Stephen M. Forte

Stephen M. Forte is a distinguished trial attorney and law firm leader who advises organizations on high-stakes disputes, regulatory exposure, and enterprise-level litigation risk. He combines courtroom strength with practical business judgment to help clients resolve complex matters efficiently while protecting long-term strategic objectives. He has served as lead counsel in more than 300 jury and bench trials, arbitrations, and appeals, with a practice focused on class action defense, nationwide complex litigation, and bet-the-company disputes.

In addition to maintaining a significant litigation practice, Steve has served as Managing Partner and Chairman since 1994, overseeing the firm’s strategic expansion to 14 domestic and international offices and helping advance its national reputation and standing in the AmLaw 200. He also mentors attorneys and guides partners on client service, practice development, and succession planning, while leading firmwide initiatives focused on client experience, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. Clients value his direct communication, decisive leadership, and ability to deliver results under pressure.

Steve's Practice

Representative Matters

• Lead counsel in multiple cases against corporate clients alleging $100 million in tort damages.  Summary Judgment granted in all cases; affirmed on appeal.
• Defended hospitality chain that partially ceased operations during the pandemic in bet the Company litigation that resulted in complete dismissal without payment by Clients.
• Lead counsel representing corporate clients in a four-year government investigation resulting in no penalties, fines or prosecutions by the government.

• National Airline – Antitrust & Securities Class Actions: Lead defense counsel in Sherman Act and related class action securities claims; achieved complete dismissal of all class claims on behalf of the client.

• International Financial Institution – Multi-Venue Litigation: Successfully defended a major international bank in three jurisdictions against claims exceeding $50 million; prevailed at trial and on appeal with no recovery for plaintiff.

• Nationwide Lender – Class Action (Case of First Impression): Secured reversal by the state Supreme Court, resulting in a ruling that no private right of action existed, and judgment entered in favor of the lender.

• Public Company – Earn-Out Dispute: Achieved $14 million arbitration award in a post-closing earn-out litigation against another public company.

• Telecommunications Company – Federal Jury Trial: Served as lead plaintiff’s counsel; jury returned verdict for substantial damages, followed by a client-favorable post-trial settlement covering all compensatory damages.

• Real Estate & Development Clients – Class Action Jury Trial: Defended resort developers through a six-week jury trial; secured verdict in favor of defendants on the majority of claims with no monetary damages awarded.

• Construction Client – Contract Litigation: Obtained $5+ million verdict for a major general contractor and a complete defense win on counterclaims.