Steve applies a personal approach when representing clients in a full range of corporate matters. Steve primarily focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, financing, and securities placements for middle market corporations as well as banks, credit unions, financial groups, family offices, and sports franchises. In addition to providing a wide range of corporate services, his practice also encompasses representing clients on bankruptcy issues and includes advising lawyers across the region on their clients’ financially distressed businesses; playing an instrumental role in the reorganization of businesses; and being appointed as counsel for creditor committees.
Steve speaks at conferences and seminars on topics related to business law and sports, and most recently taught a class at University of Miami Law School titled “Representing a Professional Sports Franchise.” He also provides commentary on business issues as a regular guest on WCCO talk radio in Minneapolis. Steve's writing credits include a chapter in the international publication Sports Law Review, which was updated to a fourth edition in 2019.
Steve is among two Cozen O’Connor attorneys credited with the 2010 launch of the Bankruptcy Clinic at the University of St. Thomas Law School - Minnesota. The clinic, which was developed in conjunction with the University’s School of Social Work and Graduate School of Psychology, provides pro bono bankruptcy services and counseling to indigent people.
Steve's professional memberships include the Hennepin County Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin, The Florida Bar, American Association for Justice, and Turnaround Management Association. He has received numerous recognitions during his career, including receiving an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal ability, as well as being named to Law & Politics magazine’s 1999 Rising Star list. Since 2002, Steve has been consecutively recognized as a “Super Lawyer” and was also named among the 2011 “Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyers” by Minnesota Super Lawyers.
Steve most recently served on the firm’s Board of Directors for two consecutive three-year terms and is committed to giving back to the community. He currently serves on the board of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, Bolder Options, The Jack Brewer Foundation, and Sanneh Foundation. He is the former board chairman of the Sanneh Foundation, an academic enrichment program that is in all St. Paul schools, as well as some in Minneapolis schools, which assists more than 6,000 children annually.