Former Prosecutor, Personalized & Professional Oregon DUII and Criminal Defense for over 10 years
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
19 years
19 years
Languages spoken
English
By Appointment Only
219 7th St.
Oregon City, OR, 97068
1785 Willamette Falls Dr Ste 4
West Linn, OR, 97068
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
OR | Active | 2002 | 05/16/2022 |
Legal answers | 58 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
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 | 2016 |
Top 40 under 40 | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2015 |
Client's Choice Award | Avvo.com | 2015 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Judge | City of West Linn, Oregon | 2013 - Present |
Prosecuting Attorney | City of Milwaukie, Oregon | 2012 - Present |
Attorney | Rhett L. Bernstein, Attorney at Law | 2005 - Present |
Prosecuting Attorney | City of West Linn, Oregon | 2007 - 2013 |
Deputy District Attorney | Linn County District Attorney's Office | 2002 - 2005 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Trial Lawyers Association | 2015 - Present | |
Clackamas County Bar Association | 2005 - Present | |
Clackamas County Bar Association | Secretary | 2006 - 2006 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Willamette Week | New judge elected | 2013 |
Oregonian | West Linn's prosecutor to serve as municipal court judge until September election | 2013 |
Portland Tribune | Judge orders West Linn family to pay fine for pool | 2012 |
Oregon State Bar Bulletin | Among Ourselves | 2006 |
Albany Democratic Herald | Portland woman pleads guilty to rape of Sweet Home boy | 2004 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Lewis & Clark Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2002 |
University of Puget Sound | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1999 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Rosemont Ridge Middle School Career Day | Career Choices | 2014 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
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March 20, 2015
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Shannon Wilson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 12, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I highly endorse this lawyer.
John Elbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I fully endorse Mr. Bernstein. He is an extremely competent and skilled attorney knowledgeable in the law and who works tirelessly for his clients.
Shannon Wilson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 12, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I highly endorse this lawyer.
John Elbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I fully endorse Mr. Bernstein. He is an extremely competent and skilled attorney knowledgeable in the law and who works tirelessly for his clients.
MacDaniel Reynolds, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've known Rhett for a number of years, and I like and respect him, both as a person, and as an attorney.
Jill Rogers, Unknown Attorney on Mar 20, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. An excellent and knowledgeable attorney who really cares about clients.
Blake Dore, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 19, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Daniel Woram, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Rhett is conscientious, intelligent and aggressive. He is an excellent Lawyer, with an impressive resume.
Erik Nicholson, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
John Hingson, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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!
Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Mar 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.
John Gutbezahl, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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.
Jared Justice, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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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