Helene S. Bernstein

Helene Bernstein has been my attorney for the past four years on multiple court cases in Brooklyn family court. I give the highest recommendation possible for the work she has done for me as well as her demeanor and professionalism. Helene has the unique ability to be paradoxically empathetic and und...erstanding and yet commanding and resolute when needed; I believe these are the personality traits that make for the best of attorneys. What initially drew me to Ms. Bernstein’s practice and proved to be true over the years was that she also works as a mediator and looks to resolve contention rather than to win conflicts. In the long run, this proved extremely worthy as well as valiant and likely contributed to her winning my case for me. Our conversations were always about what is just and fair and most importantly, what was in the best interest of my children. Helene is well organized, communicative, thoughtful, open-minded, reliable and is an extremely hard worker. She took great care in my case, with meticulous notes that she always shared with me. Ms. Bernstein prepared myself and the other witnesses properly when we had to testify and always patiently clarified legal procedures for me and advised me well, even when it was not in her own financial best interest. She was also completely upfront and open about both her fees as well as other legal costs that would impact my case. I am so glad that Ms. Bernstein has been my attorney and sincerely give her the highest rating of endorsement possible.

I contacted Helene for a consult on my divorce mediation. When she called me back, she came across as rude. I explained I was looking for the consult plus a review attorney, which she said was smart. Like every lawyer I speak with, I asked her about her caseload to determine if she could commit the a...mount of time I needed for my case. Her reply, "Why would I tell you that, I don't even know you." She can't even have a civil conversation with a prospective client, so that closed the door for me. I thanked her for her time and said I'll contact her if I want to schedule a time.

Initially looked for a collaborative atty but turned out I needed a litigating atty. Be careful if you seek litigating attorney. She charges reasonable rate but in her first bill charged almost triple the amount of time the plaintiff atty charged for the same task. Did not agree to negotiate the pr...ice down or even discuss it. Gave misdealing and misinformed advise that was very damaging in the early stage of the divorce proceeding related to forensic accounting, temporary support and visitation. I advise you to set up "do not exceed amount without approval" right from the start. Good luck