People
Partner
Trial and Global Disputes
/ International Arbitration and Litigation
Steve O'Neal has a global practice focused on international arbitration of construction and engineering disputes. For nearly 40 years Steve has acted as an advocate in international and domestic arbitrations, mediations, administrative proceedings, bench trials, and jury trials. Steve has been involved in projects including energy (oil and gas, power, and renewables), building, industrial, process plant, pharmaceutical plant, mining, bridge, railway, pipeline, highway, and marine construction throughout the world.
Steve has long been recognized as one of the leading construction attorneys in the world by Chambers, Who's Who Legal, The Best Lawyers in America, and The Legal 500 US, which determined that he "tops the list of construction litigators in the country." Recognized as a Construction Hall of Fame member, Legal 500 wrote: “O'Neal is among the market's most respected names in the arbitration and mediation of construction and engineering disputes.”
Construction practices led by Steve have been recognized three times by Chambers USA as Law Firm of the Year — Construction. Steve has also served as an arbitrator for many years and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
In addition to representing clients in dispute resolution proceedings, Steve has extensive experience advising clients on structuring, drafting, and negotiating construction and infrastructure agreements. He also has substantial experience serving as project counsel, assisting clients in achieving successful completion of their projects.
J.D., University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
A.B., University of California-Los Angeles
California
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
June 12, 2024
King & Spalding Earns Top-Tier Rankings in Legal 500 United States 2024 Guide
June 6, 2024
King & Spalding Earns 198 Lawyer Rankings, 90 Practice Group Rankings in Chambers USA Guide
March 22, 2024
King & Spalding Ranked Number One in International Arbitration For Fourth Year
As lead counsel, achieved multi-billion dollar victory for international energy company in international arbitration and related U.S. litigation, defeating dozens of contractor claims arising in connection with construction of an LNG facility in Australia.
Represented owner in international arbitration against contractor regarding construction of an electric power plant.
Represented a healthcare system on dispute issues regarding hospitals in California.
See more
March 1, 2022
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Key Provisions and Considerations for Project Participants
June 12, 2024
King & Spalding Earns Top-Tier Rankings in Legal 500 United States 2024 Guide
June 6, 2024
King & Spalding Earns 198 Lawyer Rankings, 90 Practice Group Rankings in Chambers USA Guide
March 22, 2024
King & Spalding Ranked Number One in International Arbitration For Fourth Year
As lead counsel, achieved multi-billion dollar victory for international energy company in international arbitration and related U.S. litigation, defeating dozens of contractor claims arising in connection with construction of an LNG facility in Australia.
Represented owner in international arbitration against contractor regarding construction of an electric power plant.
Represented a healthcare system on dispute issues regarding hospitals in California.
See more
March 1, 2022
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Key Provisions and Considerations for Project Participants
June 12, 2024
King & Spalding Earns Top-Tier Rankings in Legal 500 United States 2024 Guide
June 6, 2024
King & Spalding Earns 198 Lawyer Rankings, 90 Practice Group Rankings in Chambers USA Guide
March 22, 2024
King & Spalding Ranked Number One in International Arbitration For Fourth Year
J.D., University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
A.B., University of California-Los Angeles
California
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California