Stephen K. Gallagher

Partner
Stephen Gallagher

Steve Gallagher is a litigator who focuses on commercial litigation, bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation, creditors' rights, and construction law. Steve advocates for property owners, lenders, special servicers, technology companies, government contractors, construction companies, nonprofit organizations, and trade associations. He also represents creditors and distressed corporate entities in complex Chapter 11 cases.

Steve handles a variety of matters before federal and state courts, including:

  • Creditors' rights
  • Commercial litigation
  • Technology issues, software licensing, and patent infringement
  • Lawsuits involving tortious interference and fraud
  • Construction-related matters, real estate, and eminent domain
  • Contract disputes and business torts
  • Disputes involving trusts, estates, and other wealth planning matters

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Prosecuted the rights of a major government contracting firm in breach of contract and breach of representation claims against a seller of corporate assets
  • Represented the District of Columbia in eminent domain litigation related to the acquisition of land for the Nationals Park, the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball home stadium
  • Represented property owners in Virginia eminent domain proceedings
  • Represented a prime contractor in a bankruptcy case filed by the DC area’s largest electrical services provider and represented the same prime contractor regarding disputes surrounding the electrical subcontractor’s work on a government construction project
  • Served as interim assistant general counsel for a technology company; serves as the company’s outside counsel
  • Represented a government contracting firm in claims involving breach of employment agreements and tortious interference with contracts
  • Represented debtors in the bankruptcy cases of:
    • Ceyoniq
    • Cello Recordings
    • National Spa and Pool Institute
    • CPOR
    • International Society of Fire Service Instructors
  • Represented the Creditors’ Committees in Securiguard, Inc., and Network Storage Solutions
  • Represented creditors, contract parties, landlords, and bidders for assets in corporate Chapter 11 cases, including:
    • OneWeb
    • Pier1
    • Circuit City
    • Capmark
    • Truland
    • Heritage Homes
    • Toys R Us
    • Mattress Firm
    • Ameriserve
    • Aleron
    • Pathnet
    • TalkingNets
    • Levitz Home Furnishings
    • Computer Learning Centers
    • US Airways
    • Magna Entertainment
    • Bearing Point
    • LandAmerica

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. George Mason University School of Law 1994
    • Banking and Financial Services Law Track
    • Dean's Scholar
    • Associate Justice, Moot Court Board
    • Associate journal editor, Letter of Credit Update
  • B.S. James Madison University

Bar Admissions

  • Virginia
  • Maryland
  • District of Columbia

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • Virginia Supreme Court
  • Maryland Court of Appeals
  • District of Columbia Court of Appeals
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia

Clerk Experience

  • Honorable Blackwell N. Shelley U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Member, Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member, Virginia State Bar (VSB); chairman, VSB Clients' Protection Fund, 2005 – 2007; board member, VSB Clients' Protection Fund, 2004 – 2010; and elected to VSB Bar Council, 2021
  • Member, DC Bar Association
  • Member, American Bankruptcy Institute, 1994 – 2018
  • Former president, Walter Chandler American Inn of Court (Washington, DC)

Recognition
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  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2007 – 2025
  • Arlington Magazine, Top Attorney, Arlington, 2019
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Super Lawyers, Virginia
  • Super Lawyers Business Edition, Bankruptcy, Tysons Corner

Community
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Pro Bono

  • Benjamin R. Civiletti Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year, 2018 

Volunteerism

  • Citizen appointee, Board of Trustees, Fairfax County Police Officers Retirement System, 2012 – 2016