Mr. Stepter prefers to let his work speak for itself. By providing his best legal advice and impeccable personal service, he believes clients will do the talking for him.

Through his years with the firm, starting in 1973, he built a successful litigation practice. From 1986–2010, he served as business and commercial General Counsel to the National Auto Auction Association, the international trade association of major wholesale motor vehicle auctions, with members in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Mr. Stepter is a nationally recognized expert in motor vehicle law and has frequently lectured throughout the United States on legal issues affecting the motor vehicle industry. Additionally, he has received numerous awards from law enforcement agencies nationwide for his efforts to combat odometer and title fraud and other crimes affecting the automotive industry and consumers.

A passion of his is helping abused and neglected children, as well as others, with pro bono legal guidance. He is nationally known for his efforts in establishing and maintaining programs to offer voluntary pro bono or reduced-fee legal services to the poor and middle class. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has garnered many accolades for his advocacy of legal access for all.

EDUCATION

Stetson University, Juris Doctor, 1973

Executive Editor, Stetson Law Review

Mercer University, Bachelor of Arts, 1970

COURTS OF PRACTICE

Florida State Courts

U.S. District Courts, All Florida Districts

U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, All Florida Districts

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Frequent lecturer on Motor Vehicle Law and Commercial Law throughout the United States

Florida Bar Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services, 2002-Present

Chair, 9th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, 1998-Present

General Counsel, National Auto Auction Association, 1986-2012

Board of Trustees, Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, Inc., 1979-1996 and 1998 to 2010; President 1982-1983; Treasurer 1979-1996 and 1998-2010

Arbitrator, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, 1984-2002

Florida Bar Foundation Legal Assistance to the Poor Grant Committee,1989-1993 and 1997-2001

Board of Directors, Florida Bar Foundation, 1989-1993; Secretary/Treasurer 1991-1992

Joint Florida Bar/Florida Bar Foundation Commission on Delivery of Legal Services to the Indigent in Florida: The Next Decade, 1990-1992

Board of Directors, Florida Legal Services, Inc. 1984-1998 and 2006-Present; President 1989-1991

Florida Bar Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, 1987-1990

Board of Directors, Florida Lawyers’ Legal Insurance Corporation, 1986-1989

Chair, Florida Bar Delivery of Legal Services Committee, 1984-1986

Florida Bar Special Commission on Access to the Legal System, 1984-1985

Florida Bar Consortium for the Delivery of Legal Assistance to the Poor, 1982-1984

Hearing Officer, Orange County Bar Association Citizens Dispute Settlement Program, 1975-1984

 

MILITARY SERVICE

Staff Sergeant, 199th Light Infantry Brigade, Vietnam, 1968-1970