Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
California
4 years ranked
LAWYER PROFILE
Whitney Z. Bernstein
USA 2026
Ranked in 1 practice area
About
Provided by Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP
Practice Areas
Whitney Z. Bernstein has spent her career successfully defending high-stakes felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses, leading companies in internal investigations, and representing companies and individuals in complex contract and business tort claims and class actions.
Her practice areas include white-collar criminal defense, complex civil litigation, internal investigations, government investigations, and appeals.
Career
Whitney Z. Bernstein is an aggressive litigator and accomplished trial attorney with a track record for achieving success for her clients when the odds are against them. She is a credible, tireless, and respected advocate with considerable courtroom and trial experience. She’s tried numerous high-stakes and complex criminal and civil cases in both federal and state court, has led effective internal investigations to prevent litigation, and has successfully argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Whitney has drafted and argued countless substantive and dispositive motions, negotiated positive outcomes for her clients, and obtained numerous dismissals of charges and favorable settlements. She takes a very hands-on approach by involving herself in all aspects of case management, investigation, discovery, depositions, interviews, negotiations, and trial preparation.
Prior to joining Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP, Whitney was a trial lawyers for the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. Before that, she was a trial lawyer for the Brooklyn Defender Services. As an undergraduate, Whitney was a volunteer firefighter and teacher inside prisons.
Professional Memberships
Beyond her legal practice, Bernstein is actively involved in the legal community, serving as a Lawyer Representative for the Southern District of California and holding leadership roles in organizations such as the Women's White Collar Defense Association and the Federal Bar Association's Orange County Chapter. She also co-chairs the San Diego Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network.
Education
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Juris Doctor
University of Pennsylvania, Department of Criminology
Masters of Science
Cornell University
Bachelors
Awards
Top Women Attorneys
Daily Journal
2024
Lawyer of the Year for Criminal Defense: General Practice in Orange County
Best Lawyers®
2023
Top 40 Under 40
Daily Journal
2023
Top White Collar Lawyer
Daily Journal
2022
Best Lawyer 2021-2025
Best Lawyers in America®
2025
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers®
2025
Top 40 Under 40 2021-2022
The National Trial Lawyers
2022
Rising Star 2020-2024
Super Lawyers®
2024
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Chambers Guide to the USA
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - California
Band 4
Individual Editorial
Whitney Bernstein garners respect for her strong skills in litigation and investigations, and regularly represents individuals and corporations facing SEC and DOJ enforcement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Whitney is a powerhouse. She is a lawyer in the room that knows all the facts.
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USAShe is incredibly dedicated to her clients.
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USAWhitney is great. She is creative and effective.
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA
Ranked Individuals at Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP (3)
California
John Littrell
Head of Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
View profile Whitney Z. Bernstein
Head of Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
View profile 
Thomas H. Bienert, Jr.
Head of Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
View profile
What success is built on
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