Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius

Steve Fernelius successfully handles high-profile and complex litigation, especially matters that come under intense public scrutiny. He has a sophisticated understanding of how cases affect his clients’ business, and he does everything he can to resolve his clients’ problems.

His work for clients includes representing an international oil and gas company in three separate trials from 2005 to 2009 involving a catastrophic explosion at one of its oil refineries, which ultimately resulted in the favorable settlement of hundreds of personal injury claims. He also obtained a jury verdict in favor of a domestic oil company that was sued for failing to provide adequate security for four employees who were attacked on assignment in Southern Asia.

A self-described people person, Steve wants to know what judges, opposing counsel and jurors are thinking so he can do his job better and achieve the best result for his client.

Notable Matters

• Represented a Fortune 100 energy company in an arbitration involving a $150 million breach of warranty claim against a product and service provider.
• Defended a client in federal court in Wisconsin against dozens of claims of personal injuries arising from exposure to lead in residential paint.
• Obtained a multimillion-dollar settlement for a Houston oil company in arbitration with its bank, one of the largest financial institutions in the world.