Steven M. Berliner
Partner
Steve is the Chair of the firm’s Retirement, Benefits and Disability Practice Group and works to ensure that our firm stays on the cutting edge of the law related to these important areas. He has an extensive labor relations practice and unparalleled retirement law expertise. Steve has acted as chief negotiator for many public agencies in labor negotiations with their employee groups, helping them reduce payroll and other costs. He also advises clients on contract interpretation issues and represents clients in grievance matters and is frequently called on to assist agencies in times of fiscal crisis.
Of particular importance to many agencies is reducing pension and retiree medical costs. Steve has successfully negotiated changes to agencies’ arrangements with public employees that resulted in employees paying a greater share of the cost for these benefits and other cost savings. Steve is a prolific speaker and speaks at conferences throughout the state on public retirement issues.
Steve has renowned expertise in the area of public agency retirement laws and vested rights. His extensive experience allows him to be ahead of the curve in spotting issues and trends in retirement law. This experience and his ability to describe issues in plain language helps clients plan and budget for changes. Steve also litigates retirement issues on behalf of our clients. Whether it’s an administrative appeal of a CalPERS audit finding, or a lawsuit related to vested benefits, retiree medical benefits or any other retirement related matter, Steve brings his extensive knowledge and experience to each case.
Steve also represents clients in a wide range of legal proceedings, including writs, breach of contract, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and before the Public Employment Relations Board.
Recognitions
Steve is continually awarded for his excellence in his practice of law, including:
- National Law Journal Crisis Leadership Trailblazer (2020)
- Top 75 Labor & Employment Lawyers, Daily Journal
- Top 25 Municipal Law Attorneys, Daily Journal