William Charles Bernhardi

William Charles Bernhardi

4.5
Rating: 7.9

Licensed for 39 years

Social Security & Disability Lawyer at West Seneca, NY
Practice Areas: Social Security, Administrative Law

950 A Union Rd Ste 240, West Seneca, NY

About William

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Social Security & Disability 90%

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability claims, Railroad Retirement Disability claims: from initial application to federal court appeal. For clients already receiving benefits: continuing disability reviews, overpayments, Workers Compensation offsets.

40 years | 11,000 cases

90%
Administrative Law 10%

New York State and Local Employees Retirement Systems claims for disability pensions: State and local employees, police, firefighters, corrections officers, teachers, other. From initial consultations and applications to court appeals. --- Student Loan forgiveness for total and permanent disability

35 years | 550 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 150-300 per hour

Contingency

25%-33%

Pro bono

10 %


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 39 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1986

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

William C. Bernhardi Law Offices PLLC

950 A Union Rd Ste 240, West Seneca, NY, 14224-3463

William C. Bernhardi Law Offices PLLC

2656 West State Street, Suite 509, Olean, NY, 14760

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William Charles Bernhardi's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

8 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (8) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by Sue | August 12, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Social Security

Office Assistant 1

Every one on staff including Mr. Bernhardi did an exceptional job for my case. I cannot thank all of you enough for bringing closure to my case in my favor. You were recommended to me & I in return will do the same for you too who are in need of a very good lawyer. I will review the links you sent... me. If any problems I will call Lindsey for advice about my signing into SSA.gov. Thank you again for all your assistance n bringing justice to my situation. I wish every one the very best in all you do andsucceeding with cases as you have done with mine. Very best always - Thank you again - Sue Polich

Posted by cynthia | May 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

Very Satisfied Client

My attorney at the William Bernhardi law firm was very thorough in their research and presentation of my case. As we got further into my consultation i became more and more confident in their ability to present a strong case and eventually was awarded a favorable verdict. I highly recommend calling... the William Bernhardi firm to make an appointment for a consultation.

Posted by anonymous | May 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Good Results

I couldn't be happier with the results from working with Bernhardi Law. Although the process takes awhile and there is a lot of paperwork to file Initially Bernhardi Law answered any questions I had and handled additional paperwork that you will receive through out the process. Thank you so ...much to Everyone at Bernhardi Law.

Posted by timothy | April 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

SSdi

In 2014 I retained Mr Bernhardi to handle my ssdi claim. With such a involved process Mr Bernhardi and his staff were there to help with all my question threw this process. Mr Bernhardi was great in going above and beyond to guide my other attorneys involved In my involved case which was above and b...eyond his services and greatly appreciated. I would recommend Mr Bernhardi as he is knowledgeable and highly educated on SSDI law and the process.and will help you every step of the way.

Posted by Dale | July 28, 2015 | Personal Injury

Confidence and Security

After I explained my injuries and situation, Mr Bernhardi said he would take my case and was confident in our success. Although I was unsure, he explained that he does not waste time on cases that he cannot win, and was sure that we would win my case, which made me feel secure. The staff of his off...ice and were always pleasant and willing to answer any questions I had, whether over the phone or through confidential e-mails. Kelly and Michelle left no stone unturned no matter how many questions I asked, and gave me the sense of security I needed. He won my case in six months and I received all the compensation owed to me. I am thankful and would recommend anyone to entrust their case to Mr. Bernhardi and his office staff.

See All Client Reviews

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Experience

Rating:  7.9 (Very Good)

Honors

2024

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top Attorneys North America 2015-2016, Who's Who Legal

Work Experience

2016 - 2016

Attorney Owner, William C. Bernhardi Law Offices PLLC

2011 - 2015

Managing Partner, Bernhardi & Lukasik PLLC

1988 - 2011

Attorney Owner, William C. Bernhardi Law Offices

1986 - 1988

Associate Attorney, Small law firms

1983 - 1986

Social Security Disability Analyst, NY State Disability Determination Services

1977 - 1980

Claims Representative, Social Security Administration Field Office

Associations

1995 - Present

National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives

Sustaining Member

1986 - Present

Bar Association of Erie County

Member

2005 - 2007

Bar Association of Erie County

Committee for the Disabled Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Poole v. U.S. Railroad Retirement Board

Fully favorable outcome, Court of Appeals ordered the claim paid without further proceedings.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

Syracuse University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1975

University At Buffalo

BA

1971

Ithaca College

Speaking Engagements

2009

Bar Association Noonday lecture

Workers Compensation offset and Social Security

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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