Biography
Stephen’s broad representative background allows him to understand the individual, unique needs of each client and work to deliver solutions in their respective matters. His career has afforded him the great opportunity to represent many different clients including Fortune 500 companies, public utilities, financial institutions, small businesses, entrepreneurs, developers, government entities, religious organizations, ethnic grocery stores, schools, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and homeowners and condominium associations.
Stephen concentrates his practice on environmental and energy matters. Stephen assists clients with:
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Negotiating environmental issues in complex U.S. and international transactions.
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Remediating contaminated property under federal and state environmental programs.
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Complying with environmental permits.
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Developing renewable energy projects.
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Defending against environmental liability suits in state and federal court.
Before joining Blank Rome, Stephen practiced with a Pittsburgh-area real estate law firm, where he focused on real estate, zoning, land use, and other transactional and litigation matters.
During law school, Stephen received a focus of study certificate in environmental law and policy and represented the University of Pittsburgh at the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition. Stephen completed internships with the Pitt Law Environmental Law Clinic and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. Also, Stephen was a legal extern for President Judge Emeritus Kate Ford Elliott of the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
Earlier in his career, Stephen was a policy manager for the Mayor’s Office of the City of Pittsburgh, where he worked with government, nonprofit, business, school district, and community stakeholders to improve educational outcomes for students, enhance neighborhood development initiatives, and reduce crime.
Outside the Firm
Stephen has participated in numerous leadership programs and volunteer activities. He was part of both the Allegheny County Bar Association’s and Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiatives.
A two-sport athlete in college, Stephen was a two-year starter on the football team, earning ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District distinction, and was a captain of the track and field team. Stephen currently volunteers for his local YMCA and is a member of its Property Committee.
Stephen lives outside of Philadelphia with his wife and two kids. Although he now lives in Philadelphia, Stephen is true to his Pittsburgh roots and maintains his avid Pittsburgh sports allegiances.
News & Views
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Event
Tenth Annual Energy Industry Update: Innovating | Adapting | Advancing
Blank Rome-Hosted EventSusan L. Bickley, Andrew P. Cross, Ryan A. Haddad, Margaret Anne Hill, Matthew D. Lea, Keith B. Letourneau
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Blog Post
Climate Change Litigation—State Tort Cases Move Ahead
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Event
Ninth Annual Energy Industry Update: Energy in Transition: Challenges and Opportunities
Blank Rome-Hosted EventYelena M. Barychev, Andrew P. Cross, Robert L. Handler, Margaret Anne Hill, Lamiya N. Rahman, Michael I. Sanders
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Deal
Blank Rome Represents Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation in Its Acquisition of L&M Radiator
Maria Trainor, Kathryn C. Appling, Tyler J. Hill, Travis J. Cuomo, Zachary A. Aria, Margaret Anne Hill
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Deal
Blank Rome Represents Tallgrass MLP Operations, LLC in its Acquisition of Ruby Pipeline, LLC
David E. Kronenberg, Emanuel Faust, John E. Lucian, Regina Stango Kelbon, Nina Bianchi Skinner, Ashley N. Catalano-Leckerman
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Event
Eighth Annual Energy Industry Update: Connecting | Collaborating | Evolving
Yelena M. Barychev, Susan L. Bickley, James S. Carter, Jennifer J. Daniels, Margaret Anne Hill, Sharon R. Klein
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Blog Post
Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Authority under the Clean Air Act
Energy and Environmental Trends WatchMargaret Anne Hill, Frank L. Tamulonis III, Stephen C. Zumbrun
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Deal
Blank Rome Represents Balmoral Funds Affiliate in Its Take-Private Acquisition of Trecora Resources
Kipp B. Cohen, Alan H. Lieblich, John A. Meehan, Peter M. Melampy, Cory G. Jacobs, Margaret Anne Hill
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Deal
Blank Rome Represents Reaction Biology Corporation in Growth Investment from Cobepa
Francis E. Dehel, Tyler J. Hill, Jourdan S. Garvey, Jeffrey M. Rosenfeld, Stephen C. Zumbrun, Daniel S. Morris
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Deal
Blank Rome Represents Breakthru Beverage Group in Its Acquisition of Major Brands, Inc.
Malcolm I. Ross, Maria Trainor, Joseph T. Gulant, Margaret Anne Hill, Mary Ann Knoeckel, Alex C. Nisenbaum
Recognitions
2021–2022, Ones to Watch, Environmental Law, listed in Best Lawyers in America©
Affiliations
Stephen is a member of the 2020 cohort of the Environmental Law Institute’s Emerging Leaders Initiative, which was formed to connect, support, and foster dialogue amongst the next generation of rising stars in environmental law and policy. The Emerging Leaders are a diverse group selected from across the country and from a variety of practices to further bring together those who will shape the future of environmental law and policy.
Credentials
Admissions
- Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court - Western District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Western District of Pennsylvania
Education
- The College of Wooster, BA, cum laude
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law, JD, cum laude