Steve represents plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of commercial disputes, including intellectual property matters, business torts, contracts, securities claims, and employment-related issues. He tries cases, handles appeals, engages in ADR, and assists clients with litigation-related counseling.
Steve joined Savitt Bruce & Willey in 2003 and previously practiced with Perkins Coie in Seattle and Latham & Watkins in Menlo Park, California. Steve has also been in-house as the sole Corporate Counsel for a 100-employee start-up company, where he was responsible for all legal matters, including contracting, corporate finance, and intellectual property enforcement. He is a graduate, cum laude, of the University of Wisconsin Law School and is licensed in Washington and California.
In prior incarnations, Steve taught high school, was a free-lance writer, did a stint as a chef, and worked in a nightclub. Steve lives on Bainbridge Island with the lovely and talented Gretchen and their three children. When not working like a dog or wrangling small fry, Steve likes piña coladas, getting caught in the rain, the feel of the ocean and, of course, the taste of champagne.
Areas of Practice
- Contracts and Commercial Litigation
- Corporate Governance Disputes
- Employment Litigation
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Risk Management and Litigation Avoidance
- Real Estate Litigation
- Securities Litigation
Prior Professional Experience
- Latham & Watkins LLP, Menlo Park CA, 2001-2003
- ELetter Inc. / Launchpoint, San Jose CA, Corporate Counsel, 2000-2001
- Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle WA, 1994-2000
Education
- University of Wisconsin, J.D., cum laude, 1994
- Williams College, B.A., 1985
Bar Admissions
- Washington
- California
- Wisconsin (inactive)
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- United States District Court, Western District of Washington
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- United States District Court, Northern District of California
- United States District Court, Central District of California
- United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
