Stephen M. Hackerman

Profile

Steve Hackerman has worked almost exclusively in complex litigation throughout his career. He joined Baker Botts LLP in 1974 and became a partner in 1980. While there, his practice centered on disputes involving energy matters with clients such as Exxon, Tenneco, Hunt Oil and Pennzoil.

In 1988, Mr. Hackerman left Baker Botts LLP to join Miller, Bristow and Brown. While there, he represented plaintiffs in major litigation against large numbers of defendants. This type of case is today his sole concentration. He has successfully prosecuted cases involving fraud against Prudential-Bache, Merrill Lynch, Shell, DuPont, Celanese, National Medical Enterprises, Marriott, Tenet Healthcare and Columbia/HCA Healthcare.

Mr. Hackerman was admitted to the Texas bar in 1970 after graduating from the University of Texas law school. He also received his bachelor’s degree from University of Texas. From 1970 to 1974 he served in the Navy Judge Advocate General Corps.

Learn more about the complex plantiff trials handled by the attorneys of HackermanFrankel.

Education

The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, 1970
J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence
Honors: High Honors, Chancellors, Order of the Coif
Law Review: University of Texas, Editor

University of Texas, Austin, Texas, 1967
B.A., Bachelor of Arts
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa

Professional Associations and Memberships

State Bar of Texas, Member

United States Navy, Judge Advocate General Corps

Success Story

In McDonald, et al v. Shell Oil Co., Hoechst Celanese Corporation, et al, the firm served as co-lead counsel to 400 homeowners whose homes were damaged by defective plumbing systems. Hackerman Frankel partnered with other firms to litigate the case, and the jury verdict for the homeowners found fraud, gross negligence, known violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and despicable conduct under California law. The cumulative cases handled by the firm settled for more than $90 million and included punitive damages.