Steven L. "Steve" Hurdle

Steven L. 'Steve' Hurdle: Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

Client-focused and with over 39 years of experience in litigation, Steve Hurdle is a distinguished legal advocate known for his expertise across multiple practice areas. Steve's journey began at the University of Tennessee, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1976 before embarking on his legal education at the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1979. He was admitted to the Tennessee bar and has held positions with prestigious law firms such as Arnett Baker Draper Hagood LLP, including serving as a District Investigating Chair for the Tennessee Supreme Court from 2014 to 2018.

Practice Areas

• Litigation - Insurance
• Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
• Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Steve's legal journey is deeply rooted in personal injury, property damage, insurance, and products liability cases. Over the span of his career, he has successfully represented numerous clients across a wide spectrum of civil disputes. In 1975, Steve joined Arnett Baker Draper Hagood LLP as a partner. Since then, he has been recognized with an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, which is indicative of the highest levels of professional excellence and client-preferred standard.

Education

• The University of Tennessee - Bachelor's Degree in 1976 (summa cum laude)
• The University of Tennessee College of Law - J.D. degree in 1979, admitted to the Tennessee bar in 1980

Affiliations and Recognitions

• Member of the American Bar Association (ABA), the Tennessee State Bar Association (TSBA), and the Knoxville Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute member since 1980, a recognized association for defense lawyers
• Trucking Industry Defense Association member since 1980, part of a professional organization dedicated to trucking industry litigation
• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2018 by Martindale Hubbell

Awards and Recognitions

• Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Knoxville (2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Knoxville (2024)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance, Knoxville (2022)

Professional Experience and Achievements

Since 1986, Steve has served as a partner in Arnett Baker Draper Hagood LLP. During his tenure, he led teams that successfully obtained summary judgment on behalf of clients in complex legal matters. In 2018, his team secured a landmark victory for a trucking company client when it was determined that the independent contractor driver was not an agent (despite displaying an associated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration number) and thus held no liability. Steve's commitment to thorough preparation and efficient case resolution is reflected in his experience handling numerous jury trials across East Tennessee, including one where he successfully resolved a complex personal injury case. His deep knowledge of insurance disputes and products liability cases has earned him recognition as a recognized product liability lawyer.

With over 39 years of legal expertise, Steve Hurdle brings unparalleled insight to his practice areas, making him an invaluable asset for any client seeking robust representation in these challenging matters. His extensive experience, coupled with his dedication and strategic approach, ensures that clients receive the highest level of service possible.