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Rhett L Bernstein
About Rhett
Biography
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Rhett L. Bernstein received his Juris Doctorate from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College with a specialized certificate in criminal law and procedure. During law school he clerked for the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office and Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Thom.
He prosecuted major felonies as a deputy district attorney in the Willamette Valley before founding his law firm in the Portland area in 2005. He developed his firm to offer specialties in criminal representation, estate planning and probate. Rhett L. Bernstein has provided prosecutorial services to various municipalities, including the cities of West Linn, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, and Milwaukie. He was elected as the judge of the Municipal Court for the City of West Linn in 2013.
Under his management, his firm represents clients charged with the most serious of criminal charges, such as Aggravated Murder, Jessica’s Law sexual abuse allegations and those facing Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentences.
Rhett L. Bernstein prides himself on honest, clear communication so that clients quickly find empowerment through understanding their options. Clients can look forward to accessible representation, vigorous preparation, efficient conclusions and effective resolutions based on years of litigation and estate planning experience.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
23 years
DUI and DWI
50%
23 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Oregon for 23 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
By Appointment Only
219 7th St., Oregon City, OR, 97068
Law Offices of Rhett L Bernstein
1785 Willamette Falls Dr Ste 4, West Linn, OR, 97068
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Rhett L Bernstein's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Zach | February 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DUII
Rhett was able to get the DA to drop their DUII case against me all together 100%. His assistant was very communicative throughout the process
Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excelent
Rhett helped me through a personally difficult legal situation. He was knowledgeable, thorough, understanding and very easy to communicate with. He took control of my legal situation and guided me through the process. Fee was money well spent!! Thanks Rhett. Would not hesitate to recommend his ser...
Posted by Brad | December 2, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Incredible Counsel
Mr. Bernstein did a phenomenal job on my case. I had 7 prior DUIs when I hired Mr. Bernstein for my eighth. The County of Clackamas was insisting on the maximum sentence of 1 full year in jail on this charge. However, with Mr. Bernsteins advise and his amazing litigation experience, I served 75 days...
Posted by Michael | September 9, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
5 stars
Mr. Bernstein went above and beyond my expectations representing me in my driving while suspended case. He made everything easy and all i had to do is show up for court. Definitely would recommend him to anyone i know needing legal assistance.
Posted by Amy | August 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He worked hard at getting the best possible outcome
I truly appreciate how Mr. Bernstein gave his full attention whenever I spoke with him (in person or over the phone) and made sure I was treated as an individual rather than a "case." His prompt communication helped ease anxiety about the unknown as my case moved forward, and he was pleased to help o...
Rhett L Bernstein's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse this lawyer."
"I fully endorse Mr. Bernstein. He is an extremely competent and skilled attorney knowledgeable in the law and who works tirelessly for his clients."
"I've known Rhett for a number of years, and I like and respect him, both as a person, and as an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. An excellent and knowledgeable attorney who really cares about clients."
"I have both consulted with Rhett on criminal defense matters and done battle with him as opposing counsel. He is well prepared, quick to respond to unexpected arguments and a great advocate for his client. I endorse his work & highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rhett is conscientious, intelligent and aggressive. He is an excellent Lawyer, with an impressive resume."
"I have had the opportunity to work with and observe Mr. Bernstein on numerous occasions. I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most thorough and diligent attorneys practicing in Oregon. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rhett has experience as a prosecutor, a criminal defense lawyer, and as a municipal court judge hearing nothing but criminal cases. To say that he is "well balanced" is an understatement!"
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Rhett possesses that winning combination of intelligence, quick thinking, knowledge of the law and courtroom presence that makes him a successful lawyer. I certainly endorse Rhett."
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Bernstein for about six years. Through that time I have co-counseled with him, and learned a great deal from him. He is knowledgable in criminal defense, probate, and estate planning. Mr. Bernstein is an excellent attorney, and someone you want in your corner when faced with a legal issue."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Best DUI Lawyers in Portland, expertise.com
2015
Client's Choice Award, Avvo.com
2015
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Judge, City of West Linn, Oregon
2012 - Present
Prosecuting Attorney, City of Milwaukie, Oregon
2005 - Present
Attorney, Rhett L. Bernstein, Attorney at Law
2007 - 2013
Prosecuting Attorney, City of West Linn, Oregon
2002 - 2005
Deputy District Attorney, Linn County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2015 - Present
National Trial Lawyers Association
2005 - Present
Clackamas County Bar Association
2006 - 2006
Clackamas County Bar AssociationSecretary
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. M.V.
Successfully settled the case outside of Murder
State of Oregon v. S. S.
The State dismissed the case
City of West Linn v. Bundy
Successful Prosecution of Land Use Violation
Education
2002
Lewis & Clark Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
University of Puget Sound
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Rosemont Ridge Middle School Career Day
Career Choices
Publications
2013
Willamette Week
New judge elected
2012
Portland Tribune
Judge orders West Linn family to pay fine for pool
2006
Oregon State Bar Bulletin
Among Ourselves
2004
Albany Democratic Herald
Portland woman pleads guilty to rape of Sweet Home boy
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have a duii and two counts of reckless endangerment what happens if I plead guilty and don't accept diversion?
10 Jun 2015
Q&A
Earned time when you have both Measure 11 and non-Measure 11 charges?
02 May 2015
Q&A
I am not going to meet my diversion deadline requirements, with a 30 day extension. Do I need a lawyer?
10 Apr 2015