Barry D. Bernstein

Barry D. Bernstein is a Principal and Firm Vice Chairman at Semmes, Bowen & Semmes, where he focuses on workers’ compensation, insurance defense, litigation, and toxic tort matters. He has built a respected legal career representing employers and insurers in complex claims throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia in employment law. His work covers every stage of the legal process, from initial hearings to appeals before some of the region’s highest courts. Through his knowledge of workers’ compensation law and litigation strategy, he helps clients address legal challenges efficiently and effectively.

Barry earned his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2004. Before attending law school, he completed a B.T.L. from Ner Israel College in 2000. His academic training provided a strong foundation in legal analysis, advocacy, and problem-solving. The combination of his legal education and professional experience has helped him develop the skills needed to represent employers and insurers in workers’ compensation claims, insurance defense matters, and complex litigation. His educational background continues to support his ability to address challenging legal issues and provide practical solutions for clients.

Barry has represented clients before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, the District of Columbia Office of Workers’ Compensation, and the District of Columbia Office of Hearings and Adjudications throughout his career. He also has experience handling appellate matters before the Maryland Appellate Court, the Maryland Supreme Court, and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. His broad experience allows him to guide clients through both routine and highly contested legal proceedings.

Barry participates in the defense of mass tort asbestos litigation and lead paint cases in addition to his workers’ compensation practice. He manages cases through all phases of litigation, including investigation, case development, trial preparation, courtroom proceedings, and appeals. His ability to oversee complex matters from start to finish helps clients maintain a clear legal strategy throughout the process.

Barry D. Bernstein has also contributed to legal discussions through professional articles, including commentary on emerging issues such as medical marijuana and its impact on employers and insurers. His combination of litigation experience, industry knowledge, and commitment to client service enables him to provide practical legal guidance. By helping employers, insurers, and organizations navigate difficult legal issues, he continues to play an important role in protecting their interests and achieving effective legal outcomes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Semmes, Bowen & Semmes
• Member, American Society of Legal Advocates
• Member, Baltimore City Bar Association
• Board Member, Congregation Shomrei Emunah
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association
• Board Member, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Education Association
• Member, Simon E. Sobeloff Law Society

Licensed State

• Maryland
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of Maryland School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Ner Israel College
  Bachelor of Talmudic Law (BTL)

Awards & Badges