Stephen DeGenaro

Senior Counsel

Stephen is an experienced trial attorney, with extensive experience representing a diverse range of clients from pre-complaint through trial and appeal. As first chair, he has won multiple favorable judgments in both jury trials and bench trials.

Stephen has represented clients from various industries in both federal and state court in a wide array of cases, including mass tort actions, class actions, employment litigation, commercial disputes, consumer protection laws, False Claims Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. He leverages his deep experience with civil litigation to advise clients on litigation risk and strategy, and has a demonstrated track record of achieving the client’s goals through favorable outcomes in both trial and settlement.

Prior to joining Esbrook P.C. in June 2025, Stephen served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for four years. He represented the interests of the United States of America in hundreds of affirmative and defensive matters. He investigated claims of fraud and secured tens of millions of dollars of recovery for the public. He also served as lead defense counsel, where he handled all aspects of civil litigation in defense of federal agencies and officials in class actions, employment litigation, civil rights lawsuits, and tort actions.

Stephen also practiced law at Jones Day. As an associate there, he represented commercial clients in complex civil litigation involving both commercial disputes, federal statutory violations, and mass tort claims.

Selected Trial Experience
  • Successfully obtained defense verdict as first chair in employment discrimination jury trial.
  • Successfully obtained defense judgment as first chair in medical malpractice/informed consent bench trial.
Selected Class Action Experience
  • Successfully defeated class certification on behalf of foreign bank in multi-district proceedings.
  • Represented consumer reporting agency in several related class actions alleging violations of federal consumer protection laws.
  • Represented client in final approval hearing on a favorable damage settlement in a disparate-impact class action.
Selected Commercial Litigation Experience
  • Part of defense of a national financial sued for breach of contract and common law duties in connection with a residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) dispute.
  • Part of defense of a national baking company and asserted counterclaims in commercial dispute with supplier.
Selected Employment Litigation Experience
  • Obtained summary judgment in non-selection lawsuit brought by a former contractor.
  • Successfully defended client on appeal to U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in wrongful termination lawsuit.
Selected Pro Bono Experience
  • Successfully represented asylum seekers in immigration proceedings and volunteered at the immigration detention centers in Laredo and Hutto, Texas.
  • Contributed to the Washington D.C. Housing Right to Counsel Pilot Project, including successful defense of several tenants from eviction proceedings in D.C. Superior Court.