PARTNERS OF FIRM
Gregory L. Deans (Partner) admitted to bar, 1992, Texas; U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Education: Texas A & M University (B.S., 1989); University of Houston (J.D., 1992). Gregory Deans combines extensive experience on major cases with a commitment to personalized representation for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses and individuals. Deans has nearly 20 years experience handling complex civil matters for plaintiffs and defendants. His national practice focuses on mass tort products liability litigation, catastrophic injury/death cases and commercial litigation. He also has extensive trial experience handling asbestos litigation for manufacturers and premises owners, as well as serving as National Coordinating Counsel for a major client. In this role he is responsible for supervising local counsel from coast to coast. He is integrally involved in the development of expert testimony, working with scientists and medical doctors to expose junk science and force opponents to adhere to a strict evidentiary standard of proof. His aggressive motion practice on behalf of asbestos clients has helped drive the causation law and science forward. Before moving to Dallas, Deans practiced extensively in Houston, focusing on Maritime and Admiralty claims as well as cases arising under the Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). He remains active in the Houston and Gulf Coast legal communities and frequently handles cases in that part of the state. Named as "Rising Star" by Law & Politics appearing in Texas Monthly magazine, 2006 and 2007. Member: Dallas Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Mass Torts; Personal Negligence; Commercial Litigation; Employment Litigation; Products Liability; Oil and Gas Litigation.Email: Gregory L. Deans
Michael P. Lyons (Partner) admitted to bar, 1999, Texas; U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Education: University of Texas at Austin (B.A., Psychology and Philosophy, 1995); South Texas College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1999). Michael Lyons concentrates on complex civil litigation, representing plaintiffs and defendants. Lyons has represented individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 1000 corporations in diverse industries including, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles and automotive products, manufacturing, and insurance. Lyons has significant experience handling wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury matters including cases involving automotive crashes, industrial accidents, trucking accidents, oil field accidents, aviation crashes, and premises accidents. Lyons also has extensive experience handling cases for plaintiffs and defendants involving medical negligence, professional liability, employment litigation, and commercial litigation. Order of the Lytae. Named: "Rising Star" by Law & Politics appearing in Texas Monthly magazine, 2005, 2008 and 2009; "Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas," D Magazine, 2005 and 2008. Assistant Editor, Corporate Counsel Review, 1998-1999. Publications: "Character Evidence, Subsequent Remedial Measures, and Offers of Settlement," University of Houston CLE Program, How to Offer and Exclude Evidence, 2007-2008; "Conduct, Character and Remedial Measures-The Article IV Rules of Evidence," University of Houston CLE Program, Advanced Evidence and Discovery, 2008. Member: Dallas Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; American Bar Association (Member, Tort and Insurance Practice Section); Dallas Association of Young Lawyers; Texas Young Lawyers Association; Texas Association of Defense Counsel; Texas Exes (Member, Board of Directors, Dallas Chapter, 2001-2007). Reported Cases: Eichelberger v. St. Paul Med. Ctr., 99 S.W.3d 636 (Tex. App. Dallas 2003, pet. denied). Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Mass Torts; Personal Negligence; Commercial Litigation; Employment Litigation; Products Liability; Oil and Gas Litigation.Email: Michael P. Lyons
ASSOCIATE
Katie Stepp (Associate) admitted to bar, 2004, Texas; U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Education: Chaminade University of Honolulu (B.A., Political Science and Historical Studies, magna cum laude, 2000); Southern Methodist University School of Law (J.D., 2004). Katie Stepp represents a national clientele of plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil litigation matters. Stepp's practice is primarily focused on toxic tort, commercial litigation, premises liability, products liability, catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases as well as employment litigation. Before joining Deans & Lyons, L.L.P. in 2008, Stepp was an associate with the Dallas office of Beirne, Maynard & Parsons, LLP, where she gained considerable trial experience in both bench and jury trial settings. Stepp is active in a number of legal and business organizations in the Dallas area. Member, Higginbotham American Inn of Courts, 2007-2008. Executive Director, Moot Court Board. Named as "Rising Star" by Law & Politics appearing in Texas Monthly magazine, 2008 and 2009. Master Advocate. Chief, Criminal Defense Clinic. Interscholastic Director, Board of Advocates. Programs Director, Student Bar Association, 2001. Member, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Leadership Class, 2008. Member: Dallas Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (Member: DAYL Leadership; Lunch and Learn Committee); Texas Young Lawyers Association (Member, Mock Trial Committee); Women in Business. Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Mass Torts; Personal Negligence; Commercial Litigation; Employment Litigation; Products Liability; Oil and Gas Litigation.Email: Katie Stepp