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Steven Augustine has a diverse practice that includes the representation of both companies and individuals in professional malpractice, product liability, catastrophic injury, and commercial disputes.

Steve also advises personal and commercial lines insurance carriers on coverage issues and defends them in coverage actions arising out of personal injury, environmental pollution, construction defect, and property damage claims.

He has successfully defended numerous grievances and administrative complaints brought by various licensing agencies, including the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and the Texas State Board of Certified Public Accountancy (TSBPA).

Steve also provides counsel on employment matters, risk avoidance, and regulatory compliance. He is licensed in both Texas and South Carolina.


Background

Steve has experience defending ERISA lawsuits. His clients include Fortune 500 companies, insurers, lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, financial advisors, employee welfare benefit plans and third-party administrators, property owners associations, and small and large businesses.

Steve has first and second-chair trial, administrative hearing, and arbitration experience and has also handled numerous matters on appeal. He also has extensive state and federal court experience, including defending clients in class actions, multidistrict litigation, qui tam lawsuits, and other complex matters.

Steve frequently represents clients in administrative hearings and provides advice to clients navigating complicated state and federal regulatory disputes

Representative Experience

Obtained a take nothing verdict in a lawsuit between a lawyer and his former law firm.

Obtained summary judgment for a law firm client related to a failed $14 million dollar transaction involving non-performing loans.

Obtained dismissal with prejudice in an ERISA lawsuit on behalf of an employee benefits consulting company.

Defended and negotiated a favorable settlement on behalf of a CPA and auditing firm in a $72 million qui tam suit related to alleged violations of the False Claims Act.

Obtained summary judgment for a law firm in suit alleging malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and violations of the DTPA arising out of underlying medical malpractice and product liability claims.

Negotiated a favorable settlement of a class action lawsuit against a national apartment management company over alleged statutory violations.

Professional Liability

Obtained a dismissal of the turnover of a legal malpractice claim and prevailed in the subsequent appeal.

Obtained summary judgment in favor of a law firm involved in a wrongful foreclosure and unfair debt collection practices lawsuit.

Obtained a dismissal for lack of personal jurisdiction for a financial advisor in a malpractice and fraud lawsuit.

Represented tax professionals, accountants, and financial advisors in lawsuits involving Internal Revenue Code Sections 412(i) and 419(e).

Obtained mandamus relief ordering a trial court to lift an abatement of a legal malpractice lawsuit.

Obtained a take nothing verdict in an accounting malpractice case arising out of a multi-million dollar divorce.Obtained summary judgment in favor of an attorney who had been sued for alleged invasions of privacy arising out of an underlying medical malpractice lawsuit.

Obtained summary judgment in favor of a law firm involved in a wrongful foreclosure and unfair debt collection practices lawsuit.

Defended a local car dealership in a jury trial against allegations of fraud.

Represented a property management company in wrongful death case stemming from an apartment fire.

Obtained a dismissal for lack of personal jurisdiction for a financial advisor in a malpractice and fraud lawsuit.

Negotiated a resolution to a national restaurant chain's lease dispute with its commercial landlord.

Represented tax professionals, accountants, and financial advisors in lawsuits involving Internal Revenue Code Sections 412(i) and 419(e).

Related Resources

Related Services

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Education, Admissions & Activities

Education

Baylor University School of Law

J.D., 2008

The University of Texas at Austin

B.S., with highest honors, 2002

Bar Admissions

South Carolina

2015

Texas

2008

Court Admissions

United States District Court of Texas

Southern and Eastern

United Staes District Court of South Carolina

Professional and Community Activities

State Bar of Texas, Insurance Law Section

Defense Research Institute

Houston Bar Association

Richland County Bar Association