Steven Paul Berne

PRO

Steven Paul Berne

also known as Steven Berne, Steve Berne

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 38 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, White Collar Crime, DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

200 Ashford Center N, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Steven

Biography

More than 35 years experience in federal and state criminal courts throughout Georgia and the United States. A passionate and zealous defender while also compassionate with clients. Great client communication.

A federal case requires a specialized lawyer. I have more than 35 years experience as a federal attorney. I am a passionate and zealous defender while also compassionate with clients.

I know the latest cases in this area and have established good relations in the Georgia courts.

I have been representing clients in white collar cases for more than 35 years. I am a passionate and zealous defender while also compassionate with clients.

I have been representing criminal defense clients my entire career.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Federal Crime 40%

36 years

40%
Criminal Defense 20%

38 years

20%
DUI and DWI 20%

38 years

20%
White Collar Crime 20%

36 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 10
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 38 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1987

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office Of Steven Berne

200 Ashford Center N, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA, 30338

bernelaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Steven online.

Steven Paul Berne's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

103 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Federal Crime

Posted by K DIGGA | February 01, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

THE WIZARD (case dismissed)

I hired Steve as soon as I was arrested every jail they sent me to he was on top of it he traveled to Alabama to see me I explained my case and he went str8 to work. He was honest and always answered or called back to talk to me….i had a fed charge and everybody told me I was wasting my money because... nobody beats the feds. I told Steve I was not guilty he did his research and today I’m FREEEEEE. He walked in the prosecutor office like he was GOD lol long story short CASE DISMISSED. Steve aka the wizard. I highly recommend if u want a fair shot at ya freedom WE BEAT THE FEDS. #HOGlifestyle #superlawyer

Posted by Manuel escobar | March 02, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Second chance at life

There is no words that I can write to describe everything Mr Steven Berne has done for me and my family I was facing 10 to life in federal prison, with his guidance and expertise was able to get me a substantial decrease in my sentence went from 10 year minimum to 1 year and one day . I would high...ly recommend and will not stop fighting for you, I never felt alone with the whole process. Plus all the judges and prosecutors seem to have a lot of respect for him for me that was a big plus in any situation.

Steven Berne

Replied last March 01, 2023

Thank you Manuel. I was honored to represent you.

Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Lighter Sentence in Federal Court

We hired Attorney Steven Berne for a federal case. He conveniently guided us through most of the case without having to drive to him which was a big plus. Our case was complex and Steven worked on getting a lighter sentence which was definitely worth hiring him!

Posted by Genevieve | September 28, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

The Best

I was so satisfied with Mr Berne. He always has the clients best interest in mind and works hard to fight for you. Every single time in court the judges always compliment him on how eloquent his presentations are. He always maintains contact with me through mail or text or phone call for jail always ...responds quickly and handles all court procedures in a timely manner. I will always hire him for any cases I have and would recommend him to anyone looking for amazing representation. The judges and Us Attorneys respect him and they have a great rapport.

Posted by Charles | April 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

5 START ATTORNEY

Steven Berne is a top notch criminal defense attorney. He diligently represented me in 2011 concerning a 19 count federal indictment. Steven was able to negotiate a favorable bond and immediate release. Throughout the ordeal, Steven was instrumental in negotiating a plea deal that was too good... to pass up. Additionally, his handling and guidance secured the recommendation from the judge to participate in the RDAP program - virtually securing a 12 month sentence reduction. Throughout my brief incarceration, Steven was able to file motions ultimately securing me virtually the maximum half-way house (RRC) time, thus getting me out of prison that much sooner. Once released, Steven was successful in securing Court ordered permission to travel internationally for business on favorable terms. Finally, with approx. $9M in restitution owed, Steven secured a TERMINATION of supervised release less than 2 complete years into a 3 year term. From A to Z - if you're facing a criminal matter in federal or superior/state court, I can personally attest to Steven being the attorney to turn to protect ALL your interests.

See All Client Reviews

Steven Paul Berne's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Steven
James W. Howard headshot
James Howard

Federal crime lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Berne and I have represented co-defendants in several cases. I have always been impressed with Mr. Berne's thorough preparation, his commitment to his clients, and his effectiveness as a courtroom litigator. He has prevailed in cases that would have been lost without a skilled attorney."

Raina Jeager Nadler headshot
Raina Nadler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve is a great defense lawyer. I have gone to him for advice and guidance with clients, he always knows the right assistance to give. Any client would be in great hands and know they are getting a strong defense with Steve."

Casey Adam Cleaver headshot
Casey Cleaver

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steven is a consummate professional. He is prepared, polite, and practiced. Steven is a tireless worker who possesses key traits for success, both inside and outside the courtroom. He has deservedly earned the respect of the legal community to the benefit of his many satisfied clients."

Christopher Reginald Geel headshot
Christopher Geel

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"My first experience working with Steven was when I assisted him with a jury trial in Fulton County. He put on a fantastic defense and acquitted his client on a number of very serious felony charges. A conviction would have certainly led to a lengthy prison sentence, but Steven's client walked out of the courtroom vindicated. Since then, I have worked with Steven on a few cases, and he has always lived up to that same exceptional standard. Steven has a stellar reputation, and it is well-deserved."

John R. Lovell headshot
John Lovell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steven is an outstanding attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients. He always has an excellent grasp of the facts and the law. I endorse this lawyer."

David Mark Kupsky headshot
David Kupsky

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Among the characteristics of a premier criminal defender are: knowledge of the law, courtroom skill and presence, zeal, creative thinking and passion for the practice. I have and will continue to refer state and Federal criminal matters to Steven Berne with the highest level of confidence as he possesses an abundance of all these traits and more."

Lawrence Jason Zimmerman headshot
Lawrence Zimmerman

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Steven for 10 plus years, and he is an amazing attorney. He is one of the most creative lawyers around, and he will always find an angle to win any client's case. He is very thoughtful, caring, and honest with his clients. He is in this business to protect people from prosecution. I have tried many cases with him, and I always watch him with great admiration. You are in great hands when you hire Mr. Berne."

Adam Marshall Hames headshot
Adam Hames

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Steven for the last three years. He consistently comes up with new and aggressive tactics to represent his clients. He is often the most prepared lawyer in the room. Steven is an excellent lawyer that I would recommend to anyone charged with a crime."

View All Endorsements
Casey Adam Cleaver headshot
Casey Cleaver

Criminal defense lawyer

Raina Jeager Nadler headshot
Raina Nadler

Unknown lawyer

James W. Howard headshot
James Howard

Criminal defense lawyer

John R. Lovell headshot
John Lovell

Criminal defense lawyer

David Mark Kupsky headshot
David Kupsky

Commercial real estate lawyer

Lawrence Jason Zimmerman headshot
Lawrence Zimmerman

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2025

Superb Attorney, AVVO

2024

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Best Criminal Defense Attorney, Georgia Business Trend

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Adjunct Professor, Emory University School Of Law

2008 - Present

Trial Techniques Instructor, Emory University School Of Law

1991 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Steven Berne

1989 - 1991

Attorney, Federal Defender Program

1987 - 1989

Attorney, DeKalb County Public Defender's Office

Associations

2013 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia

1995 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

1990 - Present

United States District Court of the Northern District of Georgia

State Bar of Georgia

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - 2012

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Vice President

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Barkley

Not Guilty on all counts

State v. Osaghae

Not guilty all counts

United States of America v. Butler

All charges dismissed

State v. Beverly Hall, et. al.

Probation & Record Expungement

State v. George Hinds

Not Guilty All Counts

See More Legal Cases

Education

1987

Emory University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

University of Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

State v. Sneiderman

Legal Commentator

2011

Georgia Bar Foundation

Federal Criminal Defense

2010

Investigation Seminar

Investigations

2009

Advanced Criminal Practice

Jury Selection

2007

Fall Seminar

Closing Arguments

Publications

2016

National Business Institute Seminar Gun Law: Advanced Issues

2012

LexisNexis publication Georgia Criminal Practice Guide

Languages

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution