Whitney Z. Bernstein

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

Awards