Steven M. Henderson
As a registered professional engineer and attorney, Steven represents owners, contractors, and design professionals in all aspects of the construction and design process. He successfully litigates cases in state and federal courts, and regularly manages the resolution of disputes for clients. Having spent time working as an engineer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet prior to becoming an attorney, Steven continues to maintain in-depth knowledge of the multiple demands placed on owners, design professionals and contractors involved in complex transportation projects. Steven is chair of the firm's Construction Service Group.
Don't Bet the Company! Tips for Managing Risk of Third-Party Claims on Hightway Projects
presenter, 2025 Kentucky Highway Industries (KHI) Annual Convention, February 11, 2025
Best Practices for Presentation of Damages in Arbitration
Speaker, 2024 Construction Law Institute, Lexington, KY, October 17, 2024
Preventing Structural Failures Through Improved Communication of Design Intent: Recent Revisions to the AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges
co-presenter, 2024 Annual Conference, Structural Engineers Association of Kentucky, May 24, 2024
Navigating The Trenches: How to Avoid, Manage, and Resolve Construction Disputes
Speaker, Dig Down Deep Spring 2023, NUCA of Middle Tennessee, March 31, 2023
Defending multiple engineering firms in cases involving allegations of property damage caused by defective design or construction.
Defending engineering firm in a multi-party dispute involving personal injury claims arising from a propane gas explosion.
Defending major international equipment manufacturer in multiple product liability cases.
Assisted contractors in protesting multiple OSHA citations and penalties.
Successfully resolved dispute on behalf of a contractor accused of submitting fraudulent payment documents to a government agency.
Construction Service Group, Chair
Kentuckians for Better Transportation, Board of Directors (Chair, 2021-22)
Shelby Co. UK Alumni Association, Board of Directors
magna cum laude
University of Kentucky College of Law
Order of the Coif
Kentucky Law Journal, Member
CALI Award in Contracts, Evidence & Bankruptcy
Outstanding 2nd & 3rd Year Journal Staff Member Award
Stoll Keenan Ogden Law Journal Service Award
John Darsie Memorial Scholarship Fund
Chelsey Williams Bailey UK Alumni Association Scholarship
Swinford Writing Club, Best Overall Advocate
University of Kentucky
Southeast Transportation Institute Fellowship
Teaching Assistant & Research Assistant, 1997-99
cum laude
University of Kentucky
Chi Epsilon, National Civil Engineering Honor Society
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
Steven is a member of the Board of Directors of Kentuckians for Better Transportation, the Shelby Co. UK Alumni Association, and the finance committee of Centenary United Methodist Church in Shelbyville, Ky. Steven is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, backpacking, snow skiing, and any other activity that gives him the opportunity to enjoy some quiet time in the woods. He also enjoys golf (most of the time) and spending time with his wife, Emily, and his daughter, Clara.
Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Preeminent® Peer Review Rated
Best Lawyers in America®, Construction Law and Litigation - Construction (2017-25)
Best Lawyers in America®, Louisville Area Lawyer of the Year in Construction Law (2021, 2025)
Kentucky Super Lawyers® (2018-25)
Kentucky Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2015-17)
Evaluating and Mitigating the Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Construction Projects
On February 1, 2025, President Trump announced that tariffs of 25% will be imposed on goods imported from Mexico and Canada (with the exception of Canadian energy resources which will be subject to a 10% tariff). In addition, a 10% tariff will also be imposed on certain goods imported from China. The administration’s stated justification for this emergency action is to address the threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including fentanyl, that are flowing into the United States. While the details of the tariffs remain unclear, these tariffs will undoubtedly impact both the cost and availability of critical materials required for construction projects across the United States. Accordingly, all contractors would be wise to immediately evaluate applicable clauses in existing contracts that may offer some relief from the time and cost impact resulting from tariffs. Construction attorneys Tyler Lloyd and Steven Henderson take a look at what this will mean to the construction industry in this Stites & Harbison Client Alert.
Kentucky Super Lawyers Honors 47 Stites & Harbison Attorneys for 2025
The 2025 edition of Kentucky Super Lawyers recently honored 47 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in the Covington, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville, Ky., offices. The publication named 34 attorneys to the Super Lawyers list and 13 attorneys to the Rising Stars list.
2024 Construction Law Institute
Time: 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
The Campbell House, 1375 South Broadway Road, Lexington, KY 40504
Construction attorney Bill Geisen is the Institute Chair and will give the Welcome announcement for the 2024 Construction Law Institute in Lexington on October 17, 2024. Attorneys Steven Henderson, Cassidy Rosenthal and J.P. Stilz will also be presenters at the event.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2025 Best Lawyers® Publications
Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 97 of its lawyers are included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence according to the publication. Additionally, 12 Stites & Harbison attorneys are named as “Lawyer of the Year” and 30 attorneys are recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, which recognizes attorneys early in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.
Kentucky Super Lawyers® Honors 49 Stites & Harbison Attorneys for 2024
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The 2024 edition of Kentucky Super Lawyers® recently honored 49 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in the Covington, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville, Ky., offices. The publication named 35 attorneys to the Super Lawyers® list and 14 attorneys to the Rising Stars® list.
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2024 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 101 of its lawyers are included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Dig Down Deep Spring 2023
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Construction attorneys Steven Henderson and Ross Hutchison will be featured speakers at this NUCA of Middle Tennessee's breakfast and networking event.
Kentucky Super Lawyers Honors 49 Stites & Harbison Attorneys for 2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The 2023 edition of Kentucky Super Lawyers recently honored 49 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in the Covington, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville, Ky., offices. The publication named 37 attorneys to the Super Lawyers list and 12 attorneys to the Rising Stars list.