Overview

Steven R. McCown has extensive experience in traditional labor law, while also having the unique background of representing employers in numerous employment law jury trials in state and federal courts. He has defended several complex employment law class actions and recently led the successful defense of a Fortune 100 company in a nationwide sex discrimination class action. He has successfully defended wage and hour collective actions, defeating class certification in several national collective actions.

He has more than 35 years of experience representing employers in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) matters and is nationally recognized for his expertise. He has successfully litigated more than 200 OSHA and MSHA citation contests for employers. He also has handled numerous investigations and administrative proceedings. Among his notable accomplishments, Steve successfully defended an OSHA fatality inspection of a refinery explosion involving 17 fatalities, resulting in no OSHA citations issued to the employer. Additionally, he counsels and advises employers on safety compliance and the preparation of safety policies and procedures. He has on-the-ground experience dealing with catastrophic and accident/fatality investigations.

A frequent speaker before business and professional associations throughout the country, Steve has made numerous speeches and presentations on labor and employment law, litigation strategies and Occupational Safety and Health Law. He also is a contributing author to several treatises and publications on occupational safety and health law. He is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Steve's clients include companies in the following industries:

  • Construction
  • Telecommunications
  • Oil and gas
  • Manufacturing
  • Restaurants

Co-founder and former office managing shareholder of Littler's Dallas office, Steve previously served as a member of the firm's Management and Executive committees and Board of Directors. He is also co-chair of the Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group and is actively involved with many other committees. Recently, Steve opened Littler's newest office in Austin, Texas. He now practices out of the Dallas and Austin offices. 

Recognition

Named, The Best Lawyers in America®

1991-2024

Ranked, Occupational Safety and Health

Chambers USA

2020-2023

Ranked, Labor & Employment

Chambers USA

2004-2019

Top 10 Most Influential Occupational Safety and Health Lawyers in the USA

Business Today

2023

Named, 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers

Lawdragon

2020-2024

Awarded, AV® Peer Review Rating

Martindale-Hubbell

Awarded, AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating

Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Named, Hall of Fame Inductee

Human Resource Executive / Lawdragon Inc

2018

Named, Super Lawyer

Texas

Super Lawyers

2003-2017

Named, Top 20 Lawyers in Traditional Labor and Employment Law

Lawdragon, Inc.

2012-2017

Fellow

The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

Inducted 2015

Named, Nation's Most Powerful Labor and Employment Attorneys - Top 10

Human Resource Executive / Lawdragon Inc.

2010

News, Analysis & Press

8 Tips For Employers When OSHA Comes Calling

Law360.com

February 27, 2014

Steve McCown Comments on the Increasing Number of Suits Being Filed Under RICO

Dallas Morning News

February 14, 2006

Speaking Engagements

“I’ll Take Safety and Health for $500!” Critical Safety and Health Questions Answered for the Post-Pandemic World – So YOUR Organization Does Not End Up in JEOPARDY!

Littler Executive Employer Conference

May 5, 2022

The Federal Government is Knocking on Your Door…Now What?

Austin, TX

April 16, 2019

What to Expect from OSHA in the Coming Year

Littler Executive Employer, Phoenix, AZ

May 3, 2018

From Harvey Weinstein to... Who's Next? Preventing Harassment in the Workplace and What to Do When Claims are Made

Austin, TX

April 5, 2018

Workplace Safety: What is the Trump Card?

The 2017 Executive Employer® Conference

May 11, 2017

Education

  • J.D., Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, 1975
  • B.B.A., University of Texas, Austin, 1972

Bar Admission

Texas

Courts

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Oklahoma
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia