About Stephen
Stephen Bergstein is an attorney specializing in employment law, civil rights, and appellate practice. Admitted to the New York State Bar in 1994, he has dedicated nearly three decades to advocating for the rights of individuals. Mr. Bergstein earned his Juris Doctor from the City University of New York School of Law in 1993. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Arts at the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1989. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his legal career, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective representation. Since 2001, Mr. Bergstein has served as a principal at Bergstein & Ullrich, LLP, located at 5 Paradies Lane, New Paltz, New York.
The firm has a strong focus on civil rights, employment discrimination, and appellate litigation. It represents plaintiffs in both state and federal courts, providing critical legal support to those facing injustices. Under his leadership, the firm is known for its commitment to civil rights advocacy, making significant contributions to the legal field in New York. Throughout his career, Mr. Bergstein has achieved notable legal milestones — In 2004, he successfully argued the case of Back v. Hastings-on-Hudson, 365 F.3d 107 (2d Cir. 2004). This landmark decision established that caregiver stereotyping in the workplace constitutes a violation of civil rights laws.
Furthermore, he represented Jason Jackler in the case of Jackler v. Byrne, 658 F.3d 225 (2d Cir. 2011). In this case, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that a police officer's refusal to falsify a report was protected under the First Amendment, reinforcing the importance of free speech in law enforcement. Mr. Bergstein is also an active member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). He served on its board of directors from 2009 through 2016, contributing to the organization’s mission of advocating for employee rights. His expertise in civil rights matters has led him to lecture extensively on these topics, and he has been quoted in both local and national media regarding civil rights issues.
Additionally, he regularly provides updates on civil rights decisions from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals at continuing legal education conferences sponsored by NELA/NY and other bar associations. In recognition of his professional excellence, Martindale-Hubbell awarded Mr. Bergstein an AV-rating in 2015, reflecting his high level of competence and ethical standards. He has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2013 to 2025, further underscoring his standing in the legal community. For those seeking legal counsel, Mr. Bergstein's office is conveniently located at 5 Paradies Lane, New Paltz, NY 12561. He can be reached by phone at 845-469-1277 or via email at steve@tbulaw.com.
