Joan S. Bernstein

professional bio

Joan Bernstein is a graduate of Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) and Pepperdine University School of Law (Malibu, CA). Her entire legal career has exclusively focused on the defense of workers’ compensation and related matters. She has represented small and large clients, including film studios, supermarkets, bakeries, aircraft manufacturers, skilled nursing facilities and temporary labor agencies.

Ms. Bernstein has the rare distinction of having appeared at every Appeals Board in California. She serves as a pro tem judge and is a sought after speaker on workers’ compensation issues as well as social media training, AB 1825, violence in the workplace and human resources.

Ms. Bernstein handles complex litigation cases and also handles asbestos, hearing loss and multi-defendant cases throughout. She has also practiced in Hawaii from 2014-2016.

In her free time, Joan likes to travel and has been all over the world, including Cuba, England, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Italy and Scandinavia. But, she is most happy at home in Palm Springs with her rescue hounds Anderson Cooper and Jasper. When she is not working, Joan volunteers at Martha’s Village and Kitchen and supports local animal shelters.

Education & Memberships

1990 Pepperdine University School of Law (Malibu, CA)
Juris Doctor

1987 Brandeis University (Waltham, MA)
Bachelor of Arts (American Studies)

1990 State Bar of California
1990 U.S. District Court
1999 California Self Insured Association