Steven H. "Steve" Schwartz
Steve Schwartz has been with Brown & James since 1987 and has been a principal of the firm since 1993. He has tried numerous jury and non-jury cases to conclusion and regularly handles all types of litigation with a concentration in economic loss claims and insurance coverage matters. The following is a summary of Mr. Schwartz’s practice areas:
Business and Commercial Litigation: Mr. Schwartz handles all types of business-related disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, unjust enrichment, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), tortious interference with contract, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, breach of fiduciary duty, securities fraud and antitrust. These cases have ranged from small disputes between single parties, to large multi-party or multi-district litigation, involving dozens of claims and thousands or millions of documents.
Consumer Claims: Mr. Schwartz defends various claims filed by consumers and debtors, including claims filed under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Directors and Officers Liability: Mr. Schwartz defends director and officer claims for public and private companies and non-profit companies in various cases, including patent cases, vendor disputes, construction disputes, disputes with competitors, and homeowner association claims.
Employment Liability: Mr. Schwartz regularly defends employers against allegations of discrimination, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) violations, retaliation, wrongful termination, hostile work environment, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) violations. Mr. Schwartz also represents companies in disputes with employees regarding non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.
Insurance Coverage: Mr. Schwartz's substantial experience includes representing clients in complicated insurance coverage matters, involving all types of coverages, including professional liability, directors’ and officers’ liability, advertising injury, personal injury, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Intellectual Property, Technology and Cyber Liability: Mr. Schwartz regularly handles all types of intellectual property disputes, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and unfair competition. He has also handled several technology and computer-related disputes, including claims of software counterfeiting, software contract disputes, alleged trademark infringement on the Internet and cyber liability claims, including theft of credit card and other personal information.
Professional Liability: Mr. Schwartz has defended professionals of all types for almost 30 years. His clients include lawyers, accountants, payroll companies, insurance agents and brokers, real estate agents and brokers, real estate appraisers, and title companies. The defense of lawyers has involved cases relating to divorce, prenuptial agreements, business transactions, tax advice, bankruptcy, and estate planning, as well as many others. His defense of insurance agents has involved cases relating to the sale of property, casualty and liability insurance, as well as health and life insurance.
Pro Bono Work: Mr. Schwartz volunteers representing "starving artists" for the St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts.
- Best Lawyers - Commercial Litigation, The Best Lawyers in America (2013-2018)
- Best Lawyers - Construction Law, The Best Lawyers in America (2013-2018)
- Best Lawyers - Insurance Litigation, The Best Lawyers in America (2016-2018)
- St. Louis' Best Lawyers - St. Louis Magazine (2013-2016)
- Top 50 St. Louis - Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers (2015)
- Super Lawyers - Business Litigation, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers (2005, 2013-2016)
- Top Rated Lawyers - Commercial Litigation, American Lawyer Media (2012-2013)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
St. Louis, Missouri 63101-2501
