Steve is an experienced labor and employment attorney who also has extensive experience in representing school districts on matters related to education law in New York State. He most recently served as Acting General Counsel at the Rochester City School District, one of New York’s “Big 5” city school districts. As Acting General Counsel, and previously as Interim General Counsel, Steve managed the District’s Law Department and was responsible for advising the superintendent, Board of Education and staff on all elements of the district’s daily operations, including student- and employment-related matters, finance and budget matters, and creation and execution of contracts, policies and procedures. His two stints as General Counsel were part of an eight-year tenure with Rochester Schools that also included positions as Acting Chief of Human Resources, Deputy General Counsel, and Associate Counsel. In addition to serving as Chief Protocol Officer and the Americans with Disabilities Compliance Officer, Steve also was the Lead Negotiator for the District’s collective bargaining agreements with the unions.
Steven also has extensive experience in labor employment law from his 10 years in private practice prior to joining the Rochester School District. He advised employers on labor and employment law, drafted handbooks and policies, audited wage and hour practices, and conducted training seminars. He also represented clients in matters involving employment discrimination, overtime and unpaid wages, trade secrets and non-compete agreements, and breach of contract.