Steven S. Reilley

Attorney Brief

Steve Reilley joined Blue Williams in 2021 as a partner in the Houston office, where he represents individuals, businesses, and carriers in courts across Texas. His practice focuses on general civil defense litigation, including premises liability, products liability, transportation and trucking claims, consumer and DTPA claims, insurance coverage and bad-faith disputes, intentional torts, contract matters, and commercial disputes, along with advisory work for carriers and corporations.

Before joining the firm, Mr. Reilley founded Thompson & Reilley, P.C. in 1997 and served as lead counsel in thousands of cases. His practice has continued to grow following the firm's merger with Blue Williams. He frequently prepares papers, courses, and presentations for continuing legal education programs and is a certified mediator who regularly volunteers his services.

Education

J.D., The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, 1994 — Assistant Editor, Texas International Law Journal

B.A., The University of Texas at Austin, 1990 — Highest Honors (Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi)

Mr. Reilley also achieved Spanish-language bilingual status on the U.S. Foreign Service–style exam after completing studies at Proyecto Lingüístico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua, Guatemala.

Narrative

Mr. Reilley's legal practice includes commercial litigation, trial of personal injury claims (including trucking, automobile and premises liability suits), insurance coverage disputes, product liability claims, contract matters, business disputes, and collection matters. Mr. Reilley frequently prepares papers, courses, and presentations for Continuing Education programs. Mr. Reilley is licensed to practice in all Texas state courts, the Southern, Western, and Eastern Districts of Texas, the Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Reilley volunteers regularly in the community including fund-raising for the Houston Area Women's Center. He volunteers his legal services to the Houston Volunteer Lawyer Program, the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center, and to victims of Hurricanes Ike and Harvey.

Awards

AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

H Magazine: "Lawyer for the People"

State Bar of Texas Pro Bono College — inducted for "outstanding contributions in the delivery of legal services to low-income Texans"

Bar, Courts & Professional Affiliations

All Texas state courts

U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas 

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

Houston Bar Association 

State Bar of Texas

Texas Association of Defense Counsel

Defense Research Institute

Community Involvement

Mr. Reilley volunteers regularly in the Houston community, including fundraising for the Houston Area Women's Center and providing legal services through the Houston Volunteer Lawyer Program, the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center, and to victims of Hurricanes Ike and Harvey.

Representative Work

Advises a major Texas hospital group on general casualty claims, including premises liability and transportation matters in courts across Texas, as well as subrogation matters related to its employee benefit program.

Defends the largest fast-casual dining group in Texas in premises, foodborne illness, transportation, and general liability claims.

Represents a Fortune 50 company in commercial and personal injury cases in courts across Texas.

Served as lead counsel in more than 5,000 litigated trucking and personal-lines auto cases along the Texas Gulf coast and throughout the state.

Represents manufacturers and distributors in wrongful death, personal injury, and property damage claims involving oil field equipment, fall protection, playground equipment, and heavy industrial machinery.

Counsels and educates carriers on the resolution of catastrophic injury and difficult fatality claims.