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Steven W. Block Photo

Steve

Steven W. Block
Shareholder
Seattle
D 206.223.7718
blocks@lanepowell.com

Steve Block has more than 35 years of experience in all modes of transportation and logistics. His practice also focuses on general commercial litigation before courts and administrative bodies across the U.S. He counsels and represents local and national transportation service providers and consumers, and companies involved in a wide array of complex commercial disputes.  

Steve represents domestic and international maritime, trucking, aviation and railroad companies in litigation concerning:

  • lost and damaged cargo;
  • licensing and regulatory matters before state and federal agencies;
  • freight broker liability;
  • freight charge disputes;
  • employment and independent contractor matters; and
  • insurance coverage.

He also prepares documentation and provides consultation regarding:

  • transportation and logistics;
  • freight brokerage, and shipper/carrier contracts;
  • interline and sub-haul agreements;
  • owner-operator leases and employed driver contracts; and
  • shipping and warehousing documentation.

As a general commercial litigator, Steve is experienced in business, real estate and land use, intellectual property, and employment law.

Steve is an exceptional writer. He has authored several articles as the Western U.S. member of ForwarderLaw, an internet-based repository of legal resources of interest to the shipping community, and as co-editor of the Motor Column of Association of Transportation Law Professionals Highlights. He is also a frequent contributor to The Transportation Lawyer, published by the Transportation Lawyers Association.

Professional Experience

Foster Garvey PC, Principal (2019-2021)

Foster Pepper, PLLC, Member (2010-2019)

Betts Patterson Mines, Shareholder (1997-2010)
 

Community Involvement

Association of Transportation Law Professionals

  • Member
  • National President (2005-2006)
  • Puget Sound Chapter President (1999-2000)

Cardozo Society of Washington State, Member

Conference of Freight Counsel, Member

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Member

Maritime Law Association of the U.S., Proctor in Admiralty, Member

Transportation Club of Seattle, Member

Transportation Club of Tacoma, Member

Transportation Intermediaries Association, Member

Transportation & Logistics Council, Member

Transportation Lawyers Association

  • Member
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee, Co-Chair (2000-2012)

Washington State Bar Association, Litigation Section, Member

Washington Trucking Associations, Member

 

Thought Leadership

  • August 31, 2022Event / CLE
    Freight Charges - What You Need to Know
    The Transportation and Logistics Council | Virtual
  • July 14, 2022News

    Forty-four Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers in Washington for 2022

    Awards & Honors
  • June 2, 2022Event / CLE
    Trucking to and From Seaports in the Current Environment
    Washington Trucking Association | Seattle
  • May 12, 2022Event / CLE
    Legal Perspectives From the Crow’s Nest: the Pandemic’s Wake and Technology Developments Dead Ahead
    Transportation Lawyers Association | Williamsburg, Virginia
  • July 15, 2021News
    Forty-Three Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers for 2021
    Awards & Honors
  • June 17, 2021News
    Block Featured in Law360 Article ‘Lane Powell Adds Transportation Shareholder In Seattle’
    In the News
  • June 14, 2021News
    Block Joins Commercial Litigation and Transportation Teams
    Firm Announcement
  • May 2019Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2019Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2019Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2019Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • October 2018Publication
    The Evolution Continues: FMC Accommodates NVOCC Contracting by Revising Regs Governing NSAs and NRAs
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2018Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2018Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2018Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2018Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2018Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2018Publication
    FAAAA Preempts Decedent’s Negligent Hiring Claims Against Broker
    Transportation Legal Update
  • February 2018Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • February 2018Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • December 2017Publication
    Paying to Play: Considerations Transportation Intermediaries Should Consider Before Contractually Accepting Cargo Liability
    Transportation Legal Update
  • December 2017Publication
    Paying to Play: Considerations Transportation Intermediaries Should Consider Before Contractually Accepting Cargo Liability
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2017Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2017Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2017Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2017Publication
    Hurricanes Highlight the Jones Act’s Faults
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2017Publication
    Notes for Legal Lookout
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2017Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2017Publication
    Hurricanes Highlight the Jones Act’s Faults
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2017Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2017Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2017Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2017Publication
    FMC Overhauls Regs Governing Service Contract and NSA Filing
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2017Publication
    FMC Overhauls Regs Governing Service Contract and NSA Filing
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2017Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2017Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 20, 2017Publication
    Dealing With the Onslaught of Driver Class Action Claims Based on Unpaid Rest Breaks
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2017Publication
    Recent Cases in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2017Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • December 2016Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2016Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2016Publication
    COGSA May Be Extended to On-Deck Cargo, but the Extension Must Be Express
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2016Publication
    Recent Developments in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2016Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2016Publication
    COGSA May Be Extended to On-deck Cargo, but the Extension Must Be Express
    Transportation Legal Update
  • June 2016Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2016Publication
    DC Court of Appeals Doesn’t Like FMC’s Rationale For Allowing Disparate Rates
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2016Publication
    Recent Developments in Motor Carrier Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2016Publication
    DC Court of Appeals Doesn’t Like FMC’s Rationale for Allowing Disparate Rates
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2016Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2016Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • December 2015Publication
    The Material Deviation Doctrine Hits the Road
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2015Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • October 2, 2015Publication
    Parked Freight: The Legal Issues of Storage and Distribution Logistics in the United States
    Transportation Legal Update
  • October 2015Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2015Publication
    Remotely Located Contract Terms: Incorporated Tariffs, Rules, Terms and Conditions, and Other Documents
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2015Publication
    Spring Cleaning at the Ports: A Summary of Recent Legislative and Regulatory Attention Directed at the Wharves
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2015Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2015Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2015Publication
    A Non-vessel Operating Common Carrier Isn’t a Cargo Owner for Purposes of Claims Against Shipper
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2015Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2015Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • December 2014Publication
    Arbitration Clauses Can’t Be Unconscionable, at Least Within the Ninth Circuit
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2014Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • October 2014Publication
    NVOCCs Must Require Original Bill of Lading for Delivery, and Failure To Do So Is an FMC-actionable Shipping Act Violation
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2014Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2014Publication
    Holding Vessels Liable for Their Owners’ Debt: A Couple Illustrative Cases
    Transportation Legal Update
  • June 2014Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2014Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2014Publication
    The Maritime Goods Movement Act for the 21st Century Act — A Proposed Measure To Send Seaport Use Fees Where They’re Needed and Properly Directed.
    Transportation Legal Update
  • February 2014Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2013Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2013Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September-October 2013Publication
    The Shifting Tides of Punitive Damages in Maritime Personal Injury Claims Rise in Seamen’s Favor
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2013Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May-August 2013Publication
    By Land or by Sea... A Comparison of the Fundamentals of the Carmack and COGSA Liability Regimes
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2013Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2013Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January-April 2013Publication
    Parked Freight: The Legal Issues of Storage and Distribution Logistics
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2013Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • December 2012Publication
    Competitors of a Said-to-Be Fraudulently Documented Water Carrier Have No Private Right of Action Under State Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2012Publication
    Classification Societies Probably Don’t Have Duties to Third Parties, but Even if They Do, a “Reckless Misconduct” Standard Is Tough To Meet
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2012Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • October 2012Publication
    Product Liability in the Maritime Law Context: A Federal Court Sitting in Admiralty Sorts Out State Law Issues
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 27, 2012Publication
    The Politics of Piracy: Contemporary U.S. Law Addresses a Timeless Issue
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2012Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2012Publication
    COGSA Can Contractually Kick in Only After Carrier Takes Custody
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July-August 2012Publication
    Map-21: New Surface Transportation Legislation Overcomes Political Obstacles To Bring Law Closer to Industry Realities
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2012Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • June 2012Publication
    A P&I Primer: How the Ocean Shipping Industry Insures Itself
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 3, 2012Publication
    Parked Freight: The Legal Issues of Storage and Distribution Logistics
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2012Publication
    The Harbor Maintenance Tax: What’s It Really Doing to the U.S. Port Volumes and Imports; And What Should Be Done About It?
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2012Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2012Publication
    Burdens of Proof in COGSA Claims: Ping Pong, Anyone?
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2012Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • February 2012Publication
    You Snooze, You Lose: How the Passage of Time Can Bar Maritime Claims
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2012Publication
    The Discretionary Function Exception to Uncle Sam’s Waiver of Sovereign Immunity Shields Coasties From Liability
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2012Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • December 2011Publication
    Transportation Service Providers Other Than Carriers Limit Their Liability Too!
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2011Publication
    Mitigation of Damages: The Plaintiff’s Duty to Its Wrongdoer
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2011Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • October 2011Publication
    The Evolution of Ocean Shipping Deregulation Continues: FMC Considers Relaxing Its Requirement of Specified Rates in Service Contracts
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2011Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2011Publication
    The Pennsylvania Rule: Violation of a Safety Regulation Creates Presumption of Fault
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2011Publication
    The Intersection of Admiralty’s Limitations — of Liability and Right to a Jury Trial
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2011Publication
    Regal Beloit/Kirby Revisited: The Supreme Court’s Statutory Analysis Takes Subsequent Case Law off Course
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2011Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • June 2011Publication
    Charter Parties: Who’s the 'Carrier' for Purposes of COGSA Liability?
    Transportation Legal Update
  • June 2011Publication
    Keeping the Squabble Stateside: Foreign Forum Selection Clauses Aren’t Always Enforceable
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2011Publication
    Two Maritime Law Queries: What Constitutes 'Discharge' and 'Delivery' Commencing the Time To Give Notice of Claim; And Is a Freight Forwarder an 'Agent' in Its Relationships With Ocean Carriers and Shippers?
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2011Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2011Publication
    Blurred Lines: An Intermediary’s Roles as Cargo Owner, Dispatcher, and Controller of Trucking Operations Produce Huge Accident Liability
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2011Publication
    'It’s Just Not Fair': The Doctrine of Unjust Enrichment Under Maritime Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2011Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • February 2011Publication
    The Impact of a Complex Charter Party Arrangement on Cargo Liability
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2011Publication
    But What About My Attorneys’ Fees?!?!
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2011Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November-December 2010Publication
    The Politics of Piracy: Contemporary U.S. Law Addresses a Timeless Issue
    Transportation Legal Update
  • November 2010Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2010Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 2010Publication
    Expanding Vessel Owner Liability and the Rights of Injured Seamen: Punitive Damages Are Recoverable in Vessel Unseaworthiness Claims
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July-August 2010Publication
    Regal Beloit: Sompo Japan and Kin Step Aside – The U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Back by Clarifying That Kirby Applies to Interstate Connecting Hauls
    Transportation Legal Update
  • July 2010Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • June 2010Publication
    The Outer Continental Shelf Land Act: The Law’s Increasing Recognition of Land-based, Maritime Personal Injury
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2010Publication
    NVOCC Tariff Exemption: Deregulation’s Stepchild Continues Making Progress Toward Parity With Its Industry Peers
    Transportation Legal Update
  • May 2010Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 29, 2010Publication
    The Rotterdam Rules: The Long Voyage of International Efforts to Modernize Ocean Shipping Liability
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2010Publication
    Saving Ryan: Vessel Owners Who Utilize Employees of Other Maritime Service Providers Must Indemnify Their Employers for Personal Injury Liability
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 2010Publication
    A Consignee Isn’t Liable for Damage to Carriers’ Equipment Caused by Bad Packaging; Or Ocean Transportation Intermediaries’ Oft Ambiguous Role Revisited
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2010Publication
    Who’s an Ocean Carrier’s 'Agent' for Purposes of Extension of Cogsa To Land-based Service Providers?
    Transportation Legal Update
  • March 2010Publication
    Hot Motor Law
    Transportation Legal Update
  • February 2010Publication
    A 'Customary Freight Unit' Can Be Determined by Flat Rate a Carrier Charges for Entire Load, but the Rotterdam Rules Might Change the Outcome …
    Transportation Legal Update
  • January 2010Publication
    Suit in a Non-designated Forum Results in Dismissal of Case – And Sanctions
    Transportation Legal Update
  • April 29, 2009Publication
    By Land or by Sea...A Comparison of the Fundamentals of the Carmack and COGSA Liability Regimes
    Transportation Legal Update
  • October 2, 2008Publication
    Kirby’s Wake?: How the Calm Waters of Ocean Transportation Intermediary and Subcontractor Liability Suddenly Became Unpredictable
    Transportation Legal Update
  • September 17, 2006Publication
    The Current Mto Federal Regulatory Environment: A Summary of Federal Maritime Commission Structure and Recent Activity Impacting the Regulation of Ports And Other Marine Terminal Operators
     
    Transportation Legal Update
  • August 2006Publication
    Maine Statute Affecting Interstate Delivery of Tobacco Products Goes Up In Smoke
    Transportation Legal Update
  • 2005Publication
    The U.S. Supreme Court Blesses Industry’s Trend Toward Intermodalism
    Transportation Legal Update
  • 2002Publication
    Ocean Transportation Intermediaries: How Three and a Half Years of “Deregulation” Have Impacted Ocean Freight Forwarders and Non-vessel Operating Common Carriers
    Transportation Legal Update
  • Washington Super Lawyers 2022

Practices & Industries

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Transportation
  • Business Dispute Resolution

Education

  • Tulane University School of Law, LL.M., Admiralty, 1994
  • American University Washington College of Law, J.D., 1986
  • Middlebury College, M.A., Russian Studies, 1985
  • Moscow’s Pushkin Institute, Certificate, 1983
  • University of North Carolina, B.A., 1982

Admissions

  • Washington
  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • District of Columbia
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, District of Alaska
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of International Trade

Language

  • Russian (Fluent)

Honors

"Washington Super Lawyer," Thomson Reuters, Transportation/Maritime (2008-2022)

AV Preeminent® in Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™

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