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Steven J. Knight maintains a commercial litigation and appellate practice. He has handled and been involved in a range of business disputes for a variety of industries, including insurance, oil and gas, construction, technology, and premises owners. He has worked extensively with in-house counsel for major corporations, as well as individual clients who have encountered legal issues through various business ventures.  

In his appellate practice, Mr. Knight assists with appeals from cases tried by the firm at the trial level, and also handles appeals from cases that were tried outside the firm.  His strong background and prior clerkship experience with an appellate court lends depth and perspective to his practice. His extensive knowledge and facility in preparing legal briefs and motions often provides the strategic advantage that may lead to settlement or early termination of litigation.

Significant Cases 

• Saqui v. Pride Cent. America, LLC,--- F.3d ----, 2010 WL 184252, (5th Cir. 2010).  The Fifth Circuit affirmed the granting of a motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens and held that, notwithstanding the argument that Mexican courts are not available under "preemptive jurisdiction" statutes, the Mexican Court system remains an alternative and available forum for purposes of the forum non conveniens analysis.
• Jenkens & Gilchrist v. Groia & Co., 542 F.3d 114 (5^th Cir. 2008).  Served as Appellant's counsel in an appeal from an order denying a motion to set aside a default judgment. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings.
• Dynacq Healthcare, Inc. v. Seth, 2007 WL 2005023 ( Tex. App. – Houston [1^st Dist.] 2007, no pet.).  Prevailed in employment dispute.  The court of appeals affirmed a verdict, which awarded the client damages for breach of employment agreement which contained a stock option agreement. 
• Braspetro Oil Services Co. v. Modec ( USA), Inc., 2007 WL  1425851 (5^th Cir. 2007).  Prevailed in international oil and gas dispute.  The trial court and the court of appeals held that the client could not be subjected to litigation in Texas when the operative contractual agreements contained a valid and enforceable forum selection clause. 
• Brenham Housing Authority v. Davies, 158 S.W.3d 53 ( Tex. App. – Houston [14^th Dist.] 2005, no pet.).  Prevailed in a housing dispute.  The court of appeals held that statutes governing obligations of housing authorities precluded the imposition of liability in a personal injury action.
• In re Craig's Stores of Texas, Inc., 402 F.3d 522 (5^th Cir. 2005).  Prevailed in banking dispute.  The court of appeals held that when the underlying litigation was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, money placed in the court's registry must be returned to the depositor. 
• Schauer v. Morgan, 175 S.W.3d 397 ( Tex. App. – Houston [1^st Dist.] 2005, no pet.).  Prevailed under the tort claims act.  The court of appeals held that an officer was immune from liability.
• New Era of Networks, Inc. v. Great Northern Ins. Co.et al, 2003 WL 23573645 (S.D.Tex. 2003). Prevailed in a multi-million dollar coverage lawsuit involving claims for coverage for "advertising injury." 
• Palacios v. Greystar Management, et al., 110 S.W.3d 493 ( Tex. App. – Waco 2003, no pet.).  Prevailed in a premises liability dispute.  The court of appeals affirmed summary judgment for the premises owner in a premises defect case arising from a shooting incident on its premises. 
• Telthorster v. Tennel, 92 S.W.3d 457 ( Tex. 2002). The Texas Supreme Court addressed whether the Wadewitz risk/need factors applied when the defendant was not an innocent bystander, but rather was the suspect whose conduct necessitated the officer’s emergency response.  The Texas Supreme Court agreed that the risk/need factors were inapplicable in this context.
• Wal-Mart Stores v. Reece, 81 S.W.3d 812 ( Tex. 2002). The Texas Supreme Court granted review and held that proximity by itself is not sufficient to establish constructive notice in premises defect claims.
• Rayon v. Energy Specialties, Inc., 121 S.W.3d 7 ( Tex. App. – Fort Worth 2002, no pet.).  Prevailed in a construction dispute lawsuit stemming from a house-fire.  The court of appeals held that there was insufficient evidence of liability, commenting on  the requirements of competent expert testimony.

News

• Chamberlain Hrdlicka Names Six New Shareholders
  January 28, 2008

Professional Affiliations

• Texas Bar Association
• Houston Bar Association