Stephen D Susman PC

When facing complex, high-stakes commercial disputes, businesses and individuals across Texas understand that effective legal representation can be the deciding factor between success and significant financial or reputational loss. In the vibrant and competitive legal landscape of Houston, having access to an attorney with a proven track record of innovation, aggressive advocacy, and landmark victories is paramount. This article delves into the legacy and practice of Stephen D. Susman PC, a name synonymous with trial excellence and groundbreaking approaches to commercial litigation, offering insights into their Houston location, the specialized services they provide, and their enduring commitment to achieving outstanding results for clients.

The world of commercial litigation is inherently challenging, often involving intricate factual scenarios, complex legal precedents, and formidable opposing counsel. Stephen D. Susman, the visionary behind Susman Godfrey, was a pioneer in the legal industry, fundamentally changing how large commercial cases are handled by championing the use of contingency fees—a model traditionally limited to personal injury cases. This innovative approach allowed clients, regardless of their financial might, to pursue justice against even the largest corporations. His practice was built on the idea of focusing squarely on results, rather than billable hours, which resonated deeply with clients seeking a true partner in their legal battles. By choosing a legal entity associated with such a legacy, you are aligning with a philosophy that prioritizes client outcomes and efficient, impactful advocacy.

This overview will detail the prominent location of Stephen D. Susman PC in downtown Houston, the comprehensive range of commercial litigation services for which the firm established its reputation, and the distinguishing features and highlights that set this practice apart in the legal community. We will explore the various recognitions and successes that solidified Stephen D. Susman's status as a legal titan, all to help you understand why this practice, even in its enduring legacy, remains a suitable choice for businesses and individuals throughout Texas seeking premier representation in their most critical disputes. Their long-standing commitment to groundbreaking legal strategies and unwavering client dedication continue to shape their profound value to the region’s commercial landscape.

Location and Accessibility

For businesses and individuals in Texas engaged in high-stakes commercial litigation, the accessibility and strategic location of their legal counsel are of utmost importance. Stephen D. Susman PC, and the broader firm legacy it represents, is centrally located in one of Houston, Texas's most prominent business districts. The address is:

1000 Louisiana St #5100, Houston, TX 77002, USA

This address places the practice within the iconic Bank of America Center, a skyscraper recognized as one of Houston's tallest and most prestigious office buildings. This central location in downtown Houston offers unparalleled access for clients from across the city and beyond. For those utilizing public transportation, the building is conveniently located near several METRORail stops, providing efficient transit options. Clients arriving by car will find numerous parking garages available in the immediate vicinity, including those integrated within or adjacent to the Bank of America Center, ensuring convenient visits for scheduled appointments. The building itself exudes professionalism and offers a conducive environment for serious legal consultations. Being positioned in downtown also means the practice is in close proximity to federal and state courthouses, as well as major corporate headquarters and financial institutions, which is a significant advantage for the expeditious handling of complex commercial cases. This strategic and accessible location underscores the firm's commitment to providing premier legal services to its Texas clientele.

Services Offered

Stephen D. Susman PC, and the firm he founded, Susman Godfrey, is renowned for its laser focus on complex commercial litigation. While Stephen D. Susman himself passed away in 2020, the practice and its foundational principles continue to influence how high-stakes cases are handled. The services that defined his career, and continue to be offered by the firm he built, cover a broad spectrum of business disputes.

Here are the core areas of expertise for which Stephen D. Susman PC and its legacy are known:

• Antitrust Litigation: Representing both plaintiffs and defendants in complex antitrust cases, including price-fixing conspiracies, monopolization claims, and other anti-competitive practices. Stephen Susman's career began with a landmark $550 million antitrust jury verdict, setting a precedent for plaintiff-side recoveries.
• Intellectual Property Litigation: Handling disputes related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This includes representing clients in patent infringement lawsuits in federal courts and before the International Trade Commission (ITC).
• Complex Commercial Disputes: Litigating a wide array of business conflicts, such as breach of contract claims, fraud, tortious interference, and other general commercial litigation matters. This involves representing both large corporations and individuals.
• Shareholder & Securities Litigation: Addressing disputes involving shareholders, corporate governance, and securities fraud claims.
• Energy & Environmental Litigation: Representing clients in disputes within the energy sector, including those related to oil and gas contracts, environmental liabilities, and regulatory challenges.
• Class Action Litigation: Leading and defending class action lawsuits across various sectors, demonstrating expertise in managing large-scale, multi-party disputes.
• Financial Litigation: Handling complex financial disputes, including lender liability cases, investment disputes, and matters involving banking and finance.
• Appellate Litigation: Extending representation beyond trial courts to federal and state appellate courts, ensuring continuity of aggressive advocacy through all levels of the judicial system.
• Contingency Fee Representation: Pioneering and maintaining a commitment to handling a significant portion of large commercial cases on a contingency fee basis, aligning the firm's success directly with the client's recovery.

Features / Highlights

Stephen D. Susman's illustrious career and the lasting impact of Stephen D. Susman PC (and the firm he founded, Susman Godfrey) are characterized by numerous distinguishing features and highlights that solidify its reputation as a premier litigation practice in Texas and nationally:

• Pioneering Contingency Fees in Commercial Litigation: Stephen D. Susman revolutionized the legal industry by demonstrating the viability and effectiveness of handling large commercial cases on a contingency fee basis, empowering clients to pursue justice against well-funded opponents without upfront financial burdens.
• Legendary Trial Record: Stephen Susman was renowned for an extraordinary record of winning complex, high-profile cases for both plaintiffs and defendants. Notable victories include a $550 million antitrust jury verdict in 1980, a $1.1 billion settlement for Texas Instruments in a breach of contract dispute, and a $536 million jury verdict for GHR Energy.
• "Lawyer of the Year" and "Lifetime Achiever" Accolades: Stephen D. Susman received numerous prestigious awards, including "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation: Antitrust/Houston (2012) and "Regional Litigator of the Year – South" by Benchmark Litigation (2014). He was also honored as a "Lifetime Achiever" by both Texas Lawyer (2015) and American Lawyer (2016), recognizing his immense contributions to the legal profession.
• Focus on Practical Results: The core philosophy emphasizes achieving tangible results for clients rather than focusing on billable hours, aligning the interests of the firm and the client.
• "Trial by Agreement" Philosophy: Stephen Susman was known for promoting "Susman Agreements" (via TrialbyAgreement.com), a set of pretrial and trial agreements designed to streamline litigation, reduce costs, and increase civility in the courtroom. This innovative approach sought to improve the efficiency and affordability of trials.
• National Recognition: Consistently ranked among the top litigation attorneys in the United States by various legal publications and organizations, including The National Law Journal (Top 10 litigators, 2006) and Legal Media Group's Expert Guides (Top Thirty Litigation Attorneys in the United1States, 2013).
• Deep Commitment to the Jury System: Stephen Susman was a strong advocate for the civil jury system, even donating $2 million to establish and fund The Civil Jury Project at NYU Law School to investigate why less than one percent of federal civil cases were decided by a jury.
• Elite Legal Talent: The firm associated with Stephen D. Susman PC (Susman Godfrey) is known for hiring only top-tier legal talent, often requiring federal clerkship experience, ensuring that clients benefit from attorneys with unique insights into judicial processes.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on publicly available information regarding Stephen D. Susman PC and its associated firm, Susman Godfrey, there are no specific ongoing promotions or special offers advertised for their legal services in the traditional sense. This is characteristic of a premier commercial litigation firm that specializes in high-stakes and complex cases.

However, a key distinguishing feature and an implicit "offer" that Stephen D. Susman championed was the innovative use of contingency fee arrangements for large commercial litigation. While not a "promotion" in the typical consumer sense, this business model was revolutionary and served as a significant advantage for clients who might not have had the upfront capital to pursue claims against well-resourced opponents. This approach aligns the firm's financial success directly with the client's success, creating a powerful incentive for optimal outcomes.

For potential clients in Texas interested in retaining the expertise of a practice built on this philosophy for complex commercial litigation, the recommended approach is to directly contact the Houston office. During an initial consultation, the firm's representatives would discuss their fee structures, which, for many commercial cases, may indeed include contingency fee options, aligning with the legacy of Stephen D. Susman's pioneering work in this area. Transparent communication about fees and potential arrangements is standard practice.

Contact Information

For businesses and individuals in Texas requiring elite legal assistance in complex commercial litigation, antitrust matters, or intellectual property disputes, connecting with Stephen D. Susman PC's legacy firm is straightforward. Their Houston office is prepared to address inquiries and schedule consultations to discuss your specific legal needs.

Here are the direct contact details:

• Address: 1000 Louisiana St #5100, Houston, TX 77002, USA
• Phone: (713) 653-7801
• Mobile Phone: +1 713-653-7801

The provision of both a primary office phone number and a mobile number indicates a commitment to client accessibility and responsiveness, which is particularly crucial in fast-moving and high-stakes litigation. When contacting the office, it is advisable to have a concise summary of your legal matter prepared. This will assist the firm's staff in efficiently directing your inquiry to the appropriate legal professional and ensure that the team is well-prepared for your initial discussion. Timely and clear communication is a hallmark of effective legal representation, and these contact points facilitate that vital first step.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For businesses and individuals throughout Texas, particularly those within the sprawling and economically vital Houston metropolitan area, Stephen D. Susman PC and the enduring legacy of the firm it represents, offer an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous choice for their most complex commercial litigation needs. This practice stands out due to its foundational commitment to innovation, aggressive advocacy, and a results-oriented approach that has consistently delivered landmark victories.

The strategic location of their office in the Bank of America Center in downtown Houston ensures seamless accessibility for local clients. This central position not only simplifies commutes from across the region but also places the firm in close proximity to critical federal and state courthouses, as well as major corporate headquarters, which is a significant operational advantage in managing high-stakes commercial disputes. More profoundly, the practice's historical emphasis on contingency fee arrangements for large commercial cases means that Texas clients can pursue justice against formidable opponents without the prohibitive upfront financial burdens often associated with such litigation. This aligns the firm's success directly with the client's, fostering a true partnership.

The legacy of Stephen D. Susman is built on decades of unparalleled trial experience, a pioneering spirit in legal practice, and a commitment to winning. This robust foundation ensures that any client engaging with this practice benefits from an unwavering dedication to achieving optimal outcomes. Whether navigating complex antitrust claims, intellectual property disputes, or intricate commercial contract breaches, Stephen D. Susman PC represents a standard of excellence, strategic acumen, and dedicated advocacy necessary to achieve positive results and provide peace of mind for the Texas business community.