A third-generation attorney, Steve has represented individuals, businesses and not-for-profits since 1983. He graduated from Hofstra University of Law in 1982 with a Certificate of Excellence in Commercial Paper and has since published over 200 legal related articles which have appeared in the New York Law Journal, Entertainment Law and Finance, as well as The Music Paper to which he has contributed the popular "Legal Licks" column monthly since 1984. Steve is an active commercial arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and a much sought after public speaker on law related topics. He served on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Five Towns College for Music and is former counsel to the Long Beach Council for the Arts. He served multiple terms as Vice-President of the Nassau-Suffolk Horseman’s Association, an equine-based NY not-for-profit where he spearheaded legislative change on behalf of the equine industry.

A native Baltimorean, Mr. Rifkin has spent his career helping people. He graduated college in three years from the George Washington University with distinction, attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School where he won the prestigious Edwin R. Keedy Cup in Moot Court competition. He returned home to practice law which he has done since 1982. He has taught legal courses at Stevenson University as an adjunct professor and has chaired the Maryland State Bar Association Franchise and Distribution Law Committee. He is a long-time member of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.