Steven is known for his ability to lead and master complex discovery programs in complicated financial cases, representing clients in litigation and asset recovery.
Overview
Steven investigates and litigates matters involving complex financial transactions, professional liability and corporate governance in state and federal courts, bankruptcy courts and in government investigations.
The FDIC, troubled banks and others turn to Steven when they need to know what happened in the wake of financial crises or malfeasance, and how they might recover. His ability to understand complicated transactions and their interplay with professional responsibility, ethics and professional liability laws are key to his clients recouping losses from fraud or failed investments.
Experience
Steven investigates bank failures on behalf of the FDIC. He recently was lead attorney for two FDIC receiverships in claims against lawyers, directors and officers, recovering nearly $40 million for his client. He has also represented the FDIC in bankruptcy court over rights to tax refunds. His relationship with agency was forged when he represented it in claims arising from the failure of Charles Keating’s Lincoln Savings, where he successfully defended the FDIC against claims of regulatory misconduct.
Steven was selected as principal outside counsel for a troubled Maryland bank’s board of directors as it corrected abusive practices and stabilized the institution. He was able to restore operations and avoid imminent government takeover.
Adept at finding concealed assets and setting aside fraudulent conveyances, Steven recently represented bondholders in pre-and post-judgment collections actions to seize U.S. assets of a foreign country that defaulted on its debt.
Steven successfully defended a CEO facing claims of personal liability for corporate obligations based on fraud claims.
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
American Bar Association, Litigation Section
Federal Bar Association
Bar Association of the District of Columbia
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
- Law and Policy in International Business, Editor
- American Jurisprudence Awards for Criminal Law and Comparative Law
Stanford University, Ph.D. Program, Department of Political Science
University of Iowa, B.A., honors and high distinction
- Phi Beta Kappa