STEVEN E. SCHENKER
Reisterstown,MD
Summary
Accomplished managing attorney with a proven record of elevating legal team performance and operational efficiency. Specializes in developing litigation strategies and supervising attorneys, driving a culture of accountability and continuous professional growth. Delivers actionable legal insights that strengthen partners' decision-making.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
MANAGING ATTORNEY
Schenker & Lopez (Zurich North America)
Owings Mills, MD
04.2013 - 08.2026
- Managed Law Office of Schenker & Lopez (Zurich North America), Owings Mills, MD
- Managed Law Office of David Harouse / Law Office of Cheryl Esposito Kaufman (Zurich North America), Pittsburgh, PA, May 2016 – August 2026.
- Managed Law Office of Jonathan W. Philipp (Zurich North America), Cleveland, OH, May 2016 – August 2026.
- Led support for three legal offices across Maryland, D.C., Northern Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and Ohio, guiding attorneys and paralegals on liability and workers’ compensation matters, office administration, personnel coordination, and communication with claims partners.
- Maintained a substantial personal caseload while representing employers and Zurich American Insurance Company in contested workers’ compensation matters. Handled litigation before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, the D.C. Office of Workers’ Compensation, Maryland Circuit Courts, and appellate courts.
SENIOR TRIAL ATTORNEY
Krause, Crogan & Lopez (Zurich North America)
Owings Mills, MD
01.2006 - 03.2013
- Represented employers for Zurich American Insurance Company in contested workers’ compensation litigation, ensuring robust defense and favorable outcomes. Managed cases before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission and Maryland Circuit and appellate courts. Advised in-house adjusters and claims professionals on litigation strategy, exposure, and case evaluation, enhancing decision-making and risk assessment.
- Advocated for clients in complex litigation across multiple jurisdictions.
- Developed legal strategies to address client needs and mitigate risks.
PARTNER
Herwig & Humphreys, LLP
Baltimore, MD
01.1998 - 01.2006
- Partner in boutique defense firm specializing in workers’ compensation and employment-related litigation. Represented major employers and insurance carriers in contested matters before administrative agencies and Maryland Circuit and appellate courts. Managed case assignments, personnel matters, and attorney development while overseeing law-firm operations to ensure effective management. Developed and utilized statistical analysis of personnel and case-related data to improve organizational performance and support management decision-making.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance the quality of client service. to enhance client service offerings.
- Evaluated compliance to ensure adherence to legal standards and firm policies. with legal standards and firm policies.
SENIOR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anne Arundel County Office of Law
Annapolis, MD
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Defended workers’ compensation claims involving Anne Arundel County and its Board of Education. Handled general litigation and zoning-enforcement matters. Represented County before Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission and in District and Circuit Courts, advocating for favorable outcomes.
- Managed case files and ensured compliance with legal procedures.
- Drafted legal documents and correspondence for attorneys and clients.
ASSOCIATE
Smith, Somerville & Case
Baltimore, MD
01.1991 - 01.1996
- Represented major employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation and employment-related litigation, advocating for favorable outcomes before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission and Maryland Circuit and appellate courts.
- Assisted in managing client communications and correspondence.
ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY
Prince George’s County Office of Law
Upper Marlboro, MD
01.1987 - 01.1991
- Represented Prince George's County in litigation across Maryland District, Circuit, and appellate courts, as well as in the United States District Court and United States Court of Appeals, ensuring effective legal defense for county interests. Served as General Counsel for County’s Fire, Police, and Emergency Preparedness Departments, guiding legal strategy and risk management. Represented the County in litigation involving police and fire-related issues, including Section 1983 matters and workers’ compensation matters. Delivered legal advice to governmental departments on operational and litigation matters, facilitating informed decision-making and compliance.
- Provided legal guidance to county officials on implications of decisions and actions.
- Advised county officials on legal implications of their decisions and actions.
Education
MASTER’S DEGREE - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus
01-2022
JURIS DOCTOR -
University of Baltimore School of Law
Baltimore, MD01-1986
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Government and Politics
University of Maryland
College Park, MD01-1983
Skills
- Litigation management
- Litigation strategy
- Legal strategy
- Case analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk assessment
- Contract negotiation
- Team management
- Client relations
- Professional development
- Strategy development
Personal Information
Title: SENIOR MANAGING ATTORNEY, STAFF COUNSEL & LITIGATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
CORE LEADERSHIP & LEGAL COMPETENCIES
- Staff Counsel Office Leadership
- Multi-Office & Multi-Jurisdictional Management
- Attorney & Paralegal Supervision
- Insurance Defense Litigation
- Liability Litigation Oversight
- Litigation Strategy & Case Evaluation
- Trial & Appellate Practice
- Attorney Training & Development
- Performance Management
- Personnel & Administrative Management
- Claims Partnership & Legal Counseling
- Case Assignment & Workload Management
- Operational & Statistical Analysis
- Legal Expense & Resource Management
- Workers’ Compensation Defense
- Employment-Related Litigation
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Maryland, 1986
- United States District Court, 1989
- United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 1989
- Washington, D.C., 2009
SELECTED APPELLATE MATTERS & PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Saadeh v. Saadeh, Maryland Court of Special Appeals, 2003
- Kmart Corp. v. Wade, Maryland Court of Special Appeals, 1994
- Desi v. Pyramid Health Services and Northwestern National Insurance Company, Maryland Court of Special Appeals, 1993
- E.A. Baker, Inc. v. Johnson, Maryland Court of Special Appeals, 1992
- Falik v. Prince George’s Hospital and Medical Center, Maryland Court of Appeals, 1991
- In the Matter of Diane M., Maryland Court of Appeals, 1991
- Guest Lecturer, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Educational Association Conference, Fall 2016
- Lecturer, National Business Institute, Advanced Workers’ Compensation Law, 2004 and 2005
- Author, The Workers’ Compensation Commission Guide of Medical and Surgical Fees: Its Purpose and Practice, The Barrister, Summer 1991
Timeline
MANAGING ATTORNEY
Schenker & Lopez (Zurich North America)
04.2013 - 08.2026
SENIOR TRIAL ATTORNEY
Krause, Crogan & Lopez (Zurich North America)
01.2006 - 03.2013
PARTNER
Herwig & Humphreys, LLP
01.1998 - 01.2006
SENIOR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY
Anne Arundel County Office of Law
01.1996 - 01.1998
ASSOCIATE
Smith, Somerville & Case
01.1991 - 01.1996
ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY
Prince George’s County Office of Law
01.1987 - 01.1991
MASTER’S DEGREE - Organizational Management
University of Arizona Global Campus
JURIS DOCTOR -
University of Baltimore School of Law
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Government and Politics
University of Maryland