Overview

Steve Bernstein is a partner in the firm's Tampa office, and co-chairs the firm’s Labor Relations practice group.

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 Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), 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.

Experience

Representative Work

Honors & Leadership

Honors & Awards

Named, Lawyer of the Year for Labor and Employment Litigation, Tampa, 2018
Named Outstanding Labor and Employment Law School Student by the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Florida Bar
Named, Lawyer of the Year, Labor Law-Management, Tampa, 2017 and 2019
Listed by the Labor Relations Institute (LRI) as one of the "Top 100 Labor Attorneys" in the U.S. since 2006
"AV" Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Listed in Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business since 2011
Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America since 2012
Florida Super Lawyers since 2012
Named one of the "People to Know" in Tampa/Hillsborough County by Florida Trend in 2014

Professional Activities

Member, Pepin Academy Foundation Board of Directors
Past Chair – Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Member, Advisory Board for Quest, Inc.
Past President, Academy of Florida Management Attorneys
Co-Chair to the Labor & Employment Section of the Hillsborough Bar Association
Member, ABA Committee on Federal Labor Standards Legislation, Subcommittee on USERRA
Chief Editor, Florida Employment Law Manual

Insights

News

Labor Relations Co-Chair Comments on Southeast Union Vote
6.14.19
Fisher Phillips Announces Practice Group and Industry Leaders Amid Record Growth
5.9.19
Chambers USA Recognizes 40 Fisher Phillips Attorneys in 2019 List
Firm Also Ranked Among the Best in the U.S. for Labor & Employment Law
4.25.19
Fisher Phillips Partner Discusses Delay of New Joint Employer Rule
12.29.18
Fisher Phillips Partner Reflects on Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Chairmanship
12.21.18
Fisher Phillips Attorney Explores Possible Outcome in Supreme Court Case: Kisor v. Wilkie
12.14.18
Fisher Phillips Attorney Examines Semantics in Labor Contract Dispute
12.7.18
Attorney Addresses Calls for Conversation about Joint Employer Rule Change
11.6.18
Fisher Phillips Attorney Discusses Implications of New NLRB Policy For Unions
10.29.18
Fisher Phillips Labor Attorney Addresses Proposed Changes to the Joint Employer Standard
10.3.18
Fisher Phillips Attorney Explains the Impetus and Impact of Proposed Joint Employer Rule Change
9.18.18
Tampa Partner Quoted in SHRM on New FMLA Certification Expiration Dates
8.31.18
Tampa Partner Discusses NLRB’s ADR Program Expansion
8.17.18
Ninety-Five Fisher Phillips Attorneys Selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2019
8.15.18
Unions Steamrolling Quickie Elections
5.22.18
Forty-Two Fisher Phillips Attorneys Ranked Among the Top in Chambers USA 2018
Firm Also Ranked Among the Best for Labor & Employment Law
5.3.18
The Next Hy-Brand: 3 Cases That Could Undo Browning-Ferris
4.23.18
NLRB Joint Employer Test Still in Limbo Despite New Member
4.11.18
4 Takeaways As NLRB Directors Decry Proposed Overhaul
1.26.18
Tampa Chamber of Commerce finding a more outspoken voice with new leader
1.12.18
Steven M. Bernstein, Partner at Fisher Phillips, Installed as Chair of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
12.15.17
Steve Bernstein’s Interview on ‘Daytime’ WFLA
12.13.17
‘Weinstein Moment’ Harassment Spotlight Playing Out at Tampa Bay Businesses
12.13.17
National Labor Relations Board Strikes Pro-Employer Stance
12.12.17
Republicans Set to Influence National Labor Relations Board
10.3.17
5 Labor And Employment Bills To Watch
9.12.17
Eighty-Nine Fisher Phillips Attorneys Selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2018
8.15.17
NLRB Swings Right
8.3.17
Trump NLRB Picks May Rein In Employee Speech
6.28.17
Labor Department Wants to Withdraw 2016 Persuader Rule
6.9.17
Forty-Three Fisher Phillips Attorneys Ranked Among Top in Chambers USA 2017
Firm Also Ranked Among the Best for Labor & Employment Law
5.30.17
VW Hit with U.S. Unfair Labor Practice Complaint at Tenn. Plant
5.13.17
National Labor Relations Board Chair a Popular Choice with Business
5.2.17
New NLRB Chairman Philip Miscimarra Expected To Undo Recent Pro-Union Changes
5.1.17
GOP Rage At Obama's Labor Board Could Cost Trump's NLRB
4.11.17
High Court Sets Limits On Presidential Appointment Power
3.21.17
Business Groups Enlist States To Undo A Hated Obama Pro-Union Regulation
3.13.17
Unions Hope To Take Local Right-To-Work Ruling To SCOTUS
3.10.17
In Good Hands
2.6.17
New National Right-To-Work Bill Has Real Chance
2.2.17
Trump Taps Republican Miscimarra to Head Labor Board
1.26.17
Supreme Court to Rule on Class-Action Waivers
1.18.17
Right-To-Work Battle Heating Up Early In 2017
1.11.17
Fisher Phillips’ Managing Partner Appointed Chair-Elect for Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
After serving as Chair-Elect in 2017, Steve Bernstein will become Chair in 2018
12.27.16
Court Permanently Bars New Persuader Rule
11.18.16
Trump's Picks for Labor Board Could Raise Conflicts Issues
11.18.16
'Pragmatic Conservative' Reportedly up for Labor Cabinet Position
11.15.16
The Morning Risk Report: What a Trump Victory Could Mean for Labor Laws
11.11.16
Unions Brace for Pro-business Shift in Labor Policy Under Trump
11.9.16
High Court Set To Clarify Presidential Appointment Limits
11.4.16
Is it Disrespectful to Send an Associate to Court? Maybe Not.
9.27.16
Foxx Vows Changes to Overtime Rule as Chair of House Committee
9.21.16
NLRB Sees Opportunity For Class-Waiver Win At High Court
9.13.16
How Obama Has Tilted the Workplace for Union
9.12.16
Hirozawa's NLRB Tenure Remembered For Progressive Action
8.30.16
Employers Beware: NLRB Likely To Drop More Pro-Union Rulings By End Of August
8.17.16
One Year After Browning-Ferris, Employers Decry Uncertainty
8.16.16
Attorneys Selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2017
8.15.16
Three Takeaways From The NLRB's Temp Worker Union Ruling
7.12.16
Eleven Attorneys Included in Florida Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
6.9.16
'Sham' Unions, Real Lawsuits
6.1.16
Forty-Three Fisher Phillips Attorneys Ranked Among Top in Chambers USA 2016
5.27.16
NLRB's Miscimarra Lays Path For Handbook Rule Challenges
4.18.16
Challengers: Labor Dept. Rule Redefines 'Attorney-Client Confidentiality'
4.14.16
Cash-Strapped NLRB Could Be More Flexible On Settlements
3.30.16
DOL Rule Could Persuade Management Not to Seek Legal Advice
3.23.16
‘Persuader Rule' Constricts Communications with Workers About Unions
3.23.16
Supreme Court Pick Garland's Track Record Less Friendly to Business
3.22.16
Merrick Garland's Pro-Labor Rulings Run Deep on D.C. Circuit
3.16.16
Attorneys Weigh in on Obama's Supreme Court Pick
3.16.16
Supreme Court Pick has Long Pro-Union History
3.16.16
Obama's Union-Friendly Supreme Court Nominee
3.15.16
Proceed with Caution Around 'Fight for $15' Strikes
11.19.15
Big Labor's Unlikely Hope: Antonin Scalia
11.16.15
Circuit Court Backs NLRB On Social Media Conduct, Voids Handbook Provision
11.9.15
Fight for $15 Movement
11.9.15
The Four Biggest Questions Facing Traditional Labor Attys
9.17.15
What the NLRB Joint Staffing Decision Means for Healthcare
9.3.15
NLRB Raises Many Issues as it Broadens Joint Employer Standard
9.2.15
Gauging the Impact of Browning-Ferris
8.31.15
Analysis: NLRB Ruling Could Upset Franchise Businesses
8.31.15
Labor Board Ruling Will Create Major Confusion in Disputes: Critics
8.29.15
Union Organization Eased Under NLRB's Broader Definition of ‘Joint Employer'
8.28.15
Bye-Bye Ronald
8.28.15
NLRB Ruling Could Shake Up Healthcare Staffing Industry
8.28.15
Four Things To Know About The NLRB's Joint-Employer Decision
8.28.15
Northwestern Football Players' Unionization Drive Halted
8.18.15
Fisher Phillips Attorneys Selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2016
8.17.15
NLRB Sacks Northwestern Football Players' Unionizing Drive
8.17.15
Employees May Not Have to Keep Quiet About Investigations
8.13.15
Labor Board: Employer Cannot Say Union Could Hurt Business
8.6.15
Four NLRB Cases To Watch As Clock Ticks On Johnson's Term
8.5.15
Eight Attorneys Included in Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars
6.11.15
With Union Petitions Up, Get Your Message Out…Now!
6.8.15
Union Elections Swell in ‘Ambush' Era
6.2.15
Summer Dress Codes Are Best Approached With Specifics, Consistency, Practitioners Say
5.29.15
Forty-Three Attorneys Ranked Among Top in Chambers USA 2015
5.19.15
NLRB May Legitimize Union Fees in Right-to-Work States
5.5.15
Aggressive New Federal Labor Rules on Employee Speech Leave Companies Baffled
4.19.15
Businesses Seek Guidance on New Labor Board Rule
4.17.15
Employers Brace For Impact Of New NLRB Election Rule
4.14.15
Five States That Could Be The Next 'Right To Work' Hot Spots
3.10.15
NLRB GC Changes Arbitration Rules for Employers, Unions
2.23.15
Bill Would Add Sixth Member to NLRB
1.30.15
NLRB's Email Ruling Stands Out From Year-End Flurry
1.21.15
A GOP Effect on the NLRB?
1.7.15
Company Phones Now a Union Tool
12.16.14
NLRB 'Purple' Ruling May Leave Employers Feeling Blue
12.15.14
Twin NLRB Rulings Are A Big Christmas Present For Labor
12.12.14
NLRB Rules to Give Workers Right to Use Employer Email for Union Organizing
12.11.14
Lawyers Weigh In On NLRB Employer Email Ruling
12.11.14
Union Influence Takes Blow As Walker Holds Seat In Wisconsin
11.5.14
For Once, NLRB Rejects Online Protected Activity
10.31.14
Fisher Phillips Announces New Managing Partners
10.1.14
Fisher Phillips Attorneys Selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2015
8.18.14
NLRB Stance On 'Micro-Units' Sets Up Food Industry Fights
8.18.14
How Employers Can Fight 'Micro-Units' At The NLRB
8.5.14
NLRB Boosts 'Micro Units' With Macy's Decision
7.29.14
Can You Care For An Elderly Parent And Still Succeed At Work?
7.24.14
Employment Regs To Watch In The 2nd Half of 2014
7.18.14
President's Recess-Appointment Power Cut By U.S. High Court
6.26.14
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Seen Unlikely To Alter Past NLRB Decisions
6.26.14
Supreme Court Rules Obama's 2012 NLRB Recess Appointments Invalid
6.26.14
Lawyers Weigh In On High Court's Recess Appointment Ruling
6.26.14
Obama Loses On NLRB Recess Appointments, But Employers Unlikely To Win
6.26.14
Steve Bernstein Offers Insight In Arsovski v. 200 East 81st Restaurant Corp. Case
5.13.14
NLRB Invites Input On Using Employers' E-mail For Organizing
5.12.14
NLRB to Review Northwestern's Appeal Of Student-Athletes' Union Decision
4.25.14
Five Issues To Watch At The NLRB Election Rule Meetings
4.9.14
Fisher Phillips Attorneys Offer Insight On Northwestern Football NLRB Ruling
3.28.14
Employers Brace For An Invigorated NLRB
2.25.14
After Rejecting UAW, VW Workers May Still Get Works Council
2.19.14
VW Workers May Still Get Works Council, Despite UAW Vote
2.18.14
Revamping The 'Advice Exemption'
2.11.14
NLRB Revives Union Election Ideas In Proposed Rules
2.10.14
Obama Labor Board Revives Speedy Vote Rule Employers Fought
2.5.14
NLRB Advances Pro-Labor Agenda
2.1.14
High Court Will Probably Rule NLRB Appointments Unconstitutional
1.15.14
Board Could Resuscitate ‘Quickie Election' Rule
1.15.14
Supreme Court Case Has Big Implications For National Labor Relations Board
1.14.14
Year's Biggest Labor Case Heads To Justices For Oral Args
1.10.14
No Need To Hang That NLRB Employee Rights Poster
1.8.14
Law Firms Brace For Final DOL Persuader Rules
10.31.13
Newly Confirmed Labor Board Faces Challenges as it Seeks to Extend Union Rights
9.27.13
Employee Handbooks: Feds' New Hunting Grounds
8.8.13
NLRB: Back in Business
7.31.13
Persuader Predicament
7.15.13
High Court Case Will Shake Up ‘Top-Down' Union Organizing
6.25.13
Fourteen Fisher Phillips Attorneys Named to Florida Super Lawyers List
6.12.13
Labor Board in Limbo
6.3.13
Five Questions To Ask Before Axing Workers For Facebook Posts
4.29.13
Fisher Phillips Partner Tapped for Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's Executive Committee
Steve Bernstein’s term as Legal Counsel begins January 1, 2013
12.14.12
Right To Work Law Could Put Michigan Back On The Business Map
12.11.12
Social Media Changing The Rules Of Workplace
11.30.12
Beware Nonunion Employers: NLRB May Knock At Your Door
11.12.12
Five Tips For A Social Media Policy That Won't Rile The NLRB
10.22.12
The NLRB Flexes its Muscles
8.1.12
Caution Urged For Criminal Checks In Hiring
5.4.12
Fisher Phillips Partner Selected for Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Steve Bernstein's Three-Year Term Begins January 1, 2012
12.23.11
Misclassification a Hot Topic As Economy Sputters, Law Changes
12.2.11
Fisher Phillips Introduces New Tampa Bay Leadership
National Labor and Employment Law Firm Enhances Tampa Presence
9.29.08

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

The Trump Effect: Ten Workplace Law Developments To Be Watching For
4.19.17
Bay Area Labor and Employment Law Update
One Day, Many Solutions Tampa
4.21.16
The Changing Landscape of Joint Employer Status: Preparing for the Future in Light of the Labor Board's BFI Decision
Webinar
9.14.15
The NLRB's New Rules on Expedited Union Elections – Is Your Organization Ready?
Webinar
4.27.15
Expedited Union Elections, Enhanced E-Mail Protections and Other New NLRB Developments – Is Your Organization Ready?
Webinar
1.22.15
Employment Law Updates and Forecasts
3.10.14
Labor Law Developments
3.10.14
When Our Soldiers Come Marching Home – Reintegrating Returning Veterans Into the Workforce - Webinar
5.9.13
Update on the Obama Board's Decisions and What to Expect
5.6.13
Fisher Phillips Hosts the 2013 Tampa Best Places to Work Awards
4.18.13

"Labor Law Developments" - The American Forest & Paper Association
3.7.14.
Co-Chair – South Florida’s Premier Labor & Employment Conference – The Seminar Group - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
9.20.12 - 9.21.12
“Update on Recent NLRB Developments - National Association of Professional Employer Organizations -Washington, D.C.
5.22.12
“Dealing with the Latest Developments at the NLRB - Webinar - Associated Builders & Contractors, Florida East Coast Chapter
4.19.12
“Winning Unemployment Compensation Cases” - Florida Beer Wholesalers Association - Orlando, FL
4.18.12
“New Regulatory Developments Impacting Union Organizing, Social Media and Background Checks” - National Association of Convenience Stores H.R. Forum - Orlando, FL
3.6.12
“What Every Employer Needs to Know About the NLRB “ - Association of Corporate Counsel, Orlando Chapter- Orlando, FL
2.16.12
“Keeping Your Company One Step Ahead with HR Regulations” - National Association of Convenience Stores Annual Meeting - Chicago, IL
10.1.11
“Implementing a Strategy to Maintain an Independent Workforce” - Inside Counsel 3rd Annual Labor Symposium - Chicago, IL
10.5.11
Co-Chair - South Florida's Premier Labor & Employment Conference - The Seminar Group - Miami, FL
9.20.11 - 9.21.11
“Containing the Cost of Workers' Compensation” - HR Florida
8.28.11
“FLSA Overtime Exemption for Service Writers: Fact vs. Fiction” - Suncoast Automotive Accountants Association - Tampa, FL
5.23.11
“A Proactive Strategy for Lawful But Effective Discipline and Discharge” - Association of Legal Administrators - Tampa, FL
5.11.11
“Legislative Update, Unions and the New NLRB” - National Association of Convenience Stores H.R. Forum - Atlanta, GA
3.8.11