Steven M. Gordon
Biography
Steve first came to New Hampshire in 1974 to serve as a law clerk to Federal District Court Judge Hugh H. Bownes. Upon completion of his clerkship, Steve returned to Washington, D.C. where he served as legal counsel to United States Senator John A Durkin from 1976-1977. In 1977, Bill Shaheen, who had been appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, hired Steve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Steve and Bill served together for 4 years. They have worked together ever since.
Steve has an active an extensive federal and state trial practice, representing individuals and businesses in complex litigation. He has been recognized as the "ideal" New Hampshire attorney, as voted by lawyers throughout the State, for his work in “Complex Litigation” and “Criminal Law”, has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and has recently been selected as a New England Super Lawyer. The emphasis of his practice has been in the area of white collar criminal defense, business litigation, and First Amendment defense.
He has represented a range of individuals and businesses in the Federal District Courts of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts in federal criminal investigations. He also represented throughout the New Hampshire state courts a range of corporations and individuals involved in corporate disputes related to breaches of fiduciary duties, contract disputes, and shareholder disputes. His practice also focuses on counseling healthcare clients on compliance with federal and state regulations and billing and coding practices, and represents hospitals, medical staffs and physicians in internal investigations and disputes regarding privileges.
Steve has also represented a number of corporations in conducting internal investigations as part of the law firm’s corporate governance practice. He has advised and assisted corporate Boards of Directors in exercising their duties and responsibilities under the Sarbanes-Oxley statute, and has lectured on the subject. He also has a very active practice representing lawyers before New Hampshire’s Professional Conduct Committee, and was successful in challenging the process by which the New Hampshire Bar Association summarily suspends attorneys who are charged with criminal offenses. In re Reiner’s Case, 872 A.2d 1038 (N.H., September 7, 2005).
Representative Cases:
- Successfully defended former all-pro quarterback, Jim Kelly of the Buffalo Bills, in a libel action brought by Kelly's former attorney and agent. The jury's defense verdict was affirmed on appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Successfully defended Jonathan Harr, author of the New York Times bestseller, A Civil Action, and his publisher, Random House, in a defamation suit brought against them for statements appearing in the book. The dismissal was affirmed by the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Successfully defended a real-estate developer on Bank Fraud charges in the Federal District Court for Massachusetts, with the jury returning not guilty verdicts on all 284 counts of the indictment.
- Successfully sued the FBI for the death of John McIntyre. The suit brought under the Federal Torts Claim Act claimed that former FBI Agent John Connolly leaked McIntyre’s cooperation to gangster Whitey Bulger, resulting in McIntyre’s execution. The federal district court for the District of Massachusetts awarded the McIntyre Estate $3.1 million.
- Successfully defended a truck driver on 4 counts of vehicular homicide with jury acquittals on all counts following trial. State claimed that driver of the truck was criminally responsible for driving at an excessive speed in a well marked construction site, resulting in the deaths of 4 individuals. The jury disagreed and returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.
- Successfully defended individual importer of pharmaceuticals indicted in the federal district court for the District of New Hampshire for trafficking and importing counterfeit goods. After Shaheen & Gordon’s retention all charges against the individual were dismissed.
- Successfully defended a Hospital sued by physician arising from the revocation of his hospital privileges.
- Successfully defended a Hospital sued in a class-action suit, where the plaintiff claimed that the Hospital discriminated against uninsured patients. After extensive briefing the class-action was dismissed.
- Successfully defended a CFO of a publicly traded company in a criminal investigation, alleging violations of federal securities laws and improper revenue recognition; after an extensive investigation no criminal charges were brought.
- Successfully defended a public official in an investigation alleging violations of federal law arising from his performance as a public official; after an extensive investigation no criminal charges were filed.
- Successfully defended a CEO of a publicly traded company in a criminal investigation, alleging violations of state securities laws; after an extensive investigation no criminal charges were filed.
- Successfully defended real estate developer in federal criminal investigation alleging violations of the federal banking laws. After investigation no charges were filed.
- Successfully defended broker in internal revenue service investigation. After extensive investigation, no criminal charges were brought and a civil settlement reached.
- Successfully defended Dartmouth College student charged with assault on a police officer. Acquittal after trial.
- Successfully represented the Concord Monitor in a defamation action brought by a person challenging the reportage of his criminal trial and arrest. After extensive briefing the case was dismissed on a motion for summary judgment.
Honors and Community Involvement:
- Legal Counsel to the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union and Panel Member.
- Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Public Defender Program.
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 1991 in the areas of criminal defense and First Amendment.
- Recognized as one of New England's Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers Magazine
- Highest Rating in Legal Directory Martindale-Hubbell (AV).
- Dunfey-Kanteres award winner given in recognition of his efforts in successfully prosecuting a claim against the State Republican Party for interfering with the rights of New Hampshire voters to participate freely and fairly in a public election.
- Member of the Local Rule Subcommittee of the Federal Court Advisory Committee.
- Member of the First Circuit Court of Appeals Advisory
Education:
- B.A. American University, Washington, D.C., 1971.
- J.D. Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. 1974.
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