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Michael J Berens
also known as Mike
About Michael
Biography
Mike Berens is proud of his nearly 20 years of advocating for clients and more than 10 years of delivering top-notch legal services to servicemembers and civilians in and around the Puget Sound Region and worldwide. Berens established the Berens Law Firm PLLC in 2014 after over eight years of military service in the United States Air Force JAG Corps. Berens continues to serve in the Air National Guard in Washington State and at installations throughout the United States. In 2015, Berens joined Bailey | Onsager P.C. as an of counsel attorney in addition to his duties at the Berens Law Firm. Since entering private practice, Berens has successfully defended many servicemembers in extremely high-stakes courts-martial in the Puget Sound region and beyond. He has represented many servicemembers and others in administrative, credentialing, federal employment, and related advserse actions. Berens has also represented servicemembers and civilian clients in civil and criminal proceedings in a number of Washington State and other Federal Courts. Recent successes include acquittals, dismissal of charges and other exceptionally favorable outcomes in criminal and administrative cases and a host of positive outcomes in civil matters on behalf of plaintiffs. Berens' work-ethic, advocacy and proven track record contribute greatly to his successes and accomplishments as an attorney and advocate for clients. If you have a need for an exceptional advocate and an attorney you can trust...give Mike Berens a call.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 20 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Berens Law Firm, PLLC & Bailey Onsager P.C.
1109 1st Avenue, Suite 501, Seattle, WA, 98101
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Michael J Berens's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 68 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Avo Bedoian | December 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best lawyer I’ve ever had and need in the future
This man helped me with my military problems and if I ever Have another problem I would hire this man he can make anything happen and very easy to talk to and tells you exactly what you need and how we can do it he will help with any problems needed
Posted by sal | May 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Trial Defense Services is free -- and you get what you pay for. Hire Mike.
Working with Mike Berens was one of the best decisions I could’ve made when facing a GOMOR. From day one, he was incredibly responsive, always quick to reply, clear in his communication, and great at keeping me updated on the status of everything. I never felt like I was in the dark or left wondering...
Posted by Russell | February 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best military lawyer available. Period.
Mr. Berens was the most forthright and skillful attorney I could have ever asked for. Despite extraordinary opposition, he always went the extra mile in my defense. His performance, diligence, and candor as my attorney were far beyond my expectations, showcasing tremendous value. If you’re in the mi...
Posted by Ed | February 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mr. Michael J Berens provided outstanding service!
Engaging the services of a reputable attorney can be quite challenging. I retained the services of Mr. Michael Berens, and it proved to be the correct decision in selecting him as my legal counsel. Mr. Berens is a consummate professional who provided expert guidance and counsel in my case against ...
Posted by Tracy | January 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A professional and caring lawyer for our military and their dependents
I had hired Mike Berens to assist me with an EEO complaint because I had previously worked with him as a government representative. During that time, I witnessed his ability to handle complexes where military leaders were unjustly treated or faced unfair outcomes due to others' actions. His expertise...
Michael J Berens's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Berens is an exceptional lawyer. I watched him supervise and co-counsel a young military lawyer at a discharge board hearing. Mr. Berens superior litigation skills resulted in a favorable outcome for his client on a very challenging case. His honesty, intellect and zealous advocacy make him an easy choice to refer family and friends."
"Mike is the right kind of lawyer. He is smart, he is thoughtful and deliberate, he is reasonable and fair. I first met Mike when I was legal advisor (judge) on a discharge board and he was the recorder (prosecutor). I was so impressed by his work that when he became available for hire I was very happy he chose the Washington Air National Guard. We now have him part time where he runs the legal office for a large diverse wing. As the HQ JAG I am very confident legal services at the wing are well managed under Mike’s careful, focused eye. You can’t go wrong with Mike."
"I have worked with Mike since the summer of 2017 in the JAG Corps of the Washington National Guard. His skill and knowledge of all facets of the military system is beyond compare. He keeps his finger on the pulse of what commanders are thinking and feeling, and uses that to great effect for his clients. I am proud to call him my mentor."
"I endorse Mike Berens. As an instructor at the Air Force JAG school, Mike was entrusted with teaching the next generation of Air Force defense counsel how to effectively represent clients. He is always professional and competent. A client could not ask for better representation."
"I regularly tried cases against Mike Berens for a year and a half, and found him to be an exceptional defense attorney. He cared deeply about his clients and got great results. He had multiple full acquittals. He was also selected for a highly competitive litigation teaching spot as a follow-on assignment, which is a testament to his courtroom gifts. I would endorse him to any military or criminal law client!"
"Michael Berens is an exceptional attorney, and I would recommend him for the toughest criminal or military justice cases. Michael is an excellent advocate who consistently delivers outstanding results for his clients."
"I endorse Mike. I have known him for several years and litigated a matter against him. He has extensive knowledge of military law and criminal defense and is an excellent litigator. I would not hesitate to refer a client to him."
"I have known Mike for several years and know him to be hard working and dedicated. He would be the type of attorney I would want in my corner for a complex case."
"Michael is an extremely talented and respected attorney in the legal community with a well earned reputation for being a fierce warrior in the courtroom. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I have known Mike Berens personally and professionally for nearly 15 years. In all those years, Mike has always been a consummate professional who excels at communicating with different people in numerous different settings. Whether he is dealing with a client, opposing counsel or a judge, I have no doubt about Mike's ability to make a strong connection, while being courteous, respectful and persuasive. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking representation of any kind."
"Mike is a great, hard working lawyer who fights for his clients!"
"Mike is an aggressive, hard-working attorney who gets results!"
"I have known and worked with Mike for 7 years in the Air Force. He is an excellent criminal defense attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law, AVVO
2017
Meritorious Service Medal, United States of America
2016
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law, AVVO
2015
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law, AVVO
2014
Meritorious Service Medal, The United States of America
2014
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law, AVVO
2014
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, The United States of America
2013
NATO Medal - ISAF (non-Article 5), The North Atlantic Treaty Organization
2011
Meritorious Service Medal, The United States of America
2009
Air Force Commendation Medal, The Department of the Air Force
2007
Joint Service Commendation Medal, The United States of America
2006
Air Force Commendation Medal, The Department of the Air Force
2004
New England Scholar, New England School of Law
2004
cum laude (with honors), New England School of Law
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Field Grade Officer, Headquarters Washington Air National Guard
2015 - Present
Attorney (Of Counsel), Bailey | Onsager, P.C.
2014 - Present
Attorney and Owner, Berens Law Firm, PLLC
2014 - 2018
Staff Judge Advocate, 194th Wing, Camp Murray, Washington Air National Guard
2013 - 2013
Legal Advisor, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - Kandahar Airfield Afghanistan
2011 - 2014
Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, the United States Air Force JAG Corps
2009 - 2011
Instructor - Litigator (defense), the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's School
2007 - 2009
Area Defense Counsel, the United States Air Force JAG Corps
2007 - 2007
Attorney, Multi-National Forces - Iraq
2006 - 2007
Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, the United States Air Force JAG Corps
Associations
2014 - Present
Veterans of Foreign WarsMember
2014 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2014 - Present
National Guard Association of WashingtonMember
2014 - Present
National Guard Association of the United StatesMember
2011 - Present
Parent-Teacher AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
Ripon College Alumni AssociationClass Agent - Class of 1999
2002 - 2004
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay - BostonBig Brother - Volunteer
1999 - 2001
United States Peace Corps - ZambiaVolunteer
Sample of Legal Cases
U.S. v. Schwisow
All charges and specifications dismissed with prejudice.
U.S. v. Sanford
All charges dismissed.
U.S. v. Johnson
No punitive discharge.
U.S. v. Roberts
No punitive discharge.
U.S. v. Senior Airman R.S.
Case Dismissed
U.S. v. Technical Sergeant M.P.
Full Acquittal
U.S. v. Staff Sergeant S.W.
Full Acquittal
U.S. v. Technical Sergeant M.T.
No punitive (or administrative) discharge for NCO
Education
2004
New England School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
Ripon College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2022
Legal Aspects of Defense Support to Civil Authorities
Domestic Operations in the Air National Guard
2022
All States Legal Update
Progressive Discipline and Investigating Sexual Assault in the National Guard
2018
2018
Air Force JAG conference
Annual Survey of the Law
2016
Contemporary Base Issues
Standards/Personnel Actions/Mental Health
2016
Commander/Chief/DETCO Leadership Conference
Ethics
2014
Flight Commander's Course
Legal Issues for Flight Commanders
2013
Flight Commander's Course
Legal Issues for Flight Commanders
2013
First Sergeant Symposium
Legal Issues For First Sergeants
2012
Flight Commander's Course
Legal Issues for Flight Commanders
2011
USAF JAG Corps Trial Advocacy Conference
Hearsay Evidence - Crawford to Bullcoming
2011
Training by Reservists in Advocacy and Litgation
Trial Advocacy
2011
Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Symposium
Legal Issues for Senior Noncommissioned Officers
2011
Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Course
Rights of the Accused
2011
Defense Orientation Course
Cross Examination
2011
Commissioned Officer's Training Course
An Introduction to Military Justice
2011
Basic Officer's Training Course
An Introduction to Military Justice
2010
Training by Reservists in Advocacy and Litgation
Trial Advocacy
2010
Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Course
Rights of the Accused
2010
Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course
Pleas & Providency
2010
Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course
Immunity
2010
Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course
Discovery
2010
Defense Orientation Course
Motion Practice
2010
Commissioned Officer's Training Course
An Introduction to Military Justice
2010
Basic Officer's Training Course
An Introduction to Military Justice
2008
Federalist Society
Law in the War on Terror - Detainee Operations in Iraq
Publications
2023
2015
Tacoma News Tribune
16 Months after Illegal Search Army Drops AWOL case against Army Ranger
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long does the military have to notify you of a positive drug test result?
17 Oct 2014
Q&A
I am getting a restraining order against me from my wife, does this attach to lautenberg amendment
16 Oct 2014
Q&A
I was subpoenaed in a federal military court martial as a witness, do i have to go if i have not been served papers?
09 Oct 2014