$ 300-600 per hour
Michael Alan Bernstein
also known as Michael Bernstein Law
About Michael
Biography
A native of Detroit, Michigan, I proudly became an attorney more than 30 years ago, and since then have handled over 5,000 successful cases for my clients. I personally handle injury claims of all types including automobile accidents, dog bites, premises liability, medical care mistakes, police false arrest & excessive use of force, clergy misconduct including sex misconduct and defamation including libel and slander. I also specialize in family law matters such as divorce & child custody and have vast experience across a wide range of cases including criminal law, contract and business law and employment law.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
60%
44 years | 7,500 cases
Family
30%
25 years | 350 cases
Criminal Defense
10%
44 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
25%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 39 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 44 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Michael Alan Bernstein
1140 Bayview Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 333042547
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Michael Alan Bernstein's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Marilyn Bloch | July 10, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
accident
Mr. Bernstein is quite eloquent and able to help. He asked for my file in an accident case.
Posted by TinaMarie | June 19, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
What a quick respone and wise answer..
Want to say thanks for your time and advice.. Wishing you many blessings.
Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Great Advice!
I really appreciated the fact that Michael took time out of his busy schedule to help me with my question on Avvo. Great advice too by the way!
Posted by Douglas Guertin | February 2, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
A very knowledgeable attorney
I called attorney Bernstein about a lawsuit that I had pending and he was very knowledgeable. I was very surprised that he was willing to help me and answer some concerns that I had . I would recommend him to anyone that wants personal service and takes the time to help you and cares about your probl...
Posted by Sharonit Amar | January 5, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consultation
After been in my divorce case with two lawyers with still no knowledge of the law. Michael in a hour of consultation did what both of them didnt, explained every step of the way. Took his time to come with me to deposition, was very efficient and helpful, would strongly recommend him!
Michael Alan Bernstein's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an impressive Avvo contributing attorney. I appreciate his answers which demonstrate that Mr. Bernstein has the analytic ability that all clients should look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bernstein's comments on this forum indicate he is a highly skilled and intelligent criminal defense attorney"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bernstein is an asset to the Avvo community. He routinely assists individuals with their questions and shows true advocacy for his clients."
"A superlative Avvo contributing attorney, the answers of Mr. Bernstein are consistently accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that all clients would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A superb and zealous advocate. I highly endorse Michael!"
"Mr. Bernstein has demonstrated his knowledge and skill on Avvo.com, and he continues to do so in every answer that he provides. It is an honor for me to endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Bernstein has demonstrated that he is a reputable and knowledgeable attorney. His advice is both legally sound and practical in nature."
"Mr. Bernstein is a truly amazing advocate for his clients. Though we are on opposite coasts, I follow him and his exceptional advice to people asking difficult legal questions here on AVVO. He is a great resource."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend Mr. Bernstein. He is a detailed-oriented, smart lawyer who will go the extra mile for his clients."
"I am pleased to endorse Michael Bernstein. His long record of success as an attorney, including his success in the areas of personal injury and wrongful death, and his very active participation on AVVO, providing legal advice to so many people, are a great credit to the legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. His contributions to this community show that he is a very knowledgeable and effective attorney"
"I endorse this lawyer.Mr Bernstein is a very knowledgeable and effective attorney for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Lawyers who donate time on sites like this have a passion for the law and a compassion for the people they serve. Kudos."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Have known Michael since law school. He is dedicated to his clients and knowledgeable in his practice areas. He is a certified mediator and knows how to negotiate. Importantly, Michael gets the best result in the circumstance."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in the Fort Lauderdale area I would highly recommend Mr. Bernstein."
"A true professional. Incredibly knowledgeable. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Michael and there is no question that he is truly a gifted attorney with a plethora of knowledge. He is personable and selfless in his pursuit to advocate zealously for all his clients. I without hesitation endorse Michael."
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Experience
Honors
2019
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2015
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2015
10 of out 10 Highest Rating, Avvo
2015
Top Rated Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Million Dollar Trial Lawyers, Million Dollar Trial Lawyers Association
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
Leading American Attorney, Leading American Attorney
1996
Outstanding Membership Recognition, The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
1995
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law
1985
Who's Who Legal, Who's Who Legal
1981
Chief Advocate Moot Court, Nova Southeastern University Law School
1981
Dean's List, Nova Southeastern University Law School
1980
Chief Advocate Moot Court, Nova Southeastern University Law School
1980
Dean's List, Nova Southeastern University Law School
1978
Scholar Varsity Athlete, Michigan State University
1978
Honor's Graduate, Michigan State University
Work Experience
1985 - Present
Attorney and Mediator, Law Offices of Michael A. Bernstein, Professional Association
2014 - 2015
Owner, Mediation Partners
2000 - 2014
Owner, Mediation Partners, LLC.
1982 - 1985
Associate Attorney, Pyszka and Kessler
1980 - 1981
Assistant Attorney, Ruden Barnett McClosky Smith Schuster & Russell
Associations
1990 - Present
United States Supreme CourtMember
1985 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
1982 - Present
American Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1982 - Present
Broward County Justice AssociationMember
1982 - Present
Academy of Florida Trial LawyersMember
1981 - Present
Florida BarMember
1981 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of FloridaMember
1981 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Leonard v. Balkissoon
Pending
Little v. Italiane
$5.05 Million Verdict
Perez v. Metro Dade
$9.98 Million Verdict
Cooper v. Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees
Confidential Settlement
Swavely & Bonllla v. Southern Bell
Settled with job reinstatement, full back pay, attorney's fees and most significantly a Consent Judgment agreeing to the establishment of what is now known as Maternity Leave
James v. City of Eustis
Confidential Settlement
Education
1981
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
Michigan State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1974
Southfield Lathrup High School
High School Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2000
Talk Radio Show
Hairstyles in the Workplace-- McCloud v. UPS
1998
Rotary International
Clergy Sexual Misconduct- Sullivan v. St. Coleman's
1997
Media Law Conference
Defamation by the Media- Bryce v. Post Newsweek
1996
Rotary Club
The Real Truth behind Liebeck v McDonalds (hot coffee case)
Publications
2015
Sun Sentinel
Settlement Reached in Wrongful Death Suit
1999
American Trial Lawyers Association
Bryce v. Post Newsweek Spotlight Article
1998
Sun-Sentinal
Priest Suit "Amicably Resolved"
1997
Sun-Sentinel
A Cross Between Law & Duty
1995
St. Petersburg Times
Abuse Suit Dropped Against Swim Coach
1994
Sun-Sentinel
Channel 10 Must Pay
1994
Miami Herald
Jury Says WPLG Owes for Misuse of Arrest Footage
1994
Sun-Sentinel
Jury Says Sunrise LIable in Officer's Off-Duty Actions
1994
Fort Lauderdale News
Man Awarded $5 Million
1993
Sun-Sentinel
Jury Awards Man Millions
1987
Fort Lauderdale News
Road Surveyor Killed
1985
Sun-Sentinel
Two Women Win Southern Bell Lawsuit
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Charged with felony grand theft (f3), I was an employee, I'm 18 years old, its my first offense, also not a U.S citizen.
12 Apr 2025
Q&A
If a police officer violates a local law enforcement policy, can the City of said police Dept. be liable under Monell Doctrine?
15 Oct 2023
Q&A
Do I have a defamation of character/libel case?? All proof and malice intent is online and by a best selling author
26 Jul 2023