Bruce D. Bernstein

• U.S. v. Volkswagen AG (Braunschweig, Germany) (Jointly litigated with DOJ Office of Foreign Litigation) (oversaw investigation and pending litigation of civil fraud claims against multinational automobile manufacturer following significant losses incurred by large defined contribution plan for U.S. federal civil service employees and retirees).
• Merck & Co., Inc. Securities, Derivative & ERISA Class Action (D.N.J.) (Co-Lead Counsel) (central member of team that secured a landmark and unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision favoring investors with respect to the commencement of the statute of limitations for securities fraud claims; claims ultimately settled for approximately $1.06 billion).
• U.S. ex rel. Folta v. Health Quest Systems, Inc., et a/. (N.D.N.Y.); U.S. ex rel. Cleary v. Health QuestSystems, Inc. (N.D.N.Y.); U.S. ex rel. Betaudier v. Health Quest Medical, Practice, P.C., et a/. (N.D.N.Y.)(Jointly litigated with USAO) (secured $14.7 million collective settlement of False Claim Act qui tam actions alleging that large hospital system submitted inflated and otherwise ineligible claims for payment for various health related services).
• PNC Financial Services Securities Class Action (W.D. Pa.) (Co-Lead Counsel) ($46 million recovery for common stock purchasers).
• Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Securities Litigation (S.D.N.Y.) (Lead Counsel) ($30 million recovery for common stock purchasers).

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP has built a distinguished trial and litigation practice over more than nine decades, earning a reputation as one of the leading trial firms in the Mid-Atlantic. With more than 90 litigators, the firm represents clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies and middle-market businesses to government entities, nonprofits, and industry associations in complex, high-stakes disputes.

The firm’s attorneys appear before state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the region and across the United States, as well as before administrative agencies and alternative dispute resolution forums. Many of its litigators bring additional financial, accounting, and business experience, enabling the team to approach disputes with a strong understanding of clients’ broader commercial objectives.

Whiteford approaches every case with the expectation that it may proceed to trial, while actively pursuing creative and efficient opportunities for resolution where appropriate. Its substantial courtroom experience informs litigation strategy from discovery through trial, settlement, and appeal, supported by sophisticated technology for managing evidence, discovery, and courtroom presentations. The practice has received recognition from Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, Legal 500, Best Lawyers, and other leading legal publications.

Founded in 1933, Whiteford is a full-service law firm providing sophisticated business law and litigation services to clients ranging from innovative start-ups and middle-market companies to major national and global enterprises. With offices across Colorado, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia, the firm represents clients regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Whiteford maintains a broad multidisciplinary practice encompassing corporate and business matters, complex litigation, real estate, labor and employment, bankruptcy and restructuring, construction, government relations, tax, trusts and estates, and other areas. The firm has particularly deep roots in litigation, having developed a strong trial and appellate practice over many decades, while individual offices maintain practice concentrations reflecting the needs of the industries and clients they serve.

Combining more than 90 years of experience with a practical, business-oriented approach, Whiteford emphasizes high-quality legal work, responsive service, and cost-effective solutions. Its membership in the Pangea Net and Lexwork international networks further extends the firm’s capabilities, providing clients with access to legal resources and counsel in jurisdictions around the world.