Michael J Berens

Michael J Berens

also known as Mike

5.0
Rating: 9.1

Licensed for 20 years

Military law Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Military Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

1109 1st Avenue, Suite 501, Seattle, WA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Military Law 70%

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.

21 years

70%
Criminal Defense 15%

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.

21 years

15%
Personal Injury 15%

Mike's practice includes a select number of civil cases on behalf of plaintiffs injured by the actions of others.

12 years

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 50 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 20 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2005

Active

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

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

68 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 17 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Jose | March 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

The Shepherd

if you are ever in need of someone looking out for you Mike Berens is who you need. hello all, I hired Mr. Berens back in April of 2020, we finished our case on march of 2022. I was acquitted of all three charges against me. these three charges where nothing to be messing around with which is why I ...hired Mr. Berens. from that date he has been nothing but supportive, proffesional and most important to me, very caring. this was no easy case, it had a lot of challenges, specially dealing with the military. that didn't detear him from his dedication to helping me and ensuring I was treated fairly and within the spectrum of the law. mike is a very smart and hard working individual who stand ups for justice and righteousness. apart from getting acquitted, the one thing that resinated with me and I could never be grateful enough, is that even though I was a paying customer, Mr. Berens never once treated me as such. his behavior with me was if I was a family member, making sure I was doing well, keeping me updated, making sure I was given the treatment I deserved by my branch of service, and many more to list. overall, I could never repay Mike Berens for the gratitude and service he rendered to me and my family. my family and I are finally free from this dark moment in our lifes thanks to mikes dedication and countless hours of examinations. I highly recommend his services 1,000 times. thank you mike your the best and you'll always have my gratitude. - Jose

Posted by anonymous | February 08, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Attentive, Caring, Passionate, Responsable, the BEST

Act Now! Don’t wait any longer! Mr. Berens will surpass every expectation. I reached out to Mr. Berens for legal advise regarding my military career. I was facing UOTHC for something I didn’t commit. Mr. Berens or “Mike” heard me, cared for me, and advised me right away! We then met face to face. ...At the time, I was hesitant due to pricing on lawyers. I reached out towards the end of the legal process; I didn’t realized it but I wish I would have contacted him from the beginning. If you need help contact him now! Mr. Berens studied my case heavily and intensively. Not only he had the patience to hear my stories, my complaints, my fears he also kept his composure on every moment of the process. The process took months and he was there, checking in, giving me updates etc… Alas, we were scheduled for court where we could show our innocence. Mike went into court like a LION. He showed detailed and accurate evidence, he memorized my story, he advocated for me like no-one else did, and stood by my side when no one else believed me. After 3 extensive days, Mike delivered. He saved me from the UOTHC. He proved my innocence! To this date he still helps my the legal processes that are following up; he is still helping me. I got nothing but admiration for Mike a veteran lawyer. Overall, he is Attentive, Caring, Passionate, Responsable, and the BEST!!!!

Posted by anonymous | December 13, 2021 | Military Law

If you need help with military law, you need to call Mike!

I was falsely accused of domestic violence by my spouse after I informed their command of their infidelity and suicidal threats. I sought out Mike for his expertise in military law. He consulted with me numerous times and gave me sound, professional advice and peace of mind. He walked me through the ...process, told me what to expect, and was there for me every step of the way and any time that I needed him. He is very knowledgeable, polite, and respectful, and he genuinely wants to help you through what is likely the most difficult and trying time of your life. I highly recommend Mike to anyone dealing with military law or criminal defense.

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Challenging Dual Military DV Case

Mike was recommended to me by a senior NCO (Non- Commissioned Officer) who had been in the Military Police Corps over 20 years. In the course of his career he had to participate in or observe a large number of court martials. He said Mike was the best litigator he had seen in action. I trusted that... particular NCO's judgment greatly, so I called and set up a meeting with Mike. Within the first minute or two of our meeting I could discern Mike was very sharp, a natural leader, and that he exuded a strong presence. I hired him immediately. My ex-wife had made some pretty serious accusations of abuse against me and I felt like with the current environment of general hostility against men, I stood a very good chance of being convicted for some things I didn't do. Mike did a great job of pointing out the inconsistencies and implausibility in her story in a way that didn't make us look like we were just trying to attack the "victim". His cross examination of the complaining witness was very effective. His use of medical experts was especially potent during the trial. Mike also had a good strategy in how to deal with the younger and very aggressive trial counsel (prosecutor). There were several times when I felt like the trial counsel was getting the better of us and able to suppress some evidence that could have been helpful to the defense. In the end, it backfired on the prosecutor because the panel (jury) was able to see that there was a lot to hide about the complaining witness's character. Mike had the experience to know that would be the case, and kept me calm throughout the trial. In the end I received a full acquittal! Not guilty on every charge! The whole legal process from the date of the incident, lasted just over a year. Mike was always easy to get ahold of when I needed to talk through something and I felt like we were a team. This was not an easy case by any means, and Mike helped me and my Family get past one of the most stressful events you can ever go through, with an outstanding result. Thanks Mike.

Posted by James,SFC USA | April 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

You want this gentleman in your corner!!

I initially reached out to Mr. Berens when I was accused of drinking with my Soldiers while under General Order #1 in addition to my command was convinced that intercourse occurred. He provided sound advice and applied no pressure to retain him, he was more than willing to answer minor questions and ...provided some relief that things would be ok. After this situation worsened with my unit, I immediately hired his services and the battle began. I was facing a GOMOR and involuntary separation with fives years left to retirement and a flawless career. Mr. Berens dedicated every ounce of time that I needed to answer all of my questions and instill some comfort as I could possibly loose everything. The day of my separation board I would offer an image of the Battleship "U.S.S Missouri", Mr. Berens opened with a guns blazing and destroyed the prosecutors statement and lack of/no evidence. Our prep work days prior paid off huge as I beat the board and was found not guilty and retained. That day will be the 3rd biggest day of my life, and I couldn't of achieved success without Mike Berens. This man is solid, professional, extremely diligent in researching and understanding your situation and most of all he understands the military life as he wears the uniform himself. Don't bother looking elsewear, you want this guy in your corner.

See All Client Reviews

Michael J Berens's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Michael P Sheehy headshot
Michael Sheehy

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

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 D Coats headshot
Jeffrey Coats

Military law lawyer | Aug 22

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 Lawson Dabney headshot
Walton Dabney

Military law lawyer | Dec 12

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. Robert Black headshot
J. Black

Military law lawyer | Mar 31

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 Sebastian Holzhauer headshot
Ian Holzhauer

Military law lawyer | Dec 20

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 headshot
Brent Dishman

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 09

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 Greg Mowry headshot
Anthony Mowry

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 28

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."

Ryan C Witt headshot
Ryan Witt

Unknown lawyer | Aug 27

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 Robert Fiddes headshot
Andrew Fiddes

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 26

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."

Jesse Wells Belcher-Timme headshot
Jesse Belcher-Timme

General practice lawyer | Aug 21

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 S Altman headshot
Michael Altman

Military law lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a great, hard working lawyer who fights for his clients!"

KIRK W ALBERTSON headshot
KIRK ALBERTSON

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"Mike is an aggressive, hard-working attorney who gets results!"

Andrea Marie Hall headshot
Andrea Hall

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

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."

View All Endorsements
Walton Lawson Dabney headshot
Walton Dabney

Military law lawyer

Christopher D Cazares headshot
Christopher Cazares

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael John Coco headshot
Michael Coco

Military law lawyer

Ian Sebastian Holzhauer headshot
Ian Holzhauer

Estate planning lawyer

Scott Alexander Candoo headshot
Scott Candoo

Family lawyer

Edgar I Hall headshot
Edgar Hall

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Anthony Greg Mowry headshot
Anthony Mowry

Elder law lawyer

Jesse Wells Belcher-Timme headshot
Jesse Belcher-Timme

Litigation lawyer

Andrew Robert Fiddes headshot
Andrew Fiddes

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey D Coats headshot
Jeffrey Coats

Insurance lawyer

Michael P Sheehy headshot
Michael Sheehy

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan C Witt headshot
Ryan Witt

Criminal defense lawyer

Brent Dishman headshot
Brent Dishman

Military law lawyer

Michael S Altman headshot
Michael Altman

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.1 (Superb)

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 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

2011 - Present

Parent-Teacher Association

Member

2005 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Ripon College Alumni Association

Class Agent - Class of 1999

2002 - 2004

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay - Boston

Big Brother - Volunteer

1999 - 2001

United States Peace Corps - Zambia

Volunteer

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

See More Legal Cases

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

Air Force JAG conference Annual Survey of the Law

2016

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

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

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