Steve Garner

Joined in 1986 Shareholder since 1990

Before joining the team, Steve B. Garner received his education from Baylor University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983, graduating with high honors. He then went on to study law at the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he graduated first in his class in 1986.

Attorney Garner has been recognized by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers Top 100 (2005-present), Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers Top 10 (2012-present), and Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers Association (2014-present). Since joining the firm in 1986, Steve has prepared and tried personal injury, wrongful death, and product liability suits on behalf of injured parties all over the country.

Throughout his years of experience, Steve has become a member of the following associations, including:

Academy of Trial Attorneys
American Board of Trial Advocates
American College of Trial Lawyers
Inner Circle of Advocates
International Academy of Trial Attorneys
Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Trial Masters

Award-winning representation on your side

Steve is listed in Best Lawyers in America® (2003–present) and was named Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Springfield, MO, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2022; Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Springfield, MO in 2016; Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, Springfield, MO in 2017; Insurance Law, Springfield, MO 2019 and 2021. Steve Garner has been a shareholder and officer of Strong Law, , P.C. since 1990.

Steve Garner is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a prestigious, invitation-only group comprised of the top 100 plaintiff's attorneys in the United States. Attorneys in this organization are invited not only on the basis of their courtroom performance (though successful verdicts are a prerequisite for consideration), but also on a genuine passion for and participation in educational events within the legal community. As some of the best trial lawyers in the country, Circle of Advocates members not only have access to other high-performers from whom they can continue to learn but also can contribute advice to others based on their own considerable experience.

Steve has served as President (2013-2014) and has been on the Board of Governors for over 20 years of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys; the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association Board of Directors, 1993-1996, President-Elect 2006, and President in 2007. In 1996, the Missouri Bar Association awarded Steve the Lon O. Hocker Award. It is an award that is given to three trial lawyers in Missouri under age 37 who have shown excellence in the courtroom.

In October of 1999, Missouri Lawyers Weekly ran a feature story on Steve as one of the state's best trial lawyers under 45 years of age. In 2007, Steve was voted the “Best Litigator” and the “Best Lawyer to Call if You Are in an Accident” in a state-wide poll conducted by Missouri Lawyers Weekly

In 2008, the same poll was conducted and Steve was again selected as one of the “Best Litigators” in the state and the “Best Lawyer to Call if You Are in an Accident.” He has spoken and written on various aspects of trial advocacy, personal injury law, and insurance bad faith.

Memberships

Bar Admissions

Missouri, 1986
Arkansas, 2012
U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri, 1986
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1987
U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Professional Associations and Memberships

Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
Board of Governors and elected to Executive Committee; President-Elect June 2012-2013; President June 2013-2014
Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
Board of Directors and Current President
Missouri Bar Association
American Bar Association
American Association for Justice
International Academy of Trial Attorneys
American Board of Trial Advocates
American College of Trial Lawyers
Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers
Inner Circle of Advocates
AV Preeminent
Inner Circle of Advocates
Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021 & 2022

Honors & Awards

Number One Graduate, University of Arkansas Law School: 1986
Recipient, Oral Advocacy Award: 1986
US News Best Lawyers: 2003 - Present
Lon O. Hocker Award – Missouri Bar Foundation: 1996
2007 Voted “Best Litigator” in the State, Missouri Lawyers Weekly
2008 Voted “Best Lawyer To Call (in Missouri) If You Are In an Accident” and #2 “Best Litigator” in the State, Missouri Lawyers Weekly
Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022
Super Lawyers, Missouri & Kansas: 2005 to Present Super Lawyers Top 10: 2012 - 2014, 2017 - 2023 Super Lawyers Top 50: 2006 Super Lawyers Top 100: 2006- 2023

Certifications & Specialties

Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy

Education

Juris Doctorate, High Honors-1st in Class University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center - Graduate School Fayetteville , AR 1986
Bachelor of Arts, High Honors Baylor University - University Waca , TX 1983

Publications

Defamation Law in Arkansas Since Dodrill v. Arkansas Democrat 1986
How to Strip Your Opponent Naked and Make Them Beg To Pay You Money 2002
Some Thoughts, Law, and Practical Considerations Bad Faith 2003
Keep it Simple and Remember the Basics Bad Faith 2007

Litigation Percentage

100% of Pratice Devoted to Litigation

Representative Cases

Williams v. Mercy Clinic Springfield Communities, 568 S.W.3d 396 (Mo. banc 2019)
Stewart v. Wagner, 836 F.3d 978 (8th Cir. 2016)
State ex rel. McKeage v. Cordonnier, 357 S.W.3d 597 (Mo. banc 2012)
Edwards v. Gerstein, 363 SW 3d 155 (Mo. App. W.D. 2012)
West v. Sharp Bonding Agency, 827 S.W.3d 7 (Mo. App. 2010)
Richey v. Catherine M. Philipp, et al., WD 68064, (Mo. App. W.D. 2008)
State of Missouri, ex. rel. Ford Motor Company v. Westbrooke, 151 S.W.3d 364 (Mo. banc 2004)
Schubert v. Trailmobile Trailer, L.L.C., 111 S.W.3d 897 (Mo. App. S.D. 2003)
Daniel v. Indiana Mills & Mfg., Inc., 103 S.W.3d 302 (Mo. App. S.D. 2003)
Auto-Owners Ins. Co. v. Tuggle, 289 F.Supp. 1061 (W.D. Ark. 2003)
State ex rel. Ford Motor Co. v. Messina, 71 S.W.3d 602 (Mo. 2002)
Bank of America v. Stevens, 83 S.W.3d 47 ( 2002)
State ex rel. Tracy v. Dandurand, 30 S.W.3d 831 (Mo. 2000)
Benoit v. Missouri Hwy & Transportation Commission, 33 S.W.3d 663 ( 2000)
Rogers v. B.G. Transit Corp., 949 S.W.2d 151 (Mo. App. S.D. 1997)
Midland Risk Insurance Co. v. White, 959 F.Supp. 1092 (W.D. Ark. 1997)
Welsh v. Burlington Northern, Inc., Employee Benefits Plan, 54 F.3d 1331 (8th Cir. 1995)
Robinson v. Empiregas Inc., of Hartville, 906 S.W.2d 829 (Mo. App. S.D. 1995)
Porter v. Erickson Transport Corp., 851 S.W.2d 725 (Mo. App. S.D. 1993)
First National Bank of Fort Smith v. Kansas City Southern Rwy. Co., 865 S.W.2d 719 (Mo. App. W.D. 1993)
Countryman v. Seymour R-11 School Dist., 823 S.W.2d 515 ( 1992)
Georgescu v. K Mart Corp., 813 S.W.2d 298 ( 1991)
Wells v. Bryant, 782 S.W.2d 721 (Mo. App. S.D. 1989)
Placzek v. Strong, 868 F.2d 1013 (8th Cir. 1989)
Southern Missouri Bank v. Fogle, 738 S.W.2d 153 (Mo. App. S.D. 1987)
Vaughn v. Michelin Tire Corp., 756 S.W.2d 548 (Mo. App. S.D. 1988)
Vanskike v. Union Pacific R. Co., 725 F.2d 1146 (8th Cir. 1984)
Johnson v. Pacific Intermountain Exp. Co., 662 S.W.2d 237 (Mo. 1983)