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Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius, Business Attorney in Houston, Texas

focused on Business, Class Action, and Litigation

Houston, TX

Trusted business attorney serving Houston.

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Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Litigation.

Based in
Houston, TEXAS
Experience
attorney
Known for
Business · Class Action · Litigation
  • Handles Business, Class Action, and Litigation matters from Houston, TEXAS.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius: Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Litigation.

Areas of practice

Stephen's practice areas in Houston

Stephen concentrates on business, class action, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Houston, Texas

Stephen takes business matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Houston, Texas

Stephen takes class action matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Houston, Texas

Stephen takes litigation matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Houston, Texas

Stephen takes product liability matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius, business attorney serving Houston

Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Litigation. Stephen works from Houston, Texas and takes on business matters across the region.

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.

Working with Stephen on a business matter

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…

Clients Stephen works with

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and litigation matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices

  • The University of Texas

    J.D. · 1991

  • Georgetown University

    B.S. · 1988

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

  • Texas, State Bar of

    ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in The University of Texas and B.S. in Georgetown University.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in The University of Texas and B.S. in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Stephen's legal honors and published work

Stephen has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell: AV Peer Review Rated

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers by Thompson Reuters (2011–present)

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell: AV Peer Review Rated (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers by Thompson Reuters (2011–present) (2026).

Locations

Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius's office in Houston

Stephen's primary office is at 600 Travis Street, Houston, Texas, 77002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

600 Travis Street

Houston, Texas 77002

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius

Stephen has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius can leave a review.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen

Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen M. "Steve" Fernelius

  • How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

    Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Houston?

    Stephen is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Stephen accepting new business clients right now?

    Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

Stephen handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.