Steve concentrates his practice primarily in the defense of insureds and self-insureds involving casualty liability matters. His insurance coverage litigation experience includes the defense of reinsurers and excess insurers. Steve also focuses on a wide range of matters including construction litigation, professional liability, premises, product liability, toxic tort, automobile claims, and trucking and transportation litigation. He also serves as the Casualty Supervisor and Managing Attorney of the New York office, as well as a member of the firm's Board of Directors. In this capacity, he oversees the day-to-day operations for the entire office and team of attorneys ensuring that client matters are handled promptly, professionally and effectively.
Steve concentrates part of his practice in the area of retail liability. He has defended hundreds of matters involving premises liability, retail theft, product liability and wrongful termination suits. Steve has represented numerous national retail chains including supermarkets, clothing stores, pet store chains, as well as distributors and manufacturers.
Steve is admitted to practice law in New York State Court, as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts. Steve has also litigated negligent roadway design cases in the New York Court of Claims.
In 1994 Steve earned his B.A. degree in history from Providence College. He then attended the University of Dayton School of Law earning his juris doctor in 1997. During law school Steve was first introduced to the insurance defense industry working as a summer associate for the Law Office of Rumberger, Kirk and Caldwell in Tampa, Florida.
Honors & awards
AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
Year joined
2008
Results
New York Labor Law case dismissed.
New York Construction & Labor Law
July 25, 2019
We obtained summary judgment in New York County in a case where the plaintiff, a construction laborer, was struck by a rolling dumpster and sustained severe crush injuries to his left foot and leg. The plaintiff, the dumpster company and the subcontractors alleged our general contractor client was responsible for overall site safety. After obtaining billing and work records for the project, the client confirmed that it did not have any involvement in the project, and we moved for summary judgment.
Defense Melts Plaintiff's Snow and Ice Claim.
General Liability
December 31, 2018
We obtained summary judgment in the Supreme Court of Rockland County, New York. The plaintiff slipped and fell while walking to her mailbox during a severe winter storm in January 2016. The plaintiff initiated a lawsuit against her homeowners association and its snow removal contractor. We moved for summary judgment on behalf of the defendants, asserting that the plaintiff’s claim was barred by the storm-in-progress doctrine.
Thought Leadership
Marshall Dennehey Promotes James Cole and Sunny Sparano to Lead The Firm’s Professional Liability Department and Announces New Board of Directors Appointments
January 5, 2026
Marshall Dennehey announced today that James H.
Marshall Dennehey Announces New Office Managing Attorneys in Mount Laurel, NJ, and New York, NY
July 5, 2023
Marshall Dennehey announced today that Sharon A.
Prejudgment Interest Accruing from Date of Accident: What Will This Mean for Residents, Courts?
General Liability
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Litigation
April 13, 2023
Publications
'Prejudgment Interest Accruing From Date of Accident: What Will This Mean for Residents, Courts?' New York Law Journal, April 13, 2023
'Federal Court Notice Standard in Premises Cases,' The New York Law Journal, March 2, 2015
'Guidelines on Dealing With Suspected Shoplifters,' New York Law Journal, May 19, 2014
Classes/ Seminars Taught
Successful Strategies for Effective Mediation, Marshall Dennehey Client Seminar, July 20, 2022
Civil Litigation State of Affairs - The Impact of COVID-19 in New York and Connecticut & What’s Next, Marshall Dennehey Client Webinar, May, 2021
Jurisdictional Trends & The COVID-19 Impact on FL NY NJ & PA, Marshall Dennehey Virtual Client Presentation, December, 2020
