Mike Stephens is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, where he represents businesses and individuals in commercial disputes in state and federal courts. His practice centers on helping clients navigate litigation involving contract disputes, business torts, intellectual property, and real estate matters, with an emphasis on developing practical, results-oriented strategies aligned with each client’s objectives.
Mike’s litigation experience spans all phases of a case, from pre-suit investigation and risk assessment through dispositive motion practice, trial, and appeal. He regularly advises clients on disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, unfair competition, restrictive covenants, trade secret misappropriation, and other commercial claims. In addition to traditional courtroom advocacy, Mike represents clients in mediation and arbitration and works closely with clients to resolve disputes efficiently while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.
A significant focus of his practice is electronic discovery. Mike frequently advises clients on document management and retention practices designed to reduce risk and improve defensibility in litigation. He has extensive experience serving as eDiscovery counsel for large companies, where he has led teams through all phases of discovery in large, complex matters. He works closely with in-house counsel, IT professionals, and vendors to develop and implement defensible, cost-effective eDiscovery strategies to navigate the continually evolving legal standards governing electronically stored information.
In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Mike also has experience representing clients in disputes involving governmental entities and regulatory bodies. He often litigates against state and local governments on behalf of clients and advises clients navigating regulatory challenges. Mike has represented businesses and property owners before state and local agencies, boards, and commissions, including planning and zoning commissions and other administrative bodies, and has significant experience handling contested administrative proceedings and related judicial review.
Mike earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Wake Forest University School of Law, where he served as executive editor of the Wake Forest Law Review and as a board member of the Wake Forest Moot Court. He received his B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Clemson University.