Stephen Ernst is a partner at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss and a graduate of Temple University School of Law. Prior to beginning his study of law, Mr. Ernst attended the George Washington University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After graduating from GWU, Mr. Ernst began his career in the United States Navy by attending Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. After receiving his Naval Flight Officer wings, Mr. Ernst was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116 stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar, California. Mr. Ernst deployed with VAW-116 onboard the USS Ranger and participated in combat operations during Operation Desert Storm.
During his naval career, Mr. Ernst’s awards included an Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, a Strike Flight Air Medal, a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, and a Navy Achievement Medal.
Mr. Ernst left active military service as a Lieutenant Commander after assisting the Navy in its closure of the Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ernst attended Temple University School of Law as an evening student while still on active duty.
After graduating in May 1996 and being awarded the Terrence H. Klasky Memorial Award, Mr. Ernst became a judicial law clerk for Justice Ronald D. Castille, the past Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. Upon completion of his judicial clerkship, Mr. Ernst worked at Blank Rome LLP in the litigation department.
Mr. Ernst joined Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss in July 1999. He concentrates his practice in personal injury litigation.
Mr. Ernst is married with four children and one grandchild. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Friends of Jerry Segal for the Benefit of Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. In 2024, Mr. Ernst and his wife, Traci, were honored as the Champions in the Community at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital’s annual Night of Champions due to their steadfast support of the Jerry Segal Classic and their longtime commitment to patients at Magee. In 2025, Mr. Ernst was elected to the Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees.
About Derek Liss, Esq.
Derek Liss, Esq., is a partner at Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss, specializing in personal injury law.
Derek earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The George Washington University in 1991 and his Juris Doctor from Widener School of Law in 1994. He joined Segal, Berk, Gaines & Liss immediately after law school and brings 30 years of legal experience to his clients.
A member of the Philadelphia Bar Association, he practices throughout the greater Philadelphia region and is admitted to practice in the courts of Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
