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Steven M. Stimell

Steven M. Stimell

Partner

New York

Office Managing Partner

T: +1 212 541 2042

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Biography

As Managing Partner of BCLP’s New York office, Steven serves as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex, commercial challenges. He counsels clients across a broad spectrum including hospitality, retail, sports, franchise, food and real estate.

As Co‑Leader of the Global Hospitality Team, Steven work with hotels, resorts, developers, restaurants, and food suppliers on consumer-facing issues, commercial contracts, real estate development and disputes, and employment issues, helping them make informed decisions in fast‑moving environments.

In addition, Steven is a long‑standing member of BCLP’s Sports & Entertainment Group and represents clients across that industry. Among other things, he works with sports apparel clients on complex transactional and litigation matters. His work spans multiple disciplines, providing clients with clear, practical guidance on high‑impact strategic issues where business objectives and legal considerations intersect.

Alongside his advisory practice, Steven brings more than 30 years of experience as a litigator and employment lawyer. He handles discrimination, contract, and compensation disputes, as well as complex commercial litigation across multiple jurisdictions. This dual background, strategic counselor and seasoned advocate, allows him to evaluate risk comprehensively and build solutions that align with clients’ broader business goals.

At the center of his practice is a commitment to helping clients navigate uncertainty, protect their interests, and move forward with clarity in an increasingly complex business landscape.

Civic Involvement & Honors

  • The Best Lawyers in America® 2026

Professional Affiliations

  • Federal Bar Council
  • New York State Bar Association – Employment and Labor Relations Committee
  • Association of the Bar of the City of New York

Extensive litigation and employment experience

Learn more about our Litigation practice Learn more about our Litigation practice

Steve's litigation practice includes trials in state and federal court as well as alternative dispute forums. Steve is also the former co-leader of the firm’s Employment & Labor Practice Group. His employment practice is comprised of counseling employers in all facets of employment related issues including, among others, discipline, termination, policies, reductions-in-force, FMLA, ADA, ADEA, and FLSA. He has defended employers in actions brought in federal and state court, in arbitration as well as before state and federal administrative agencies.

Extensive litigation and employment experience

Steve's litigation practice includes trials in state and federal court as well as alternative dispute forums. Steve is also the former co-leader of the firm’s Employment & Labor Practice Group. His employment practice is comprised of counseling employers in all facets of employment related issues including, among others, discipline, termination, policies, reductions-in-force, FMLA, ADA, ADEA, and FLSA. He has defended employers in actions brought in federal and state court, in arbitration as well as before state and federal administrative agencies.

Admissions

  • Massachusetts, 1989
  • New York, 1988

Education

New York University, J.D., 1987

Binghamton University, B.A., with outstanding academic achievement, Phi Beta Kappa, 1984

Related Capabilities

  • Employment & Labor

  • Investigations

  • Regulation, Compliance & Advisory

  • Litigation & Dispute Resolution

  • Contract, Endorsement & Celebrity Representation

  • Sports & Event Venue Real Estate Infrastructure & Operation

  • Naming Rights & Sponsorship

  • Sports & Entertainment M&A

  • Sports, Media & Entertainment Litigation

  • Collegiate Sports

  • Sports, Media & Entertainment

  • Entertainment Industry

  • Food & Beverage

  • Restaurants, Pubs & Clubs

  • Olympic & National Governing Bodies

  • Professional Sports Team Representation

  • Hotels & Hospitality

  • Real Estate

  • Real Estate Disputes

  • Sports & Event Financing

  • Cross-border Employment Issues

  • Employment Class & Collective Actions

  • Food & Agribusiness

  • Business & Commercial Disputes

Experience

  • Has served as national counsel for international hotel chain for more than 15 years providing advice on a broad range of hospitality-related issues and overseeing all firm work on behalf of client
  • Successfully resolved high-profile lawsuit involving allegations of multimillion dollar fraud on customer loyalty program
  • Successfully represented hotel operator of a luxury hotel in Hawaii in a commercial arbitration challenging termination based on alleged failure to meet performance test
  • Represented numerous hotels in connection with US DOJ multi-year compliance audit related to accessibility issues at New York City hotels
  • Successfully defended hotel operators in numerous employment discrimination actions in federal and state court as well as arbitration
  • Defended timeshare operator in litigation concerning alleged misrepresentation in sales process
  • Provides counseling advice and litigation services to several well-known national restaurants