Steve holds Martindale-Hubbell’s highest distinction of AV-Preeminent, the highest peer review rating standard, signifying that a large number of Steve’s peer attorneys rank him at the highest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.  Steve also holds the Martindale-Hubbell Judicial Edition award, indicating receipt of perfect ratings from the judiciary on the legal ability and ethical standards.  Steve is consistently selected by other attorneys to be featured in The Best Lawyers in America© in product liability litigation-defendants, personal injury litigation-defendants, environmental law, environmental litigation, condemnation and eminent domain law, real estate law, and real estate litigation.

With more than 40 years handling high-stakes cases, Steve has represented clients from throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Sweden, and Ireland.  He has represented at least 20 Fortune 500 companies. Steve defends high-stakes matters for manufacturers in a wide array of industries. Steve has defended clients in CERCLA cost-recovery claims involving as much as $500 million.  He has handled real estate transactions involving malls, office buildings and other large assets. He is considered a go-to attorney in Alaska for landowners facing high-value condemnation and eminent domain takings.

Steve has been dubbed by one in-house counsel as the “reasonable man” we studied in law school, but he is also fiercely loyal and takes attacks on his clients personally. His practice reflects those who have shaped his work ethic and values. Like founding partner John Hughes, who Steve found on his hands and knees scrubbing the entryway floor when Steve arrived for his first day on the job. Or Dick Gantz, who always said if you have to ask whether it is ethical to do something, you have your answer.

Steve understands his clients have busy lives and he strives to anticipate their needs before they are voiced. He understands his clients have budgets, bosses, and shareholders. His goal is to deliver consistently good results, achieve pleasant surprises in difficult matters and to do so in a cost-efficient manner.