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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Quick answer
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
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Class Action
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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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.
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.
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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.
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