Steven N. Leitess

Steven N. Leitess is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of experience representing businesses nationwide in litigation and transactional matters. He concentrates on areas like asset-based lending, equipment finance, business aviation, and corporate governance. His work often includes high-stakes disputes, regulatory issues, and advisory roles as outside general counsel for clients without in-house legal teams.

Steven earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1985 from the University of Maryland and his Juris Doctor in 1988 from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey Law School. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his successful legal practice spanning complex commercial, financial, and corporate matters.

Steven regularly handles litigation and negotiations involving business contracts, secured transactions, and commercial real estate. His expertise includes representing clients in multimillion-dollar fraud cases, major real estate development disputes, and matters involving government-related financial schemes. He also advises on patent licensing, trade secrets, and employment agreements.

Steven has led trials, appeals, mediations, and arbitrations in both state and federal courts in jurisdictions such as Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, New York, and California. His courtroom experience includes representing commercial lenders, investors, and creditors in high-profile bankruptcy, receivership, and enforcement cases, including recovering losses in fraud schemes when no other victims saw restitution.

Steven continues to provide strategic legal guidance in sectors like construction, medical, aviation, and technology. His transactional work includes negotiating loans and leases, forming business entities, and addressing disputes that arise in complex commercial environments. He also contributes to the advancement of business law through legal writing and educational events.

Steven N. Leitess remains a trusted advisor to businesses seeking efficient legal solutions and courtroom advocacy. His longstanding record of success reflects his ability to combine legal skill with practical business insight across a broad range of industries.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Silverman Thompson
• Member, American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section, Litigation Section, Law Practice Management Section, Business Law Section
• American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers (2004 to present)
• Member, Uniform Law Commission (2004 to present)
• Chairman, Maryland Commission on Uniform State Laws
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association, Business Law Section, Litigation Section (1989 to present)
• Member, Anne Arundel Bar Association (1990 to present)
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association, Litigation Section, Law Practice Section (1989 to present)
• Member, Association of Commercial Finance Attorneys (1993 to present)
• Member, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (1995 to present)

Licensed State

• Maryland
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Maryland Francis King Carey Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Maryland
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges