Joshua D. Bernstein, a member of Akerman's Executive Committee and chair emeritus of the firm's Hospitality Sector Team, has been named to Crain's New York Business' 2026 list of Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law. The recognition honors professionals who reshape client service, lead high-stakes legal matters, and strengthen their communities through mentorship, board service, and civic investment.
An experienced litigator specializing in hospitality, real estate, and international disputes, Joshua represents hotel owners and operators, commercial property owners, lenders, developers, and high-net-worth individuals. He has obtained multimillion-dollar judgments in cases with long-term legal and business implications, including shaping the law regarding the termination of hotel management, franchise, and operations contracts. Ranked nationally by Chambers USA for Leisure and Hospitality, listed by Best Lawyers for Litigation – Real Estate and Leisure and Hospitality Law, and recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a Litigation Star in New York for Real Estate, he represents clients in arbitrations and mediations in the United States and internationally. He is also a member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants.
Beyond his hospitality and real estate practice, Joshua has established himself as one of the leading litigators in the field of high-end collectibles, with a particular focus on game-worn sports memorabilia. He handles disputes involving some of the most valuable and well-known items in the collectibles market.