PROFILE

Steve concentrates his practice on the defense of manufacturers in personal and property damage claims arising out of environmental and occupational hazards. He is particularly familiar with the industrial and commercial use of many toxic substances, including asbestos, and has represented manufacturers in negotiations of air and water permit limits, onsite soil remediation, and hazardous waste accumulation. He has also advised clients on pollution prevention planning, emergency response planning, and waste minimization. Before practicing law, Steve worked for major builders of government and commercial marine vessels in a number of roles including: Environmental Coordinator, Environmental Manager, and Environmental Consultant. He represented the shipbuilding industry before the environmental regulatory agencies of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, as well as EPA Region IV and EPA Headquarters on issues involving welding, painting, and abrasive blasting.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Asbestos
• Environmental & Toxic Tort
• Insurance
• Trials
• Science & Experts

Representative Matters / Experience

• Negotiated terms of Compliance Orders and Penalty Notices with EPA and LDEQ
• Counseled manufacturers on business agreements with employees and equipment suppliers

AFFILIATIONS

• Louisiana State Bar Association
• New Orleans Bar Association
• Environmental Law Institute
• Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Alumni Association
• National Shipbuilding Research Program (1988-2005)
• Shipbuilders Counsel of America (1988-2005)
• Jefferson Parish Emergency Planning Committee (1989-1999)
• Shipyard Association for Environmental Responsibility (1998-2000)

EDUCATION

• J.D., Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (1994)
• M.S.P.H., Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (1991)
• B.S., University of New Orleans (1986)

ADMISSIONS

• Louisiana state courts

Publications and Presentations

• Budget Cuts to Louisiana State Environmental Agencies and Conservative Case for Class Actions
  Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit March 6, 2020
• Asbestos
  University of New Orleans, AQM3 Summer Academic Training Program July 2015
• Hydraulic Fracking: Applicable Environmental Regulations and Water Quality Challenges
  American Waterways WQTC November 2014
• Asbestos Hazards
  Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Conference 2009
• Negotiating Environmental Permits
  University of New Orleans Engineering Forum 2014