Steven Balken represents employers in workplace conflicts, combining results-driven litigation advocacy with strategic counseling to manage risk while moving business forward.
In today’s fast-changing and increasingly litigious workplace environment, Steven partners with employers to prevail in legal disputes and protect their business interests. He represents clients across industries including healthcare, hospitality, petroleum, food and beverage, transportation, and retail in matters involving discrimination, retaliation, and harassment claims, as well as disputes concerning disability and religious accommodations, wage and hour laws (including class and collective actions), and employment contracts. Steven brings strategic insight and a clear understanding of both the legal and business considerations at stake, helping employers manage conflict while reducing operational disruption.
Steven also advises employers on everyday workplace issues, helping them minimize legal risk while advancing business objectives. He provides practical guidance on employee onboarding, discipline, terminations, accommodations, leave management, and wage practices, and regularly drafts and updates employee handbooks, policies, and procedures. His approach is grounded in a practical understanding of how legal compliance intersects with real-world business operations.
Before joining FordHarrison, Steven practiced employment litigation at a New York-based general practice firm. He also served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Justice Leon Ruchelsman in the New York State Supreme Court, Kings County.