Unmatched Experience Worldwide – Proven Defense AttorneyMike serves as a trusted advocate for many servicemembers and civilians facing legal challenges.Mike represents clients in municipal, district, superior and federal courts in Washington State.
Mike Berens is proud of his nearly 20 years of advocating for clients and more than seven years of delivering top-notch legal services to servicemembers and civilians in and around the Puget Sound Region. 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. Berens has also represented servicemembers and civilian clients in both civil and criminal proceedings in a number of Washington State and other Federal Courts. Recent successes include acquittals, dismissal of charges and other 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
Mike has served as an active duty JAG prosecutor, defense counsel, senior defense counsel, instructor in the Military Justice Division at the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's School, and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and been directly involved with hundreds of criminal investigations and courts-martial. Approximately half of Mike's active duty service involved defending enlisted and officer military members facing adverse action.
17 years
Mike's practice includes criminal defense. He represents defendants facing charges in federal courts and in superior, district and municipal courts in the State of Washington.
17 years
Mike's practice includes a select number of civil cases on behalf of plaintiffs injured by the actions of others.
8 years
Languages spoken
English
Berens Law Firm, PLLC & Bailey Onsager P.C.
600 University Street
Suite 1020
Seattle, WA, 98101
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 2005 | 05/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law | AVVO | 2017 |
Meritorious Service Medal | United States of America | 2017 |
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law | AVVO | 2016 |
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law | AVVO | 2015 |
Meritorious Service Medal | The United States of America | 2014 |
Clients' Choice Award - Military Law | AVVO | 2014 |
Defense Meritorious Service Medal | The United States of America | 2013 |
NATO Medal - ISAF (non-Article 5) | The North Atlantic Treaty Organization | 2013 |
Meritorious Service Medal | The United States of America | 2011 |
Air Force Commendation Medal | The Department of the Air Force | 2009 |
Joint Service Commendation Medal | The United States of America | 2007 |
Air Force Commendation Medal | The Department of the Air Force | 2006 |
New England Scholar | New England School of Law | 2004 |
cum laude (with honors) | New England School of Law | 2004 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Field Grade Officer | Headquarters Washington Air National Guard | 2018 - Present |
Attorney (Of Counsel) | Bailey | Onsager, P.C. | 2015 - Present |
Attorney and Owner | Berens Law Firm, PLLC | 2014 - Present |
Staff Judge Advocate | 194th Wing, Camp Murray, Washington Air National Guard | 2014 - 2018 |
Legal Advisor | the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - Kandahar Airfield Afghanistan | 2013 - 2013 |
Deputy Staff Judge Advocate | the United States Air Force JAG Corps | 2011 - 2014 |
Instructor - Litigator (defense) | the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's School | 2009 - 2011 |
Area Defense Counsel | the United States Air Force JAG Corps | 2007 - 2009 |
Attorney | Multi-National Forces - Iraq | 2007 - 2007 |
Assistant Staff Judge Advocate | the United States Air Force JAG Corps | 2006 - 2007 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Veterans of Foreign Wars | Member | 2014 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2014 - Present |
National Guard Association of Washington | Member | 2014 - Present |
National Guard Association of the United States | Member | 2014 - Present |
Parent-Teacher Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 2005 - Present |
Ripon College Alumni Association | Class Agent - Class of 1999 | 2001 - Present |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay - Boston | Big Brother - Volunteer | 2002 - 2004 |
United States Peace Corps - Zambia | Volunteer | 1999 - 2001 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Tacoma News Tribune | 16 Months after Illegal Search Army Drops AWOL case against Army Ranger | 2015 |
Military Commander and the Law | Military Commander and the Law | 2010 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
New England School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2004 |
Ripon College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1999 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Annual Survey of the Law | Effective Briefing and Presentations - Best Practice for Effective Public Speaking and Trial Advocacy | 2018 |
Air Force JAG conference | Annual Survey of the Law | 2018 |
Commander/Chief/DETCO Leadership Conference | Ethics | 2016 |
Contemporary Base Issues | Standards/Personnel Actions/Mental Health | 2016 |
Flight Commander's Course | Legal Issues for Flight Commanders | 2014 |
First Sergeant Symposium | Legal Issues For First Sergeants | 2013 |
Flight Commander's Course | Legal Issues for Flight Commanders | 2013 |
Flight Commander's Course | Legal Issues for Flight Commanders | 2012 |
USAF JAG Corps Trial Advocacy Conference | Hearsay Evidence - Crawford to Bullcoming | 2011 |
Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Course | Rights of the Accused | 2011 |
Basic Officer's Training Course | An Introduction to Military Justice | 2011 |
Commissioned Officer's Training Course | An Introduction to Military Justice | 2011 |
Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Symposium | Legal Issues for Senior Noncommissioned Officers | 2011 |
Defense Orientation Course | Cross Examination | 2011 |
Training by Reservists in Advocacy and Litgation | Trial Advocacy | 2011 |
Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Course | Rights of the Accused | 2010 |
Commissioned Officer's Training Course | An Introduction to Military Justice | 2010 |
Basic Officer's Training Course | An Introduction to Military Justice | 2010 |
Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course | Discovery | 2010 |
Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course | Immunity | 2010 |
Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course | Pleas & Providency | 2010 |
Training by Reservists in Advocacy and Litgation | Trial Advocacy | 2010 |
Defense Orientation Course | Motion Practice | 2010 |
Federalist Society | Law in the War on Terror - Detainee Operations in Iraq | 2008 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
Posted by anonymous
January 26, 2016
Posted by Debbie
January 27, 2016
Posted by S.C
April 28, 2022
Posted by anonymous
April 7, 2022
Posted by Ernesto
March 16, 2022
Posted by Jose
March 15, 2022
Posted by anonymous
February 8, 2022
Posted by anonymous
December 13, 2021
Posted by Reynalda, LCDR
April 25, 2021
Posted by John
March 22, 2020
Michael Sheehy, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jeffrey Coats, Military law Attorney on Aug 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Walton Dabney, Military law Attorney on Dec 12, 2019
Relationship: Co-worker
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.
J. Black, Military law Attorney on Mar 31, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Ian Holzhauer, Military law Attorney on Dec 20, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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!
Brent Dishman, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Anthony Mowry, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 28, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Michael Sheehy, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Ryan Witt, Unknown Attorney on Aug 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Andrew Fiddes, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jeffrey Coats, Military law Attorney on Aug 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jesse Belcher-Timme, General practice Attorney on Aug 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Michael Altman, Military law Attorney on Aug 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is a great, hard working lawyer who fights for his clients!
KIRK ALBERTSON, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 8, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
Mike is an aggressive, hard-working attorney who gets results!
Andrea Hall, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known and worked with Mike for 7 years in the Air Force. He is an excellent criminal defense attorney.
Cash, Check, Credit Card