Getting to Know: Steven Silverberg
Steven Silverberg, counsel at Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney, LLP, is a seasoned litigator and first-chair trial attorney with a focus on matters in federal courts. He routinely litigates employment actions and complex commercial and business disputes on behalf of clients in the media, hospitality, healthcare, and financial services industries. Steve joined HNRK in 2017 as an associate and was promoted to counsel in 2022. Before joining the firm, he spent seven years with the Office of the Corporation Counsel for the City of New York and served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Kiyo A. Matsumoto of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and as a congressional intern for the Honorable Russ Carnahan, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri. In 2023, he was named a Rising Star by the New York Law Journal.
As someone who has previously worked with the Office of the Corporation Counsel for the City of New York in the Special Federal Litigation Division, what drew you to the firm?
Having spent considerable time in the courtroom, I was drawn to HNRK’s proven success in taking cases to trial—and winning—even in the face of challenging litigation. It was also apparent that, despite its size, the firm had “Big Law” credentials. Because of its size, HNRK could deliver personalized and attentive service to every client. I am especially proud that HNRK has been recognized as a Top Litigation Boutique nationwide each year that I have been with the firm.
I was also drawn to HNRK’s longstanding commitment to its public sector clients. Despite transitioning away from government service, I continue to represent public agencies in federal civil rights cases, impact litigation and affirmative actions. Resolving business disputes and conducting effective and efficient internal investigations have been the icing on the cake!
You’ve served as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University, one of the most diverse college campuses in the country. What drives your passion for teaching?
My students have exhibited strong values but often believe that their views and opinions do not matter. My mission has been to leverage academic concepts from the syllabus and demonstrate their practical importance in my students’ lives. I aim to empower students to recognize that they have the power—and an obligation—to drive meaningful change in society by sharing their ideas outside the classroom.
Teaching also provides me with a unique opportunity to explore emerging legal issues outside the context of business disputes or active litigation. Through engaging classroom discussions, I’ve deepened my interest in privacy issues. Currently, I’m particularly fascinated by how the exponential increase in reliance on technology and artificial intelligence has impacted our privacy rights or lack thereof, and I am equally dedicated to helping students and clients make informed decisions about digital and biometric privacy.
What is the most rewarding part of your job as an attorney?
I love the investigative aspect of litigation, viewing each case as a hunt for the truth, especially when the facts aren’t initially favorable. Winning under such circumstances is particularly satisfying. Taking a case to trial is the purest form of vindicating my clients’ right to the truth, and achieving a positive outcome through rigorous effort is highly rewarding.
It’s crucially important that my clients feel safe and understand the litigation process. When they return with new matters or refer others to me, it enhances my drive for positive outcomes. My clients see each legal issue as significant, and I consider it a success when they know I am fully focused on their matters. Persuading a judge or jury to endorse my client’s position after hard work is always gratifying.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’ve completed three triathlons! Born and raised in NYC, I grew up riding the subway instead of a bike. Despite having virtually no bike riding experience, I agreed (or was peer pressured?) to sign up for a triathlon with friends as a way to stay fit. Training required a lot of physical and even more mental strength, but setting ambitious goals is crucial for self-improvement. Applying the same dedication and commitment that I would to a challenging case, I crossed the finish line each time with a great sense of personal accomplishment.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time outdoors with my family. While my three kids are still getting used to appreciating time in nature over screen time, our four-year-old Labrador Retriever never misses an opportunity to climb a mountain or go for a swim. Immersing myself in nature is a great way to clear my head, slow down, and appreciate breathtaking landscapes.