SM

Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz, Insurance Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, GA

Trusted insurance attorney serving Atlanta.

Practices in

Are you Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz is an attorney based in Atlanta, GEORGIA. The practice focuses on Insurance.

Based in
Atlanta, GEORGIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Insurance
  • Handles Insurance matters from Atlanta, GEORGIA.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026).

About Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz: Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz is an attorney based in Atlanta, GEORGIA. The practice focuses on Insurance.

Areas of practice

Stephen's practice areas in Atlanta

Stephen concentrates on insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Insurance cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Stephen takes insurance matters in Atlanta, Georgia. 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" Schatz, insurance attorney serving Atlanta

Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz is an attorney based in Atlanta, GEORGIA. The practice focuses on Insurance. Stephen works from Atlanta, Georgia and takes on insurance matters across the region.

Stephen “Steve” M. Schatz is a skilled litigator with more than 30 years of experience handling an array of litigation matters that include first- and third-party coverage, construction defects, arson and fraud, bad faith, environmental law, property insurance disputes, products liability, toxic torts and general liability defense.

Throughout his career, Steve has handled a multitude of complex coverage issues under commercial general liability, excess and umbrella, reinsurance, auto, specialty lines, D&O, disability, pollution, professional liability and personal lines insurance policies. He often represents third-party insurers in coverage matters where a case is brought by or against an insured or another insurer, and Steve has successfully pursued nearly a thousand of these cases in state and federal courts.

Steve primarily represents insurance companies who underwrite large exposure policies for commercial entities or individuals in the general liability, property and professional liability arenas. He also represents insurance companies faced with claims of bad faith in connection to claims handling and decisions, as well as time-limited demands for policy limits.

Another of his areas of practice is pursuing and defending against tenders for defense, indemnification and additional insured coverage.

Steve understands that a business’ reputation is often the most valuable asset they have. He looks at the big picture and makes sure the end result of a case lines up with the overall goals of his clients’ businesses. Whether he is handling a mediation, settlement or trial, Steve finesses a plan of attack to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved. He treats all cases with the same vigilance, regardless of “how many zeroes” are involved.

Steve is a dedicated, hard-working and “high motor” litigator who recognizes that with active pursuance comes favorable results. If his clients are on a tight deadline, he works tirelessly to achieve the results they desire. He values his client relationships and makes himself available whenever they need him.

Steve is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, the Georgia Fire Investigators Association and the Southern Loss Association. He co-leads the coverage and commercial litigation practice team, co-chairs the Expansion Committee and is a former managing partner.

Stephen's approach to insurance cases

Stephen “Steve” M. Schatz is a skilled litigator with more than 30 years of experience handling an array of litigation matters that include first- and third-party coverage, construction defects, arson and fraud, bad faith, environmental law, property insurance disputes, products liability, toxic torts and general liability defense. Throughout his career, Steve has handled a multitude of complex…

Clients Stephen works with

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for insurance matters in Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices

  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    J.D. · 1988

Stephen studied at J.D. in The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Georgia 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 — Litigation - Insurance

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19 (2026).

Locations

Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz's office in Atlanta

Stephen's primary office is at 1420 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1420 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 800

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz

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" Schatz can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

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

Working with a new insurance 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 insurance attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many insurance 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 insurance practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every insurance 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 insurance practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen M. "Steve" Schatz

  • How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a insurance 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 insurance attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.

  • How long do insurance cases in Georgia typically take?

    Simple insurance 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 Atlanta?

    Stephen is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia 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 insurance 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

Insurance attorneys serving Atlanta, Marietta and Savannah in Georgia

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

More counsel

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