Michael J Berens

If you have stumbled upon this review you are more than likely looking for an attorney to defend you against UCMJ actions or another form of Military non-punitive action. I would say look no further Mr. Michael J. Berens aka "Mike" is the only attorney you need. Speaking from my personal experience... he is a Veteran who speaks the JAG language, but knows how to cut through the bullshit and red tape. Nothing in this world is free and that includes justice, do not count on the Military appointed attorneys to have your back. When it matters the most and you have everything to lose no matter the cost, Berens Law Firm is who you want watching your six. This is coming from a two time Combat Veteran Master Sergeant with 19 years of service, who was facing a separation board. The dedication and hard work from Mike guaranteed that I as well as my family retain my retirement benefits and continue to serve this great nation.

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 selected Mike after interviewing several attorneys locally in Seattle and on the west coast. Mike was recommended to me by another lawyer who had just relocated from Seattle to CA. We hired Mike for our young son who is in the Navy. He had a drug and a UA charge. This was a case that went to Co...urt Martial. Being out of state, civilians and not having a lot of information to go on, we were naturally very distressed about our son's situation. Reasons for selecting Mike were simple for us: -he's local and had access to the base my son was located -impressive military career & skill set as a attorney/leader, working cases across various military branches -empathetic demeanor and compassion, confident -excellent communication skills, very transparent -breaks complicated legalese into layman's terms -readily available and sets expectations when he's out on leave or in the middle of a court martial, but responds very quickly if so -pricing is fair and expectations are set upfront -all communications come from him and not someone from the office Ultimately I was far more comfortable knowing he was in my son's court, protecting his rights and ensuring his comfort/safety through this process. He visited my son or called him weekly, which matters a great deal. I highly recommend his services!

Mr Berens defended my brother, an army soldier when he was accused of assault. Mr Berens is very knowledgeable of the UCMJ and his professionalism is to the highest standard. He was more prepared than the Army prosecution team that was in charge of my brother’s case. He made sure my brother received ...proper treatment while sitting in confinement waiting for his trial. Many plea deals were offered but he make sure my brother had the final say on what route to take. We are satisfied with the results we got, and if we can do it all over again we will choose Mike Berens.

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.