Steven J. Willner

Steven J. Willner

Steven J. Willner

Steven J. Willner

Steve Willner, a Principal with Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber, P.A., is a highly respected trial lawyer and advocate, trusted by individuals and businesses facing high-stakes, complex litigation. Steve is recognized for his strategic approach and analytical rigor, consistently delivering exceptional results for clients in matters ranging from commercial disputes and real estate litigation to business divorces, class actions, insurance coverage controversies, product liability, catastrophic injury, and professional negligence cases. His proven track record across diverse litigation arenas underscores his commitment to protecting clients’ interests and resolving challenging disputes efficiently and effectively.

While based in Maryland, Steve has litigated complex cases in state and federal courts and private arbitrations throughout the country, including New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, South Carolina, California, Texas, D.C., and Florida. No matter the locale, clients turn to Steve for his tenacious representation and ability to achieve results at any point in the litigation, whether at trial, before trial, or before suit is filed. Keenly attuned to the needs and objectives of his client in each matter, Steve treats each case with the uniqueness it deserves, works closely with his client to demarcate the goals of each representation, and then tirelessly pursues those goals with unmatched vigor.

In addition to serving as litigation counsel, Steve advises on general corporate matters, applying the insight of a veteran litigator and practical business acumen to deliver creative, effective, and tailored solutions for his clients’ business challenges. His unwavering dedication to client service, combined with his ability to navigate both simple and complex issues, makes Steve a go-to resource for clients seeking to protect their interests.

Practice Areas

Representative Experience

  • Spearheaded legal team representing international building materials supplier in bet-the-company, multi-jurisdictional litigation spanning four parallel cases in three states, including obtaining dismissal of trade secret and related business tort claims in expedited federal case. 
  • Successfully led representation of commercial landlord against national tenant in high-stakes multi-jurisdictional litigation involving five separate lawsuits in two different states which ultimately led to favorable settlement just before trial.
  • Successfully defended real estate owners in “fight for control” lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court, ultimately achieving favorable settlement for client through creatively-structured negotiated buyouts. 
  • Achieved complete trial-level victory on behalf of apartment complex owners against neighboring condominium by obtaining a favorable declaratory judgment on summary judgment and winning six-figure damages award at trial. 
  • Successfully represented minority owner of national commodity trading firm in dispute against partners, ultimately securing multimillion dollar buyout for client. 
  • Successfully represented real estate purchaser in asserting specific performance and damages claims in California state court, leading to multimillion dollar settlement for client.
  • Successfully prosecuted investor’s fraud and forgery claims against business partner, achieving favorable settlement on the eve of trial. 
  • Prevailed in vacating $3.5 million judgment against nursing home operators, and successfully prosecuted parallel federal counter-suit for breach of portfolio operations transfer agreement. 
  • Successfully defended luxury condominium developer against warranty claims by securing favorable settlements for two separate developments.
  • Prevailed on motion to dismiss defamation and tortious interference claims filed against medical professionals in Maryland federal court.
  • Assisted legal team in defense of class and mass actions against hotel operator alleging injuries from carbon monoxide exposure, resulting in dismissal of numerous claims and settlement of others at very low figures.
  • Successfully represented sports organization in court and arbitration cases against celebrity professional athlete.
  • Assisting in defense of operators of Washington Union Station in condemnation proceedings filed by Amtrak. 
  • Obtained six-figure arbitration award for passive investor in prevailing on breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty claims against company’s managing member. 

Publications

  • Far From Home: Individuals and the Personal Jurisdiction Defense (June 2019)
    The Defense Line, Published by the Maryland Defense Counsel
  • In the Wake of the Freddie Gray Events, Does Senate Bill 541 Provide West Baltimore New Hope? (June 2015)
  • Ground Rules Blog, Published by the Real Property Section of the Maryland State Bar Association

Honors and Awards

  • Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch in America, Commercial Litigation
  • Super Lawyers – Maryland Rising Star, Business Litigation (2020-2022)

Professional Background

  • Law Clerk for The Honorable Wanda Keyes Heard, Circuit Court of Maryland for Baltimore City
  • Law Clerk, U. S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland