Stephen Fennell | Arbitration

Experience

A 46-year record, organized for counsel reviewing a neutral.

The detail below is intended for parties, counsel, and panel administrators evaluating Stephen for appointment.

Career Timeline

  1. 1974

    B.A., English — University of Maryland (Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa)

  2. 1978

    J.D., Georgetown University Law Center (Magna Cum Laude, Georgetown Law Journal)

  3. 1978

    Law Clerk, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

  4. 1979

    Began national-firm trial practice

  5. 1980

    Published 85-page lead article, Harvard Law Review, on criminal sentencing — cited in amendment to F.R.Crim.P. 32

  6. 1982

    Judgment in cross-burning case on behalf of a Black family — front-page Washington Post coverage; President Reagan visited the family to apologize on behalf of the Nation

  7. 2001–17

    Represented 17 Gulf War I POWs and 37 family members in suit against Republic of Iraq for torture during captivity — $959 million judgment, U.S. Supreme Court appeal, and nine-figure settlement

  8. 2003

    After successful defense against a Fortune 50 company's billion-dollar request for insurance coverage, asked to represent that company in the underlying lawsuits — representation continuing for over two decades

  9. 2005–2014

    Headed firm litigation department

  10. 2012

    Mediator, DC Superior Court Multi-Door Program

  11. 2021

    Arbitrator, AAA Consumer Panel

  12. 2024

    Arbitrator, AAA Commercial Panel

  13. 1998–Present

    AV Pre-eminent, Martindale-Hubbell

  14. 2025

    Who's Who in America · Marquis Top Lawyers

Panels & Rosters

  • American Arbitration Association — Commercial Panel (2024)
  • American Arbitration Association — Consumer Panel (2021)
  • District of Columbia Superior Court — Multi-Door Program (mediator, 2012)
  • Delaware Superior Court — Arbitrator and Mediator rosters

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia (1979)
  • Maryland (1985)
  • Delaware (2013)
  • New York (2013)
  • Numerous federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States

Honors & Recognition

Martindale-Hubbell AV Pre-eminent (1998–present). Who's Who in America (2025). Marquis Top Lawyers (2025). Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Award. Counsel of record in landmark matters, including representation reaching the Supreme Court of the United States.