Steven L. Highlander, General Attorney in Austin, Texas
focused on General and IP
Austin, TX
Trusted general attorney serving Austin.
- 1
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Quick answer
Steven L. Highlander is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on General and IP. Currently practicing at pH IP Law PLLC.
- Based in
- Austin, TEXAS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- General · IP
- Handles General and IP matters from Austin, TEXAS.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin) (2023).
About Steven L. Highlander: Steven L. Highlander is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on General and IP. Currently practicing at pH IP Law PLLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Steven takes on
Steven concentrates on general and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Austin, Texas
Steven takes general matters in Austin, 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Austin, Texas
Steven takes ip matters in Austin, 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Steven L. Highlander — general lawyer in Austin
Steven L. Highlander is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on General and IP. Currently practicing at pH IP Law PLLC.
Steven Highlander’s practice focuses on portfolio management for universities, non-profits and small to mid-sized corporate clients. Preparation and filing of patent applications, as well as prosecution of these cases, makes up the bulk of his docket. He also has considerable opinion experience for patentability, validity, infringement and inventorship disputes. Dr. Highlander has also been involved in over 20 interference proceedings, including several garnering Federal Circuit review.
Disciplines with which Dr. Highlander is familiar include organic chemistry, gene therapy, viral delivery systems, immunoassays, food science, PCR technology, cellular immunology, chemotherapy, drug screening, animal and plant breeding programs, cancer diagnosis, monoclonal antibodies, radio-therapy and radio-imaging, medical devices, tumor suppressors, and lymphokines.
Dr. Highlander’s graduate work involved structure-function studies on herpesviral surface proteins. As such, he is familiar with such disciplines as cell biology, protein biochemistry, molecular biology (including recombinant DNA work), gene regulation, genetics, immunology (including immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy), pharmacology, medicine, and viral pathology.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS
- American Bar Association
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Austin Intellectual Property Law Association
- Travis County Bar Association
- Association of University Technology Managers
- University of Texas School of Law, adjunct professor (2002-2012)
- The Best Lawyers in America, Biotechnology Law, Intellectual Property Law (2010)
- Patent Strategies for Therapuetic RNAi. Highlander SL, Wohlers TM. Expert Op. Ther. Patents 2008 18(11):1289-98
- “Patent Law” in RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT, ed. Kulakowski & Chronister, Jones & Bartlett (Mississauga, Ontario CA), 2006
- In re Baird: Is the Controversy Really Warranted? 13 Biotechnology Law Report 265 (No. 3, May-June 1994)
- Patent Law Meets Science and Fails: The In re Bell Fiasco. 13 Biotechnology Law Report 469 (Number 4, July-August 1994)
- The (F)utility of Biotechnology Inventions. 13 Biotechnology Law Report 609 (Number 5, September-October, 1994)
- “Patent Challenges for Therapeutic RNAi,” Cambridge Health Institutes’ RNAi for Functional Screens, Boston MA, November 4, 2010
- “Patent Strategies for Therapeutic RNAi,” ASIA-Tides Oligonucleotide and Peptide Conference, Tokyo, Japan, February 24, 2010
- “Patent Challenges for Therapeutic RNAi,” Cambridge Health Institutes’ RNA Interference: From Tools to Therapies, San Francisco, CA, February 5, 2010
- 1992 – J.D., cum laude, University of Michigan Law School
- 1988 – Ph.D., with honors, University of Michigan
- 1983 – B.A., summa cum laude, Central Missouri State University
- Texas Historical Commission, commissioner, appointment by Governor Rick Perry (2009- 2015)
- Admiral Nimitz Foundation, board of directors (2011 – 2014)
PROFESSIONAL HONORS
PUBLICATIONS
SPEECHES
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
BAR ADMISSION
Dr. Highlander is a member of the Texas, Virginia, and District of Columbia bars and is admitted to practice before the Federal Circuit and the United States Patent Office.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Working with Steven on a general matter
Steven Highlander’s practice focuses on portfolio management for universities, non-profits and small to mid-sized corporate clients. Preparation and filing of patent applications, as well as prosecution of these cases, makes up the bulk of his docket. He also has considerable opinion experience for patentability, validity, infringement and inventorship disputes. Dr. Highlander has also been…
Who Steven represents
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and ip matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1992
University of Central Missouri
BA · 1983
Jurisdictions
Steven's state bar admissions
Texas, State Bar of
ACTIVE
Steven studied at J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School and BA in University of Central Missouri.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School and BA in University of Central Missouri. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Steven has received 9 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Austin)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Austin)
2015
Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin)
2013
Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Austin)
2013
Best Lawyers in America — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Austin) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin) (2017). Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Austin) (2015). Lawyer of the Year — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (Austin) (2013).
Locations
Steven L. Highlander's office in Austin
Steven's primary office is at 1120 South Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, Texas, 78746. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Steven L. Highlander
Steven 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 Steven L. Highlander — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Austin, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Steven
Steven discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Steven's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Steven L. Highlander
How much does it cost to hire Steven for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Texas typically take?
Simple general 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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Austin?
Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?
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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new general clients right now?
Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Steven handles general matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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