Michael J Berens

I can not say enough about Mike except that I had experience other Large Firms and local attorneys and was very refreshing to work with Mike. He was very objective and challenge me because the charges were malicious but he was able to review alot of documents ( three years of correspondence and inve...stigations). He earn my trust and respect through his dedication and hard work. When you are facing charges, you are very vulnerable and can be victimized by unscrupulous firms, please do not go with anyone else because it can make you feel further victimized. Mike Berens had my trust and respect because his ethical values and sincere approach to his clients. I am forever grateful and thankful for his amazing attorney skills during my 2 hearings. Due to his hard work I will be allowed to continue to serve in the US Navy until I am eligible for retirement in 2024 and will keep my nursing credentials.

If you don’t have time to read then know this, if you are in serious military justice or administrative separation trouble and need support, Mike Berens is the guy to call. I am a Major in the US Army, a husband, a father of four, and a proud mustang (NCO to Officer) with over 18 years of servic...e. I never thought I would be put in a situation that would require me to need a military defense lawyer. Unfortunately, there are individuals that have malicious intent and have learned how to weaponize the military justice system for their own vengeance or personal means. I happened to be the victim of a rather extreme case. After 5 months of allowing the military system to run its course, enduring a criminal investigation flag, and being removed from my resident ILE assignment, I had enough. My accusers were manipulating the system and I wanted resolution. The judge advocate military lawyers were unable to assist me so I started researching civilian military lawyers in the area. After reaching out to several lawyers and through my own process of elimination, Mike Berens agreed to meet with me face to face. After only a few minutes I knew he was the no bull, honest, and dedicated individual that I needed. My case ended up dragging out for over 14 months and Mike, though handling his intense trial schedule, supporting other clients, and excelling in his position as the Washington State Air Force National Guard, never let me down. After 2 days of an intense trial I was presented the best possible outcome…complete acquittal. He listened, he learned the facts, he knew my case and the individuals involved. He is the individual you want defending you in a court room. I am pretty confident that he saved my credibility, my career, and my retirement worth over $2.5 million. Choosing The Sound Military Lawyer, Mike Berens to represent me regardless of the outcome was the right move. If you are reading this review trying to decide…stop and give him a call, you will be thankful you did.

Mr. Berens did a terrific job with my complicated, nuanced case. Although my case had many unique considerations (I'm an officer with the expected additional command interest, I'm retirement eligible yet still have obligation for training) Mr. Berens handled it all with poise and sound judgement. G...ave me expert recommendations/advice all along the way, while still being willing to listen to my input. He went out of his way to advocate on my behalf with my chain of command, reached out to his own network of subject-matter-experts to weigh in on my case, and worked well with my witnesses and detailed Navy defense lawyer. He has a competent, poised manner that seemed to reflect well with senior officers in my chain as well as with senior players on the legal side of the house. Definitely made the right decision in hiring him and would do it again without reservation. Recommended highly.

I contacted Mr. Berens over two years ago to take on my case for an upgrade of my discharge. Two years is a long time to go through the process but it was never anything on Mr. Berens end. He was very timely in all his responses and thorough in what he needed from me and what to expect on things. ... The meticulous nature in which he put together my package was great. The outcome wasn't what I hoped for but that isn't anything to do with Mr. Berens. I had worked with another lawyer on this same issue and this was by far a better experience for me. The knowledge level and professionalism by Mr. Berens was second to none. If you are looking for someone to look at your case and see it from all sides and give you the best routes to take to maximize efforts toward a successful outcome I would recommend Mr. Berens.

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.