'97 Journalism

Alexandra “Xan” Bernay (‘97, Journalism) is an esteemed lawyer at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, specializing in antitrust, consumer, securities, and unfair competition class-action litigation.

Among her many cases, Bernay is one of the lead lawyers in the most significant private antitrust class action settlement of all time, a lawsuit brought on behalf of merchants who argued that the largest credit card companies and card-issuing banks violated the antitrust laws by overcharging merchants who pay fees to accept transactions. The case settled for more than $5.5 billion. That case and other significant litigation have made Bernay a respected figure in the plaintiffs’ bar. Lawdragon recognized her efforts and honored her as a 2023 and 2019 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer, and Super Lawyers Magazine, named her a Super Lawyer in 2023.

As a lawyer, Bernay has made significant contributions through pro bono work, representing at-risk children and low-income clients in their pursuit of justice through the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers’ Program, a program committed to making legal services accessible to those in need.

In addition to her legal expertise, Xan is also an inventive mind. She invented a self-soothing product called Calmios, a fabric square designed to calm the mind and body through tactile stimulation, providing comfort and tranquility to those overwhelmed. She has also written several screenplays, performed stand-up comedy in New York and San Diego, and participated in special events hosted by The Moth, a well-known storytelling program.