Michael Gleason Bersani

PRO

Michael Gleason Bersani

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

Licensed for 32 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Auburn, NY
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Slip and Fall Accident ... +2 more

Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, P.C., 17 East Genesee Street, Suite 401, Auburn, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 40%

Have handled all aspects of personal injury litigation. Have changed the law in favor of plaintiffs in several important cases, some of which went up to the highest courtt in new york, the Court of Appeals: Cohen v. Hess, 92 N.Y.2d 511 and Shutter v. Phillips Display, 90 N.Y.2d 703

33 years | 1,000 cases

40%
Car Accident 25%

handle all aspects of motor vehicle accidents, including commercial carrier cases, from in-take through trial and appeal. CHANGED THE LAW ON NO-FAULT IN FAVOR OF PLAINTIFFS IN THE CASE OF HOBBY v CNY, 267 A.D.2d 1084, 700 N.Y.S.2d 346(4 Dept.,. 1999).

33 years | 200 cases

25%
Slip and Fall Accident 20%

handle all aspects of slip and fall cases from intake through trial and appeal

33 years | 200 cases

20%
Motorcycle Accident 10%

Handle all aspects of motor cycle accident cases from in-take through trial and appeal

33 years | 100 cases

10%
Wrongful Death 5%

Handle all aspects of wrongful death from in-take through trial --- changed the law on damages in the case of Kastick v. U-Haul, Kastick v. U-Haul Co. of Western Michigan, 259 A.D.2d 970, 688 N.Y.S.2d 857, and 292 A.D.2d 797, 740 N.Y.S.2d 167

33 years | 50 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

33%-33%

Awards

Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 31 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1994

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 32 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1993

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael Gleason Bersani

Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, P.C., 17 East Genesee Street, Suite 401, Auburn, NY, 13021

mbk-law.com/michael-bersani.html

Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, P.C.

499 S Warren, Suite 513, Syracuse, NY, 13202

mbk-law.com/michael-bersani.html

Michael Gleason Bersani's Reviews

5 star

(17)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(0)

Posted by Misti | January 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mike Bersani is second to none.

I have used Mike for over 20 years. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I have had such great experiences with him I referred family and friends to him as well. He treats everyone as family.

Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Car accident

I was in a vehicle as a passenger and out of no where an unmarked 90 degree left hand turn came about and the driver wasn't able to make the turn properly. This resulted in the compression fractures of my l2 and 3 vertebrae's. I was in constant pain and couldn't believe I had broken my back at 23 end...ing my military career. I contacted Mr. Bersani and he poitned me in the right direction about everything I asked. He hired a private investigator and a civil engineer for my case. during our meeting it was always stress free and professional. I would recommend 10/10 to anyone.

Posted by Kirill | April 8, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Got exactly what he thought I would.

My lawyer helped me with my non-fault car accident. He didn't blow smoke and promise me that I was going to be a millionaire. He gave me honest advice on where we could go and made sure that all the legal details would be taken care of. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.

Posted by Jodi | October 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Responsive and caring -- and got a great settlement

I was attacked by a dog. The case was complicated because it happened in a state park, on the edge of one country where neither the dog owner nor I live. The whole thing was also rather traumatizing. This might sound childish, but Michael made it all better. He recognized that this was a serious inju...ry and that the dog was dangerous. He also clearly explained the law and my options and what he could do. I always felt heard and respected. Never once did I worry that my case was forgotten or neglected. I am so glad that Michael was fighting for me. He got me a super settlement. I came out really feeling that I had been "made whole."

Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly professional

Mike represented me in a case where I broke my hip after falling into an unguarded and unmarked drop off on a Town’s property. Although the Town tried to blame me for my fall, Mike wouldn’t let them get away with it. He was awesome. He fought for me until he got the settlement I deserved for the h...arm the Town’s negligence caused me to suffer. How often have you wondered how to choose a personal injury lawyer that you can trust, who will work very hard for you, and really cares about your well-being? We found number 1! His name is Mike Bersani. I was concerned about even calling a lawyer for my case. When Mike arrived and listened to us and answered all our questions, went to the accident site with my husband, discussed with him each step he was taking, I knew we had the right person. Mike was available anytime I had a question. He kept us informed at every turn . He cares. No matter what the case is, his client is number 1. Any lawyer can put an ad on tv and say they will treat you well. Mike goes beyond that. His goal is keeping the client updated, is very interested in what the client wants to do, and follows through on their wishes. I would recommend him to anyone with a personal injury case.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Gleason Bersani's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Mario Jose Gutierrez headshot
Mario Gutierrez

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is an amazing lawyer. Very knowledgeable and professional. Whenever a client ask me about a personal injury attorney Michael Bersani is the one I recommend"

Jill L. Terry headshot
Jill Terry

Personal injury lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is an excellent trial lawyer, is very intelligent and focused on the issues in a case and the clients' needs."

Robert L. Brenna Jr. headshot
Robert Brenna

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Mike has been a leader in his field for many years. He is devoted to his clients, Justice, and the law itself. His clients are well served, today the least, and his dedication to staying on top of day to day changes is impeccable. Bob Brenna Jr. Rochester, New york"

Patrick Anthony Carbonaro headshot
Patrick Carbonaro

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"We regularly refer clients with personal injury matters to Mike. He is consummate professional and has my unqualified recommendation."

Adam Michael Gee headshot
Adam Gee

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a great lawyer and a great person. He is a student of the law, a zealous advocate for clients, and a dedicated father who spends weekends on the sideline of his kids' sporting events. Mike is the kind of lawyer and person I am proud to associate with."

James B. Reed headshot
James Reed

Car accident lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have no hesitation to STRONGLY endorse Michael Bersani as a very experienced and skilled personal injury attorney. You can tell a lot about a lawyer's devotion to his work by whether that lawyer stays on top of new changes in the law and Michael's very detailed daily blog posts make it clear that he is always on top of the latest developments in NY injury law. If you need a strong lawyer who is also a nice, down-to-earth guy, you can't go wrong with Michael Bersani."

Kevin Philip Kuehner headshot
Kevin Kuehner

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"If my family needed help, I would go to Mike. He is one of the brightest lawyers in the profession, without question. He is a serious student of the law and can prepare cases better than most because of his deep knowledge. Mike works with other very talented lawyers and together they are the very best. I work with them and trust them with client matters that I can not handle myself due to a conflict. Excellent lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Mario Jose Gutierrez headshot
Mario Gutierrez

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Ryan James Muldoon headshot
Ryan Muldoon

Criminal defense lawyer

Jill L. Terry headshot
Jill Terry

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert L. Brenna Jr. headshot
Robert Brenna

Personal injury lawyer

Adam Michael Gee headshot
Adam Gee

Personal injury lawyer

James B. Reed headshot
James Reed

Personal injury lawyer

Kevin Philip Kuehner headshot
Kevin Kuehner

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Professional Malpractice Lawyer of the Year, Syracuse Area, Best Lawyers in America

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year, Syracuse area, Best Lawyers in America

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Multi-Million Dollar Advocate, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Citizen of the Year, Geneva New York Chamber of Commerce

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2007

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2007

superlawyer, Law & Politics Magazine

2004

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1993

Order of the Coif, National Order of the Coif

1993

Justinian Society Honor, Justinian Society

1992

Scribe Award For Outstanding Legal Writing, Scribes - American Society of Legal Writers

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Lawyer, Michaels & Smolak, P.C.

1993 - 1995

Law Clerk, Appellate Division Fourth Department

Associations

2018 - Present

Family YMCA of Geneva, NY

member board of directors

2010 - Present

Boys & Girls Club of Geneva, NY

President

2003 - Present

New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers

Board of Directors

1998 - Present

YMCA of Auburn, NY

President

1997 - Present

New York State Bar Association

member

1997 - Present

Worker Justice Center of New York

Board Member

1995 - Present

Cayuga County Bar Association

member

1995 - Present

Onondaga County Bar Association

member

1995 - Present

American Association for Justice

member

1995 - Present

New York State Trial Lawyers Association

Amicus Curiae Committee

Sample of Legal Cases

Richmond v Orton

Plaintiff won summary judgment on liability

Ginley Family Trust v Roscoe

Plaintiff won summary judgment

Bulk Family Trust v Schmidt

won appeal

DiTondo v. Meagher

plaintiff won summary judgment

Prince v Waters

Widow of deceased firefighter won appeal

Bergin v Grace

Plaintiff won legal malpractice case.

Bounds v State of New York

Plaintiff won verdict of $300,000 against State.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

Syracuse University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

University of Colorado - Boulder

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1973

Christian Brothers Academy

Speaking Engagements

2022

Precedents and Statutes

New York Municipal Liability Update

2021

Precedents and Statutes

New York Municipal Liability Update

2020

Precedents and Statutes

New York Municipal Liability Update

2019

Precedents and Statutes

Municipal Liability Update

2018

Precedents & Statutes

New York Municipal Liability Update

2017

Precedents and Statutes New York Municipal Liability Update

2016

Precedents & Statutes Municipal Liability Update

2015

Precedents & Statutes Update

New York Municipal Liability Update

2014

Precedents & Statutes

New York Municipal Liability Update

2012

Precendents & Statutes

New York Municipal Liability 2012

2011

Precedents and Statutes Municipal Liability for Personal Injury

2010

Precedents and Statutes Municipal Liability in New York

2009

Precedents and Statutes

Municipal Liability for Personal Injury

2008

Precedents and Statutes

Municipal Liability for Personal Injury

2007

Precedents and Statutes

Municipal Liability for Personal Injury

2005

Discovery Tactics in New York

Discovery Rules and Tactics in New York State

Publications

2012

New York Academy of Trial Lawyers 2012 Update on New York Muncipal Liability

2009

The Plaintiff's Personal Injury Action in New York State Municipal Liability Chapter

2009

Precedents & Statutes Municipal Liability Update

2009

Central New York Injury Lawyer Blog On Going Articles on Personal Injury Law

2008

Precedents & Statutes Municipal Liability Update

2002

New York State Trial Lawyers Association BIll of Particulars Per diem arguments in New York - Where and How

2002

New York State Bar Association Journal Suits Against Public Entities For Injury or Wrongful Death

1999

New York State Trial Lawyers Association Analysis of the current MMI issue

1998

New York State Trial Lawyers Association Bill of Particulars Untimely Service of Process under the new CPLR 306-b;

1995

Syracuse Law Review Torts

1994

Syracuse Law Review Torts

1992

Syracuse Law Review Torts

N/A

New York State Trial Lawyer's quarterly publication Several Articles on Personal Injury Law

Languages

Spanish

French

Activity

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