Strong Legal Advocacy For The Produce Industry
Biography
Steven M. De Falco is a results oriented attorney. He listens to and understands his clients’ objectives and produces results through hard work and great care to see that nothing is overlooked. Steve employs legal skills and experience in a proactive approach to client representation. For more than 10 years, Steve has been providing assistance to clients in need of his advice and services and has built lasting relationships by identifying their legal goals and discussing with them every aspect of their case. He works to maintain strong, collegial relationships with the members of the legal community and has garnered respect, both in the produce and legal communities, for his ability to develop resolutions for a successful outcome, avoiding costly litigation when possible. Steve follows up and follows through to ensure the most positive and cost-effective result for his clients. Steve is also a monthly contributor to "The PACA Law Perspective," a weekly article published in the Meuers Law Firm newsletter, "Produce and the Law," providing important information and items of interest to members of the produce industry.
Steve’s practice includes representation in PACA trust enforcement cases under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and in disputes with other produce companies, in both federal and bankruptcy courts, and in formal and informal reparation cases, before the PACA Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Over the past 8 years, Steve has developed an expertise in matters regarding the transportation of produce and related issues. Steve is also experienced in counseling clients regarding compliance with PACA statutes and regulations involving sales contracts.
Before joining Meuers Law Firm in 2004, Steve grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where his family was involved in the trucking business. He joined Meuers Law Firm in 2004.
In Steve’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jenn, and two adorable daughters, playing golf, and keeping in touch with family and friends in Chicago.
Education
- John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois
- J.D. - 2003
- DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
- B.S. - 1999
Professional Associations
- Knights of Columbus, Past Member
- Illinois State Bar Association, Member, 2003 to 2013
- The Florida Bar, Member, 2004 to Present
- Collier County Bar Association, Member, 2004 to Present
Current Employment Position
- Member
Practice Areas
- Trust Enforcement Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
- Reparation Cases Before the PACA Branch of the U.S Department of Agriculture
- Compliance with State and Federal Agricultural Dealings & Licensing Laws
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 2003
- Florida, 2004
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2003
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 2005
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, 2005
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 2005
Representative Cases
- Adv. Produce, Inc. v. Isadore A. Rapasadi and Sons, Inc., (M.D. Fla. 2013)
- Covenant Tomato Sales, Inc. v. Suttles (M.D. Fla. 2011)
- Baker Packing Co. v. Produce Fresh, Inc., (W.D. Tex. 2011)
- Maui-Fresh Intern, Inc. v. All About Produce Acq., LLC, (D. Nev. 2010)
- Sunrise Orchards, Inc. v. Pets Calvert Co., (N.D. Ill. 2010)
- Covenant Tomato Sales, Inc. v. Suttles (M.D. Fla. 2010)
- Kingburg Apple Packers, Inc. v. Ballentine Produce Co. (E.D. Cal. 2010)
- Tonya Gladney, d/b/a Tonya Gladney Farms v. G and S Melons, LLC (Fla.Div.Admin.Hrgs. 2009)
- Grimmway Enterprises, Inc. v. PIC Fresh Global, Inc (E.D.Cal. 2008)
- Ger-Nis Intern., LLC v. FJB, Inc (S.D.N.Y 2008)
- In re Watford (Bkrtcy. M.D.N.C. 2007)
- John Carlo, Inc. v. Greater Orlando Aviation Auth. (M.D. Fla. 2007)
- Agri-Sales, Inc. v. United Potato Co., Inc. (N.D.Ill. 2006)