Steven V. Walkowiak is a Co-Chair of the Video Games and Esports Group and a Litigation shareholder. Steve advises clients in the esports and video gaming space, both with respect to regulatory matters and privacy issues raised in this emerging and evolving market. He is involved in esports regulation and advises clients regarding video game disciplinary decisions, league training, employment, and anti-corruption policies. He has served as a consultant and esports legal advisor, working with parties throughout sports, media, and entertainment to navigate the complex and evolving esports legal landscape in issues as diverse as antitrust and employment, through media content licensing and intellectual property. He is also a member of both the Esports Bar Association and Video Game Bar Association.
Steve additionally represents a wide range of businesses and individuals from trial through appeal. He focuses on complex commercial litigation, product liability, and consumer fraud litigation representing clients in both state and federal court, and before FINRA arbitration panels. Steve has defended numerous medical device and industrial product claims as well as defended against class certification on behalf of numerous products. Steve has advised on various oil and gas matters. This includes the acquisition and development of a major, urban gas pipeline through Dallas/Ft. Worth, including the acquisition through eminent domain and condemnation proceedings land necessary to complete the development project. In addition, Steve routinely assists in defending antitrust and complex business litigation disputes, and has deep experience with respect to franchise terminations, franchise litigation, and securing emergency relief for franchisors. He has sought and obtained emergency orders on behalf of franchisors in both state and federal courts in order to protect the franchisor’s brand, and secure smooth reacquisition of products and premises.
Furthermore, Steve advises clients on critical issues pertaining to attorney-client privilege, with an emphasis on cross border privacy and privilege ramifications in the litigation and compliance spheres. He has been involved in international Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) internal investigations on behalf of clients, and developed compliance and privacy strategies for clients facing unique compliance and regulatory challenges. Steve advises clients with respect to eDiscovery and eRetention policies, and counsels clients relating to best practices with respect to electronic document retention and security, and electronic discovery.
