Steven M. "Steve" Bernstein

Steven M. "Steve" Bernstein

Tampa, FL recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2012
Fisher Phillips LLP

170 Best Lawyers awards

Fisher Phillips LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Labor Law - Management Employment Law - Management Litigation - Labor and Employment Trade Secrets Law
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Tampa.

Biography

Steve Bernstein is managing partner of the firm's Tampa office. He also serves as a Chair of the firm’s Associate Development and Retention Committee.

Steve maintains a traditional labor practice in which he represents employers throughout the United States in both state and federal courts, as well as before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and other state and federal agencies.

In the process, Steve has played a primary role in advising clients on union-related matters. Steve has also acquired a sophisticated level of experience with regard to advising clients on compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A significant portion of his practice is devoted to the implementation of preventive employee relations programs that include supervisory training as well as the development and administration of effective human resources policies and practices.

Previously, Steve worked for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and with the Minority Staff of the U.S. Senate Labor Committee.

Fisher Phillips LLP

170 Best Lawyers awards

Fisher Phillips LLP logo

Overview

  • University of Florida, J.D., graduated 1990
  • Cornell University, BS, graduated 1987

  • Florida, The Florida Bar
  • Georgia, State Bar of Georgia

  • ABA Committee on Federal Labor Standards Legislation - Member
  • Academy of Florida Management Attorneys - Past President
  • Labor & Employment Section of the Hillsborough Bar Association - Past Co-Chair
  • Suncoast Automotive Accountants Association - Member
  • Tampa Chamber of Commerce - Treasurer

  • United States Court of Appeals
  • United States District Court

  • Georgia - Court of Appeals
  • Georgia - Supreme Court
  • Florida, The Florida Bar
  • Georgia, State Bar of Georgia
  • ABA Committee on Federal Labor Standards Legislation - Member
  • Academy of Florida Management Attorneys - Past President
  • Labor & Employment Section of the Hillsborough Bar Association - Past Co-Chair
  • Suncoast Automotive Accountants Association - Member
  • Tampa Chamber of Commerce - Treasurer
  • University of Florida, J.D., graduated 1990
  • Cornell University, BS, graduated 1987
  • United States Court of Appeals
  • United States District Court
  • Georgia - Court of Appeals
  • Georgia - Supreme Court

Client Testimonials

Steven Bernstein is an excellent traditional labor lawyer.

Steve has a unique combination of having great results on both the organization side of labor, as well as the contract side of labor. Most important is his pragmatic approach and understanding of his clients culture, business, and strategy, which enables him to drive for results. His results are what most should be measured by and his metrics are off the charts.

Steve is a well-rounded, down-to-earth Employment Law and Labor Relations attorney who finds practical solutions to everyday issues.

Kevin Cogan (Ace Hardware Corporation)

Steven Bernstein has developed a very collaborative style which greatly enhances the movement of a project. He has an incredible level of responsiveness even when involved with multiple projects/campaigns. He is one of the best I have worked with in quickly developing a pragmatic and successful strategy that is not only effective but efficient in its implementation. He has a keen understanding of the business of my clients. In the Employment Law category, he is willing to take a stand and not just quote the law. He has excellent knowledge of and relationship with NLRB officials. He has a track record that is thus far 100%. In addition, he has been instrumental in helping to guide a strategic ER position for clients. He has an exceptional ability to quickly understand the business issue at hand and "cut to the chase." He provides unusual expertise in local markets through other partners in a seamless fashion to the client. I would recommend Steven Bernstein without hesitation.

John Richardson (John Richardson & Company, Inc)

Steven Bernstein is an excellent attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable about labor and FMLA issues. He is thorough, ethical, and responsive. You cannot hope for better counsel.

Jewelle Johnson (Graphic Packaging Intl. Inc.)

Marietta, GA

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Labor Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Trade Secrets Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Labor Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Trade Secrets Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Trade Secrets Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Employment Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Labor Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Litigation - Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Labor Law - Management
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Labor Law - Management, Tampa (2026)
  • Trade Secrets Law, Tampa (2025)
  • Labor Law - Management, Tampa (2024)
  • Trade Secrets Law, Tampa (2023)
  • Trade Secrets Law, Tampa (2021)
  • Employment Law - Management, Tampa (2020)
  • Labor Law - Management, Tampa (2019)
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment, Tampa (2018)
  • Labor Law - Management, Tampa (2017)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Labor Law - Management
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Trade Secrets Law
Special Focus:
  • COVID-19
  • Management

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