Steve holds an undergraduate degree in architecture and is a licensed architect. His law practice is concentrated in the area of construction contract disputes, mechanics and materialman's liens and payment bond claims and insurance coverage for construction claims. Steve has represented general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, developers and owners in a variety of construction related matters for over 21 years in State and Federal Court as well as in arbitration proceedings. Steve is AV® Peer Review Rated by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell.

• Obtained reversal of judgment against general contractor for $1.4 million in connection with subcontractor claim for concealed conditions. Reported case: Millgard Corp. v. McKee/Mays,49 F3d 1070 (5th Circuit 1995).


• Acted as local counsel for national construction company in insurance coverage dispute involving multi-million dollar claim for property damage and thousands of personal injury claims related to mold in an elementary school.


• Represented national engineering firm in defense of multi-million dollar engineering negligence claim, limiting payment by client to a nominal amount.


• Provided pro bono legal services to Dallas Bar Association in connection with architectural and construction contract negotiations and contract administration for $11 million addition to Dallas Bar Association headquarters and conference facility.


• Worked with state representative Burt Solomons on substantial revisions to the Texas Property Code mechanic’s and materialman’s lien law passed by Texas 75th Legislature, 1997.

• J.D., Southern Methodist University, 1987


• B.Arch., University of Arkansas, 1980

• Member, State Bar of Texas, 1987-present
• Construction Law Section 1987


• Member, American Bar Association
• ABA Construction Law Forum


• Member, Dallas Bar Association
• Dallas Bar Construction Law Section


• Licensed Architect, Texas


• Member, American Institute of Architects


• Member, College of the State Bar of Texas


• Member, American Arbitration Association Commercial Panel of Neutrals

• Co-author, Texas Lien and Bond Claims Handbook, published by the Dallas Bar Construction Law Section.


• Co-author, O’Connor’s Property Code Plus, published by Jones McClure Publishing.


• Speaker, "Perfecting a Public Bond Claim: State and Federal" and "Recent Developments in Construction Lien Law" presented annually for Lorman Education Services since 1996.


• Speaker, "Mechanics’ and Materialmans’ Liens, an Overview and Guide to Recent Changes" 13th Annual Construction Law Conference, February 17, 2000.


• Speaker, "Indemnity and Insurance for Contractors" Lorman Education Services, November 2, 2000.


• Speaker, "Primer on Payment Bond Claims" North Lake College - Construction Technology Division and Construction Education Foundation, June 26, 2001.


• Speaker, "Texas Mechanics Lien Law - Beyond the Basics" 15th Annual Construction Law Conference, February 15, 2002.


• Speaker, "Sources of Payment for Contract Claims and Third-Party Liability" Lorman Education Services, February 28, 2003.


• Speaker, "Texas Mechanics Lien Law Update" 18th Annual Construction Law Conference, March, 2005.


• Speaker, "AIA A201 General Conditions - Comments, Tips and Traps" 2005 Advanced Real Estate Drafting Course, March 10, 2005.


• Speaker, "Texas Mechanic’s Lien Law - The Basics" Texas Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Basic Course in Texas Construction Law, October 6, 2005 and October 17, 2008.