Steven R. McCown

  • Shareholder
  • Co-Chair, Occupational Safety and Health Practice Group
  • Austin
  • Dallas
smccown@littler.com
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Steven R. McCown has extensive experience in traditional labor law, while also having the unique background of representing employers in numerous employment law jury trials in state and federal courts. He has defended several complex employment law class actions and recently led the successful defense of a Fortune 100 company in a nationwide sex discrimination class action. He has successfully defended wage and hour collective actions, defeating class certification in several national collective actions.

He has more than 35 years of experience representing employers in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) matters and is nationally recognized for his expertise. He has successfully litigated more than 200 OSHA and MSHA citation contests for employers. He also has handled numerous investigations and administrative proceedings. Among his notable accomplishments, Steve successfully defended an OSHA fatality inspection of a refinery explosion involving 17 fatalities, resulting in no OSHA citations issued to the employer. Additionally, he counsels and advises employers on safety compliance and the preparation of safety policies and procedures. He has on-the-ground experience dealing with catastrophic and accident/fatality investigations.

A frequent speaker before business and professional associations throughout the country, Steve has made numerous speeches and presentations on labor and employment law, litigation strategies and Occupational Safety and Health Law. He also is a contributing author to several treatises and publications on occupational safety and health law. He is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Steve's clients include companies in the following industries:

  • Construction
  • Telecommunications
  • Oil and gas
  • Manufacturing
  • Restaurants

Co-founder and former office managing shareholder of Littler's Dallas office, Steve previously served as a member of the firm's Management and Executive committees and Board of Directors. He is also co-chair of the Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group and is actively involved with many other committees. Recently, Steve opened Littler's newest office in Austin, Texas. He now practices out of the Dallas and Austin offices. 

Credentials & Recognition

Speaking Engagements

OSHA Regulatory Engine is on Fire: How to Best Develop Safety Program and Protocols that Support Your Goals

  • May 9, 2024
  • Littler Executive Employer Conference, Phoenix, AZ

“I’ll Take Safety and Health for $500!” Critical Safety and Health Questions Answered for the Post-Pandemic World – So YOUR Organization Does Not End Up in JEOPARDY!

  • May 5, 2022
  • Littler Executive Employer Conference

What to Expect from OSHA in the Coming Year

  • May 3, 2018
  • Littler Executive Employer, Phoenix, AZ

Workplace Safety: What is the Trump Card?

  • May 11, 2017

Additional Thought Leadership

Steve McCown Comments on the Increasing Number of Suits Being Filed Under RICO

  • February 14, 2006
  • Dallas Morning News

Let us know how we can help you navigate your particular workplace legal issues.