Shareholder

Telephone: (713) 336-7203
Mobile: (713) 412-1399
E-Mail:  jstepp@ss-pc.com

Born: Trinity, Texas, February 20, 1955.

Admissions: Texas 1981; Supreme Court of the United States, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; US District Court. Southern District of Texas, US District Court Eastern District.

Education: University of Texas (B.S., 1978); St. Mary's University of San Antonio (J.D. 1980), Professional Activities; Law Clerk, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Honorable Owen Cox, and Honorable Hayden Head (1980-1982), American Bar Association (Vice-Chair, Aviation and Space Law Committee, 1997-2002), State Bar of Texas, Maritime Law Association of the United States, Defense Research Institute; Instructor in Maritime Law at Texas A&M University Galveston, from 1982-1987.

Mr. Stepp has experience in the specialized areas of Maritime Law, Aviation Law, Products Liability and negligence.  He is a seasoned trial lawyer with many state and federal court decisions to his credit.  He has worked extensively in personal injury and death actions and in determining insurance coverage issues in reference to maritime and aviation clients and claims.  Furthermore, he commands expertise in issues relating to surges, allisions, collisions, cargo damage, third party liability, and both direct and third party liability issues relating to the Longshore & Harbor Worker's Compensation Act.

Mr. Stepp has defended owners, charterers, operators, and underwriters in litigation involving airlines, private airplanes and helicopters.  He has also defended airlines and underwriters in personal injury actions, cargo claims, hull claims and contractual disputes.  He has also worked extensively in determining insurance issues.