As a lobbyist, Stephen has represented clients before the Illinois General Assembly, Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, Office of the Governor, state executive branch agencies and Cook County Board, and with the Illinois Congressional delegation. As a lawyer, Stephen has practiced before virtually every Illinois agency and executive branch office, as well as in the state and federal courts.

He brings keen insight to the needs of clients that intersect with Illinois state and local government and with the federal government, particularly in the regulatory, employment, energy, real estate, higher education, legislative, procurement and compliance arenas.

Stephen's government experience includes service as chief legal counsel and parliamentarian to the Illinois Senate president; commissioner of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, which adjudicates antidiscrimination claims related to employment, housing, education and public accommodation; Special Assistant Attorney General; Special Assistant Cook County State's Attorney; Special Counsel to the Cook County Board; contract lobbyist for the Cook County Board; counsel to the State Employees' Retirement System; counsel to the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois Board of Trustees; and member of the Illinois Attorney General Advisory Board on Not-For-Profit Corporations. Between college and law school, Stephen was a Governor's Fellow in Springfield, working for a year in various areas of the Illinois governor's office.