Steven A. Burkhart is a commercial attorney and litigator with international experience. His background managing diverse teams of lawyers, engineers, scientists, and finance professionals helps him facilitate cross-functional teamwork and promote collaboration, resulting in innovative solutions for his clients. His global business experience helps him serve as a trusted adviser, allowing for greater partnership as he and his clients work toward meeting organizational objectives.
Steve’s experience includes antitrust, compliance, corporate governance, employment, ethics, government relations, insurance, intellectual property, manufacturing, mergers and acquisitions, and product liability. He is a recognized legal authority in commercial litigation, employment, insurance, intellectual property, internal investigations, product liability, and risk management matters. As general counsel, he led his organization’s front-line litigation efforts.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Led acquisition team purchasing a startup company from venture capital investors
- Led entrepreneurial research team responsible for launching alternative energy products
- Completed joint development and technology sharing agreements with large consumer technology companies
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Professional Activities
Director and President, U.S. Lighter Association, 2018-present
Director, Writing Instruments Manufacturing Association, 2019-2020
Director and Chair, PLAC, 2010-2020
Convener, TC61/SC4/WG10 International Organization for Standardization 2011-present
Recognition & Accomplishments
Legal 500, Dispute resolution - Product liability, mass tort and class action - automotive/transport - defense, 2023, 2024
U.S. Patent 10,374,449 (2019)—Inventor, battery charging/ignition device
Speaking Engagements
Product Liability, Insurance, Crisis Prevention, and Risk Management Conference, 2003-present
PLAC—The Communications Decency Act: Evolving Landscape and Uncertain Future, 2020
Board Memberships & Community Service
Director, JMP Foundation Connecticut, February 2021-present
The Trademark Lawyer, 2019-present
SLS Insurance Company, 2013-present
Publications
“Trademark Infringement Isn’t Just Bad Business—Sometimes It’s Dangerous," The Trademark Lawyer, Issue 1, 2019
Related Insights
Credentials
Education
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law (J.D. 1989)
Health Law Journal
Law and Public Policy Scholarship
University of Washington (B.A. 1986)
Admissions
Maryland