Bryan Lane Berson

PRO

Bryan Lane Berson

5.0
306 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Litigation Lawyer at West Islip, NY
Practice Areas: Litigation, Probate, Elder Law ... +2 more

3 Bryans Ct., West Islip, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Bryan

Biography

Create Medicaid asset protection trusts. Transfers to qualify for home care and nursing home care

Zealous advocacy in civil, commercial, real estate, and probate litigation and appeals

NY trusts & estates litigation, will contests, probate, estate administration; personalized service

Commercial and residential real estate transactions, landlord-tenant matters, and evictions

Create revocable & irrevocable trusts, advise trustees, draft accountings, administer assets

Personal and dedicated service in commercial, real estate, trusts & estates, and elder law

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Elder Law 20%

Draft Medicaid asset protection trusts to protect assets if senior requires nursing care. Complete Medicaid applications. Use Medicaid exemptions to protect assets. Develop estate plans including wills, revocable trusts, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and living wills. Represent family members and allegedly incapacitated persons in guardianship proceedings. Completed Article 81 training.

20%
Litigation 20%

Represent parties in civil litigation, appeals, arbitration, and settlement negotiations. Advise on commercial, real estate, probate, and trust litigation matters. Highly skilled and experienced legal researcher and writer. Serve as arbitrator and panel chairman. Former judicial law clerk.

20%
Probate 20%

Represent executors in probate proceedings and administrators in all phases of the estate settlement process. Advise of sale of businesses and real estate of decedents. Serve as estate fiduciary at request of beneficiaries. Represent parties in probate litigation (e.g., will contests, allegations of undue influence, fraud). Appointed to list of guardians ad litem.

20%
Real Estate 20%

Advise on residential and commercial real estate closings including purchases and sales of condominiums and co-ops. Represent parties in sophisticated proceedings to remove title defects, quiet title, remove liens, and partition property. Represent parties in landlord-tenant litigation and lease negotiation. Advise on landlord-tenant law. Advise condominium and co-op boards on governance and compliance with real property and commercial law.

20%
Trusts 20%

Advise on formation of revocable and irrevocable trusts. Advise trustees and beneficiaries on trust administration. Prepare and review trust accountings. Represent parties in trust litigation.

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 10
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2018 2017 2016
...
+ 2
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 23 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2003

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Jersey for 23 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Berson Firm, P.C.

3 Bryans Ct., West Islip, NY, 11795-1653

bersonfirm.wordpress.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Bryan online.

Bryan Lane Berson's Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 128 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Chuck | August 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant

Bryan Berson an ethical, practical, and analytical mind and trusted Attorney at Law!

Mr. Bryan Berson is what all great lawyers must be. A strong listener to gather all he needs to represent and advise. He probes directly to the heart of the issue and asks you what you wish to achieve and how far you're willing to go to get there. If your objective is not realistic he won't shy away ...from telling you as much from his deep knowledge of the law and from his experience with similar cases and scenarios that have played out. He sets the correct and realistic expectations and provides all the steps necessary along with his dogged due diligence to achieve that your objective and help you out of your present circumstance. I'd recommend him for a landlord/tenant dispute such as my own or frankly any civil law matter I need help with in the future.

Posted by Gina and Steve | July 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

outstanding Estate Planning Attorney

We hired Bryan Berson for our estate planning and had a fantastic experience. He was very knowledgeable and professional, and took the time to explain every detail clearly and when we didn’t understand something, he was patient with explaining it again and in even more detail. The process went very... smoothly and easily doing much of it on the phone to make it much easier to complete in our busy lifestyle. Meeting when necessary but easily answering questions for us on the phone. I felt very informed and confident throughout the process. It is clear to us that Bryan genuinely cares about his clients and Protect protecting their interests. We highly recommend him to anyone needing estate planning services!

Posted by Carol | July 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Probate

Bryan Berson is hard working, honest and very knowledgable

We hired Mr. Berson of the Berson Firm to handle a surrogate court case. Bryan handled our case in a very professional manner. His knowledge of the law is outstanding. Our questions were answered quickly and Bryan kept us informed of the court proceedings through the entire process. I would re...commend The Berson Firm for any future legal representation.

Posted by Dennis | June 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Look no further for a Lawyer

I was recommended to Brian Berson to help us with a will, health proxy and a living trust for our family. He explained in detail the different types of Trusts and which would fit our family the best. He also helped us with the health proxy and will explaining anything we did not understand. Not only... was he informative and helpful but everything was done in a timely manner. My wife and I are completely satisfied and will recommend him to anyone and everyone that ask, “do we know a lawyer?” Thank you, Brian, for all your help!!!

Posted by Benjamin | March 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning

Great Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Litigation Attorney

Bryan Berson is the attorney you want to plan your estate, handle your real estate, or when necessary litigation. I retained Bryan in a matter that was pre-litigation. Frivolous litigation was quickly brought based on pleadings replete with violations of attorney ethics and the rules of evidence.... The otherside sought to cause harm driven by litigation costs that would drag on for years. Bryan had a command of the civil practice (CPLR), only rivaled by some law professors, knowing many sections by heart. Rather than drag the case on to generate fees for himself for years, Bryan used his civil litigation expertise to file a Motion to Dismiss In Lieu of Answer. The other side was enraged and went on to engage in more misconduct including violating the judge's rules. We won with the Motion to Dismiss was granted with prejudice against the other side. I have no doubt that the decision was a direct result of his litigation expertise, strategy, and strong reputation. I have encountered few attorneys of his caliber and you are lucky if he takes on your matter. I highly recommend Bryan Berson and will use him again.

See All Client Reviews

Bryan Lane Berson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bryan
Michael William Anderson headshot
Michael Anderson

Real estate lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bryan is exactly the type of attorney you want on your side. He is highly intelligent, extremely detail-oriented and very tenacious. Above all, he is very honest. Unlike many attorneys, if he doesn't think you need legal service (e.g., he can point you towards an alternative resource), he has no problem doing just that. But if you find yourself with a genuine legal issue on your hands in any of his areas of expertise, you can rest easy knowing he will zealously fight for your cause. HIghly recommended."

Jonathan Mark Sharret headshot
Jonathan Sharret

Commercial real estate lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bryan is thoughtful, highly intelligent, and has a brilliant legal mind. Bryan is a tenacious and zealous advocate for his clients. His focus is on his clients' needs and he works diligently on their behalf to achieve the best possible outcome. Further, Bryan has an exemplary character; he is honest, trustworthy and highly ethical. I would recommend Bryan without any reservations."

Brian Jeffrey Zimmet headshot
Brian Zimmet

Litigation lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexander Alan Bush headshot
Alexander Bush

Real estate lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bryan Berson is extremely knowledgeable about the law and finds innovative ways to advance his clients’ interests. I recommend him without reservation."

Jeannine Padula Goche headshot
Jeannine Goche

Probate lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mike Moceri headshot
Mike Moceri

Real estate lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Friend

"Bryan is not only an outstanding attorney, but an amazing advisor. His analytical and substantive understanding of the law is unparalleled. He is trustworthy, innovative, and is always looking for novel ways to help others. Not only that - he does so proactively and without reservation. If you're in need of legal services, I cannot recommend anyone better than Bryan Berson."

Everett S. Carbajal headshot
Everett Carbajal

Business lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer without reservation."

Andrew Howard Lipton headshot
Andrew Lipton

Litigation lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"It is without reservation that I endorse Bryan Berson. Bryan and I worked together at the law firm of Skadden Arps. Bryan had recently concluded a prestigious clerkship with the Delaware Court of Chancery. It was clear from my initial conversations that Bryan was one of the more intellectual and practical new associates. I found Bryan to be hardworking, professional, and dedicated. In my personal observations, I found that Bryan was skilled at legal research, quick on his feet and more than capable of handling any challenges. Bryan was someone I could (and did) turn to for advice. In addition to being a talented lawyer, Bryan is also a good person. He is an ethical lawyer, very personable and someone who made working late nights more enjoyable."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Jimmy Chatsuthiphan headshot
Jimmy Chatsuthiphan

Business lawyer | Aug 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is with great pleasure and without hesitancy that I endorse Bryan Berson as a lawyer. I was fortunate to be Bryan's roommate and classmate at Cornell Law School. Because of the close relationship I have developed with Bryan, I have been able to form sound judgments on his intellectual and leadership abilities as well as his personality. It is Bryan's unique and complimentary combination of traits - his gifted legal mind, fine attention to detail, and his self-starting personality - that make him an ideal person to turn to for trusted legal advice. At Cornell Law, I saw firsthand how he consistently mastered research and writing assignments with a knack for being creative yet thorough in his methodology of organizing and analyzing large amounts of information. He has the ability to grasp complex problems and work towards innovative solutions. He has a maturity well beyond his years. Bryan is also friendly, approachable, and someone you should have on your side when it matters most."

Sarah Bernett headshot
Sarah Bernett

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Bryan Berson is an ethical, intelligent, conscientious, and knowledgeable attorney, who is willing to devote the time and resources to determine whether a client has a prosecutable case. I highly recommend Mr. Berson for landlord/tenant and real estate law, as well as his other fields of practice."

Shelley Ann Elder headshot
Shelley Elder

Probate lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer because of his clear positive thinking and ability to solve problems. He is very intelligent and has the ability to be friendly while tenaciously staying with a problem in his head. I can't help it, he is my go to in NY and if yours, you won't be disappointed"

Bennett James Wills headshot
Bennett Wills

Unknown lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Berson is an asset to the legal community."

Michael Leo Potter headshot
Michael Potter

Estate planning lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bryan brings a thoughtful perspective to the service of his Estate Planning clients. He guides them through one of the most important planning aspects of life. He is a credit to the legal profession and as a colleague I'm proud to endorse him."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Commercial real estate lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Robert Daniel Siano headshot
Robert Siano

Litigation lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Berson is a well-respected attorney in the industry. He generously gives his time to help people on AVVO. I endorse this lawyer."

Gina M. Famularo headshot
Gina Famularo

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Berson provides his clients with solid legal advice."

View All Endorsements
Marc A. Wites headshot
Marc Wites

Personal injury lawyer

Tanya Hobson-Williams headshot
Tanya Hobson-Williams

Elder law lawyer

Robert Charles Angelillo headshot
Robert Angelillo

Litigation lawyer

Michael S. Welch headshot
Michael Welch

Workers compensation lawyer

Richard J. Chertock headshot
Richard Chertock

Real estate lawyer

Daniel Marc Shlufman headshot
Daniel Shlufman

Debt and lending agreements lawyer

Robert Joseph Kurre headshot
Robert Kurre

Elder law lawyer

Alexander Alan Bush headshot
Alexander Bush

Personal injury lawyer

Camila P. Medici headshot
Camila Medici

Workers compensation lawyer

Marymichelle Lotano headshot
Marymichelle Lotano

Workers compensation lawyer

Mike Moceri headshot
Mike Moceri

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jonathan Mark Sharret headshot
Jonathan Sharret

Patent infringement lawyer

Gary S. Dunn headshot
Gary Dunn

Real estate lawyer

Steven Warren Smollens headshot
Steven Smollens

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Everett S. Carbajal headshot
Everett Carbajal

Unknown lawyer

Jimmy Chatsuthiphan headshot
Jimmy Chatsuthiphan

Arbitration lawyer

Andrew Howard Lipton headshot
Andrew Lipton

Financial markets and services lawyer

Shelley Ann Elder headshot
Shelley Elder

Estate planning lawyer

Michael William Anderson headshot
Michael Anderson

Business lawyer

Steven Eric Zeikowitz headshot
Steven Zeikowitz

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®

2002

Esther & Irving Rosenbloom Prize for excellence in law & finance, Cornell Law School

1999

Valedictorian and Commencement Orator, Hofstra University

1999

Beta Gamma Sigma Award, Beta Gamma Sigma Alumni in New York City

1996

Valedictorian and Commencement Orator, West Islip High School

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Attorney, President, Owner, The Berson Firm, P.C.

2004 - 2010

Attorney, Private Law Practice

2003 - 2004

Associate, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, N.Y.

2002 - 2003

Law Clerk, Delaware Court of Chancery

2000 - 2000

Intern, Nasd, Department Of Enforcement

1999 - 1999

Intern - Ratings Services, Standard & Poor's

Associations

2022 - Present

Mid-Island Benevolent Association, Inc.

President

2011 - Present

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Arbitrator, Panel Chairman

2011 - Present

National Futures Association

Arbitrator

2008 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

Admitted

2005 - Present

Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network

Member

2004 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

Admitted

2004 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Admitted

2017 - 2025

West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition

Advisory Council member

2015 - 2022

Mid-Island Benevolent Association, Inc.

Vice President

2015 - 2018

Sons of the American Legion

Member

2013 - 2024

Suffolk County Bar Association

Member

2012 - 2021

Massapequa Elks Lodge No. 2162, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

Presiding Justice of the Subordinate Forum

2009 - 2010

Shakepeare Lodge No. 750, Free & Accepted Masons

Secretary

2008 - 2010

New York Society of Security Analysts

Member

2007 - 2010

New York City Bar Association, Private Investment Funds Committee

Member

2007 - 2010

New York City Bar Association, Financial Reporting Committee

Member

2003 - 2010

New York City Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Conducted due diligence of business in connection with sale and valuation

Seller realized that the offered price was far too low and kept the business.

Restructured sale of home to use Medicaid exemption

Sale of house completed while protecting more than $30,000.

Negotiated payment plan for tenant to remain in apartment

Negotiated payment plan; tenant and child permitted to remain in apartment.

Created LLC to hold real estate and drafted lease

Successfully rented property while protecting self from personal liability

Secured removal of tenants who refused to pay rent

Tenants immediately vacated

Drafted complete estate plans

Served as outside counsel to multi-million dollar business

Retitled deeds and advised fraternal order on governance to secure loan

Deeds re-titled and loan approved

Developed system to vet hedge fund documents

Drastically improved efficiency and accuracy

Drafted Medicaid asset protect trust for elderly couple

Implemented plan in emergency time frame. Family enjoyed last holiday with peace of mind that estate was protected..

Defended remainderman in litigation

Sued broker for breach of contract

Advised co-administrators, sold home, drafted accounting

Estate concluded

Brother and sister purchase house from parents

Successful purchase

Puchase of co-op

Successful purchase

Purchase of $1 million + condominium in Manhattan

Succcessful purchase

Filing of mechanic's lien

Lien placed on title

Evicted commercial tenant in holdover proceeding

Negotiated settlement with tenant to vacate and pay use and occupancy during holder period

Protected seller of house from potential fraud

Seller withdrew from deal and negotiated a deal with new purchaser for more money and better terms.

Prevented removal of trustee

Removal prevented, trustee permitted to recoup expenses

Prevented challenge to trust and estate plan

Beneficiary began challenge and backed down after beginning to file legal challenge

Drafted living trust with special needs provisions

Child maintained government benefits and received inheritance

Evicted residential tenant in Queens

Obtained warrant of eviction and secured removal by local marshal

Evicted residential tenants

Obtained warrant of eviction and judgment for back rent and use and occupancy; Sheriff removed tenants' property

Applied to zoning board of appeals for variance

Unanimous approval by Zoning Board of Appeals

Served as estate fiduciary

Appointed administrator by Queens Surrogate's Court. Located assets for daughters. Had ex-wife successfully removed as beneficiary.

Obtained probate of wills, adminstered estate, and sold real estate

Obtained probate of both wills, sold real estate owned by both estates, and transferred all assets into name of beneficiary.

Advised family office on hedge fund and private equity investments

Worked with investment personnel to analyze benefits and risks of various investments. Where party decided to proceed with the investment, I drafted the appropriate paperwork.

WorldCom Inc. Securities Litigation, 02 Civ. 3288 (DLC)

Drafted independent contractor agreement for financial research company

Implemented elder law plan and transfered assets under Medicaid rules

Protected over $600,000

Sold home and purchased co-op

Unanimous approval by co-op board

Simultanously sold and purchased residences

Successful sale and purchase

See More Legal Cases

Education

2002

Cornell Law School

Juris Doctor, cum laude

1999

Hofstra University

Bachelor of Business Administration, summa cum laude

1996

West Islip High School

Regent's Diploma

Speaking Engagements

2014

Square Club Speaker Series Reverse Mortgage Basics

2014

Square Club Speaker Series

Immediate Steps to Take When Someone Dies

2014

Square Club Speaker Series Elder Law and Medicaid Planning

2013

2013

Square Club Speaker Series Preventing Elder Fraud

2013

Radio program

The Evidence Against Gun Control; and Ending the Drug War

2012

Square Club Speaker Series Estate Planning Basics

N/A

Berson Seminars Commercial Series

N/A

Berson Seminars Real Estate Series

N/A

Berson Seminars Estate Planning Series

Publications

2013

2013

2013

2012

2005

Thomson West publication Fees, Costs, and Disbursements

2004

Practising Law Institute Secondary Liability After Enron

2001

Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal Private Market Reforms for Social Security

N/A

Quality Magazine Government Contracts

N/A

N/A

N/A

Constructive Knowledge Elder law columns

N/A

N/A

Constructive Knowledge Estate Planning columns

N/A

Quality Magazine Debtor/Creditor columns

N/A

Quality Magazine Mediation columns

N/A

Quality Magazine Employment columns

N/A

Quality Magazine Corporate Governance columns

N/A

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Bryan earned significant contribution points in 2018.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution