Thomas G. Steele

Of Counsel

Biography

Tom brings over 36 years of litigation and dispute resolution experience to clients in a variety of industries, with an emphasis in employment, personal injury, construction, mediation, and arbitration.

As a veteran trial lawyer, Tom has tried approximately 100 civil cases to verdict throughout his career. He is highly sought after for his conflict resolution skills, and has served as the mediator in over 1,000 matters throughout West Virginia. In addition to his litigation practice, Tom is available for alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration of pending lawsuits, as well as in-house and pre-suit conflicts.

Representative Experience

Represented developer in multi-plaintiff student housing litigation
Represented commercial property owner in defense of mold exposure claims
Represented multiple and various homeowners in defense of claims involving injury or death
Represented multiple and various motor vehicle operators in car accident litigation
Represented student in defense of serious personal injury claim arising from altercation
Represented book printer in case involving claims of copyright infringement
Successfully prosecuted and defended dram shop liability claims
Testified at trial as expert witness in insurance bad faith claim
Served as state court discovery commissioner in matters involving attorney-client and peer review privilege

Licensed In

West Virginia

Education

J.D. West Virginia University College of Law

B.A. West Virginia University

Memberships

The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (2015-Present)
Education Chair, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, West Virginia State Bar
Executive Editor, Law Review, West Virginia University (1988)
Past President, Harrison County Bar Association

Achievements

Former Member, Athletic Council, West Virginia University
Public Address Announcer, West Virginia University Baseball
Local School Improvement Council, Simpson Elementary School
Announcer, Bridgeport Challenger League Baseball
Former Coach, Youth and High School Basketball
Former Official, WVSSAC Basketball
Former Secretary/Treasurer, Mon Valley Basketball Association
Former RESA Substitute Teacher, Harrison County Schools
Former Vice President, Board of Directors, WorkAble Industries, Inc.

Speaking Engagements

Panelist, “Making the Most of Your Mediation,” West Virginia State Bar Advanced Mediation (July 2019)
Panel Lecturer, “Tips on how to Prevail Before the Discovery Commissioner,” West Virginia Association for Justice (June 2018)
“It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over – Dealing with Impasse,” West Virginia State Bar (July 2016)
Lecturer, “Lien on Me,” West Virginia State Bar for Advanced Mediation (July 2012)

Publications

Co-Author, “Advice from Both the Mediator’s and Advocate’s Perspectives,” The West Virginia Lawyer (Spring 2022)
“Lemley v. Barr: Who Gets Baby Ryan and Who Should Decide,” West Virginia Law Review (1987)

Related Services

Related News & Resources

Press Release

Tom Steele Joins Steptoe & Johnson’s Bridgeport Office

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Tom Steele recently joined Steptoe & Johnson PLLC’s Litigation ...

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