP.

2006 Pro Bono Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

2006 Clarence Darrow Award from the National Center for Science Education

2006 Civil Libertarian of the Year Award from the ACLU of Pennsylvania

1989 Hyman-Goodman Faculty Award for Academic and Extracurricular Achievement from Villanova University School of Law

EDUCATION

B.A. 1982, University of Massachusetts 

J.D. 1989, magna cum laude, Villanova University School of Law

• Managing Editor, Villanova Law Review
• National Moot Court Champion
• Member, Order of the Coif

CLERKSHIP

1989-90 Law Clerk to Hon. Myron H. Bright, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

BAR ADMISSIONS

Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia

COURT ADMISSIONS

U.S. Supreme Court
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
District of Columbia Court of Appeals
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
U.S. Court of Federal Claims