Stephen M. Silvestri

Stephen M. Silvestri is a principal in the Baltimore, Maryland, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He has 30 years of experience representing companies, public sector employers, and institutions of higher learning in complex labor disputes, and has acted as their chief spokesperson and bargaining strategist in negotiations throughout the country.

He also has substantial experience in NLRB hearings and related federal court litigation often on complex issues such as impasse disputes, single employer issues and secondary boycotts. 

Steve provides advice on union avoidance and election campaigns. He is lead counsel in  EEO  jury trials in state and federal courts, employee benefits litigation, labor arbitrations and restrictive covenant litigation.

Steve is primary labor and trial counsel to employers in a broad range of industries, including, higher education,  health care, retail, transportation and manufacturing.

In addition to his litigation and bargaining practice, Steve is transactional counsel providing advice to asset and stock purchase parties on labor contracts, and union fund obligations and risks.

For the six years prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Steve was the head of the labor law practice at a leading competitor firm. Prior to that, he served as chief outside counsel to an international manufacturing company with facilities throughout the United States. During law school, he was the law clerk to the Honorable John Fanning, chair of the National Labor Relations Board.

Honors and Recognitions

• Business Today, "Top 10 Influential Labor & Employment Lawyers in Maryland" (2023)
• he Best Lawyers in America©, "Employment Law - Management", "Labor Law - Management" and "Litigation - Labor and Employment (2011-present)
• Chambers USA, “Labor & Employment” (2012-present)
• Legal 500 USA, “Recommended Attorney” (2015-2017, 2021-present)
• Martindale-Hubbell®, "AV Preeminent® - Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence" (1991-present)
• Super Lawyers®, "Super Lawyer" (2008-present)
• Who’s Who in American Law

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

• Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, Member of the Board of Visitors
• Maryland State Bar Association

Published Works

• "Digging into the Health Care Reform Laws—Issues for Employers and Employees," Maryland State Bar Association, 2010 [Author]