Stephen M. Pemberton
Associate
Overview
Stephen Pemberton concentrates his practice in the areas of utilities, telecommunications, gaming, and litigation matters. He has years of experience practicing within highly regulated industries, including cannabis and mining. Prior to joining Eckert Seamans, Steve provided counsel on cannabis business licensing, litigation, franchising, land use and zoning, regulatory compliance, and transactional matters.
Steve also served as an Attorney Advisor with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission in Washington D.C. During law school, Steve completed externships with the Hon. Robin M. Meriweather of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the American Wind Energy Association (now known as the American Clean Power Association).
Awards and Recognition:
- Received a Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch recognition for Administrative / Regulatory Law and Land Use and Zoning Law (2026)
News and Insights
Publications
- “President Trump Signs Executive Order Directing Rescheduling of Cannabis Under the Federal Controlled Substances Act,” Eckert Seamans Regulated Substances Blog, December 19, 2025.
- “Pennsylvania State Attorney General and State Senate Seek Action on Hemp Businesses,” Eckert Seamans Regulated Substances Blog, November 2025.
Media Coverage
- “Pemberton Council in Narrow Vote Lends Support to Cannabis Enterprise,” quoted, Pine Barrens Tribune, November 2023
- “Dispensaries are old news. Weed lounges could be the next big thing in NJ legal marijuana,” quoted, Asbury Park Press, December 2022
News Releases
Interests
Despite living in southern New Jersey, Steve is an avid New York Giants fan and hails from the Princeton, New Jersey area. Steve enjoys landscaping and working on his “vintage” Ford. He also has almost two decades of guitar experience and studied music while attending Rutgers University. Steve is passionate about donating blood and supports volunteering initiatives, including community litter clean-ups.