Stephen R. Lancaster

Stephen R. Lancaster

Bet-the-Company Litigation

4.4 (9 reviews)
Little Rock, Arkansas
39+ years experience
Wright Lindsey Jennings
Updated:

Contact Information

200 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 2300, Little Rock, AR 72201
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Bio

Steve Lancaster has a commercial litigation practice, primarily in the areas of breach of contract litigation, trust litigation, engineer and architect defense, gaming regulation, title insurance litigation and general commercial dispute resolution. Lancaster is the Chief Operating Officer for Wright Lindsey Jennings and has been with the firm his entire legal career.Lancaster’s more recent experience includes:Counsel for an international oil and gas company in litigation resulting from a release of oil from an interstate pipeline.Lead counsel for a ballot question committee in successfully challenging the sufficiency of a petition for an initiated constitutional amendment.Lead counsel for an international consumer products company in a franchise practices act dispute.Trial counsel for a limited liability company member in a breach of loyalty claim by another member seeking an accounting.Lead counsel in defending an architect against a breach of contract and negligence claim.Counsel for a nation-wide trust client defending breach of fiduciary duty claims by trust beneficiaries.Lead counsel in defending a national subcontractor in a claim brought by the owner of a commercial project.Counsel for a national entity on Arkansas gaming issues. Steve Lancaster has a commercial litigation practice, primarily in the areas of breach of contract litigation, trust litigation, engineer and architect defense, gaming regulation, title insurance litigation and general commercial dispute resolution. Lancaster is the Chief Operating Officer for Wright Lindsey Jennings and has been with the firm his entire legal career.Lancaster’s more recent experience includes:Counsel for an international oil and gas company in litigation resulting from a release of oil from an interstate pipeline.Lead counsel for a ballot question committee in successfully challenging the sufficiency of a petition for an initiated constitutional amendment.Lead counsel for an international consumer products company in a franchise practices act dispute.Trial counsel for a limited liability company member in a breach of loyalty claim by another member seeking an accounting.Lead counsel in defending an architect against a breach of contract and negligence claim.Counsel for a nation-wide trust client defending breach of fiduciary duty claims by trust beneficiaries.Lead counsel in defending a national subcontractor in a claim brought by the owner of a commercial project.Counsel for a national entity on Arkansas gaming issues. Steve Lancaster has a commercial litigation practice, primarily in the areas of breach of contract litigation, trust litigation, engineer and architect defense, gaming regulation, title insurance litigation and general commercial dispute resolution. Lancaster is the Chief Operating Officer for Wright Lindsey Jennings and has been with the firm his entire legal career. Lancaster’s more recent experience includes:

Practice Areas

Bet-the-Company Litigation

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Little Rock (2025)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Little Rock (2023)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Little Rock (2023)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Little Rock (2023)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Little Rock (2021)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Little Rock (2020)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Real Estate, Little Rock (2018)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Little Rock (2017)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Little Rock (2015)
  • Recognized: Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Recognized: Commercial Litigation
  • Recognized: Litigation - Construction
  • Recognized: Litigation - Real Estate
  • Recognized: Litigation - Trusts and Estates

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2011

Education

  • The University of Texas, MBA, graduated 1986
  • University of Arkansas, BSBA, graduated 1984

Reviews

M

Melissa Martin

3 weeks ago

Confident and Trustworthy Advocate

I cannot recommend Stephen R. Lancaster highly enough. When I found myself embroiled in a complex contractual dispute, Steve's 39 years of litigation experience, particularly in breach of contract cases, proved invaluable. His strategic approach and deep understanding of trust litigation—an area where he has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year—ensured a favorable outcome. What sets him apart is not just his expertise in construction and gaming regulation but his ability to simplify intricate legal matters. He listened intently, kept me informed, and instilled confidence throughout the process. Wright Lindsey Jennings is fortunate to have someone of his caliber on their team. If you need a trusted advisor in commercial litigation, Steve is the attorney to call.

R

Ryan Cox

3 weeks ago

Competent but Communicative Gaps

I retained Stephen R. Lancaster for a complex breach of contract dispute involving a commercial property transaction. His 39 years of experience in litigation were evident—he understood the nuances of both contract law and title insurance disputes better than most. However, while his legal strategy was sound, I often felt left in the dark about case progress. Responses to my emails took longer than expected, and updates were sometimes vague. The outcome was favorable, but the communication gaps made the process more stressful than necessary. His expertise in high-stakes litigation (as noted by his 'Lawyer of the Year' awards) was clear, but I’d have preferred more transparency. Competent, but not the most communicative counsel I’ve worked with.

R

Ryan Jones

3 weeks ago

Excellent Litigation Expert

I had the privilege of working with Stephen R. Lancaster on a complex breach of contract case, and his expertise in commercial litigation was evident from the start. His deep knowledge of trust and construction litigation, coupled with his impressive track record including multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' awards, gave me confidence in his abilities. Steve's strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in securing a favorable outcome. While his response time could occasionally be slower than I'd hoped, the quality of his work more than made up for it. I would highly recommend him for any high-stakes legal matter.

B

Betty Baker

3 weeks ago

Highly Skilled with Minor Communication Gaps

Stephen R. Lancaster is an outstanding attorney with an impressive background in commercial litigation and trust disputes. His expertise in breach of contract and title insurance litigation was invaluable in resolving a complex case for us. The depth of his experience, particularly in gaming regulation and architect defense, was evident in his strategic approach. While we were thrilled with the outcome, his responsiveness could improve slightly during peak periods. The recognition he's received, including Lawyer of the Year honors, speaks to his level of skill. I would absolutely recommend him for high-stakes litigation.

E

Emily Reed

3 weeks ago

Trusted Legal Expertise

Choosing Stephen R. Lancaster to handle our complex breach of contract dispute was one of the best decisions we made. His 39 years of experience in commercial litigation, particularly in areas like trust litigation and construction disputes, provided us with the confidence we needed. Steve's Lawyer of the Year recognition in Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Bet-the-Company Litigation speaks volumes about his expertise. He meticulously analyzed our case, identified key legal strategies, and negotiated a favorable settlement that protected our interests. His professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best outcome were evident throughout the process. I highly recommend Steve for anyone facing high-stakes litigation.

D

Donald Cook

3 weeks ago

Outstanding Trust and Estate Litigation Expert

I had the pleasure of working with Stephen R. Lancaster during a highly complex trust dispute involving multiple beneficiaries and conflicting interpretations of the trust terms. Mr. Lancaster's depth of knowledge in trust litigation was immediately apparent, and his strategic approach was both thorough and decisive. His 39 years of experience clearly showed in how he navigated the case, leveraging his expertise in breach of contract and commercial litigation to resolve our dispute efficiently. What truly set him apart was his ability to simplify the legal complexities for us, ensuring we understood every step of the process. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in Litigation - Trusts and Estates is well-deserved, and his professionalism throughout the case was exceptional. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone facing similar legal challenges.

E

Eric Murphy

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Litigator with Depth of Experience

I worked with Stephen R. Lancaster on a complex breach of contract case involving gaming regulation, and his expertise was evident from the start. With nearly 40 years in commercial litigation, Steve has a level of insight and strategic thinking that few attorneys can match. He handled the nuances of our case, particularly the title insurance litigation aspects, with precision and confidence. His recognition as Lawyer of the Year in Litigation—Trusts and Estates and Bet-the-Company Litigation speaks to his high-caliber work. While his legal acumen is unmatched, I would have appreciated slightly faster communication at times, especially during high-pressure moments. Still, his deep knowledge of construction and architect defense cases, as highlighted by his Lawyer of the Year award in that area, was invaluable in securing a favorable outcome. Steve’s ability to navigate intricate legal challenges is truly impressive, and I’d recommend him without hesitation for high-stakes commercial litigation.

A

Angela Garcia

3 weeks ago

Brilliant Legal Strategy and Trusted Counsel

I had the privilege of working with Stephen R. Lancaster on a complex trust litigation case that involved intricate contractual disputes and title insurance issues. From the outset, Steve’s depth of knowledge in these areas was immediately apparent. His 39 years of experience, combined with his MBA and legal background, allowed him to navigate the nuances of our case with remarkable precision. Steve’s recognition as a ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in litigation—particularly in trusts and estates—proved invaluable. He anticipated challenges before they arose and developed a strategic approach that not only protected our interests but also secured a favorable outcome. Beyond his expertise, Steve’s professionalism and personal attention made the process far less daunting. He explained complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms and ensured we were always informed. I have no doubt that his unique blend of business acumen, litigation experience, and client-focused approach set the standard for legal representation. Highly, highly recommended.

K

Karen Allen

3 weeks ago

Expertise and Dedication in Complex Litigation

Steve Lancaster is an exceptional attorney whose deep expertise in commercial litigation and trust disputes was evident throughout our complex case. His strategic approach to breach of contract claims and title insurance litigation not only secured a favorable outcome but also provided clarity in a highly contentious matter. With nearly four decades of experience and multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions, it's clear why he's trusted in high-stakes legal battles. His professionalism, dedication, and ability to explain intricate legal concepts made a significant difference. Highly recommend his services in any bet-the-company litigation scenario.

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