News Category: Firm News

PITTSBURGH – Best Lawyers^®, the oldest and most respected guide to the legal profession, released the 2020 Edition of Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers on Friday, March 20, 2020. The stand-alone publication, using information excerpted from the 26th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2020), highlights 2,295 lawyers recognized for their top legal talent, along with 172 “Lawyer of the Year” recipients from Pennsylvania. Additionally, the newly designed publication features notable local news and profiles of firms and individuals across the region.

Four Bernstein-Burkley partners were featured in the publication, including:

• Robert Bernstein for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Kirk Burkley for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, and Real Estate Law
• Keri Ebeck for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Kit Pettit for Real Estate Law

The complete list of Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers for 2020 is available here: https://issuu.com/bestlawyers/docs/pennsylvania-best-lawyers-2020?fr=sMWQ3MTI1MDk2Mw.

The Best Lawyers methodology process relies heavily on peer review within the legal community, as lawyers cannot nominate themselves. Current listed Best Lawyers provide feedback on a nominee’s work, and local bar associations also review whether the candidates are in good standing.

ABOUT BEST LAWYERS

Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For almost 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers lists are published in leading local, regional, and national publications across the globe.

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY, P.C.

Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. has more board-certified creditors’ rights specialists in Pennsylvania than any other law firm and is highly regarded and respected for its national reach in Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Oil and Gas Law, and Creditors’ Rights.

For more information, visit the firm’s website: www.bernsteinlaw.com or call 412.456.8114.

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Megan McLachlan
Marketing Manager, Bernstein-Burkley
mmclachlan@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8114

(PITTSBURGH) February 10, 2020 – Bernstein-Burkley, P.C., is pleased to announce the addition of associate James Berent to its skilled team of attorneys. James will join the firm’s Litigation and Real Estate practice groups, with a focus on real estate tax assessment appeals and general litigation matters.

A native of Pittsburgh, James is a graduate of Robert Morris University (2008) and received his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (2012). During law school, he served as a legal extern for the Honorable Kathleen R. Mulligan with the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.

James has experience in real estate tax collection, real estate tax exemption, and consumer bankruptcy proceedings. James has successfully handled thousands of commercial and residential tax assessment appeals in Allegheny County and throughout the region representing both taxing bodies and property owners.

During his time at the Pittsburgh Bankruptcy Center, LLC, he represented consumer bankruptcy clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, including litigation of real estate valuation matters. James has also represented plaintiffs in personal injury claims.

James is licensed in Pennsylvania and admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He has been recognized as a “Pennsylvania Rising Star” in the field of Real Estate since 2017 by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Magazine.

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY, P.C.

Bernstein-Burkley P.C. is a highly regarded and respected law firm with locations in Pittsburgh, Pa., Wheeling, W.Va., and Cleveland, Ohio with a national reach in Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights, Business and Corporate Transactions, Litigation, and Real Estate. The firm has cultivated a reputation for excellence over the course of 50 years in the business community. Bernstein-Burkley’s core purpose is to create partnerships that provide clients with a peace of mind through expert advice and zealous representation.

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Megan McLachlan
Marketing Manager, Bernstein-Burkley
mmclachlan@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8114

 

(PITTSBURGH) February 3, 2020 – This past December, Kirk Burkley, Managing Partner at Bernstein-Burkley, P.C., headquartered in Pittsburgh, was elected President of the American Board of Certification, the nation’s premier legal specialty certification organization that certifies attorneys as specialists in business bankruptcy, consumer bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights law. His term will run through December 2020.

Burkley is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and is certified in Business Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Law from the American Board of Certification. He frequently appears before the United States District Courts for the Western, Middle, and Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as the Pennsylvania state courts. He is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia. He has lectured for the American Bankruptcy Institute, in addition to the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Burkley graduated from Ohio University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

The complete list of 2020 board of directors and officers is available here: https://www.abcworld.org/about-abc/board-directors.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN BOARD OF CERTIFICATION (ABC)

The American Board of Certification (ABC) is a non-profit organization committed to providing progressive and responsible leadership in the field of legal specialization. ABC offers separate certification programs in business bankruptcy, consumer bankruptcy, and creditors’ rights law. ABC certification is designed to recognize lawyers who have met discrete, rigorous, and objective certification standards.

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY, P.C.

Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. has more board-certified creditors’ rights specialists in Pennsylvania than any other law firm and is highly regarded and respected for its national reach in Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Oil and Gas Law, and Creditors’ Rights.

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Megan McLachlan
Marketing Manager, Bernstein-Burkley
mmclachlan@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8114

(PITTSBURGH) January 29, 2020 – Bernstein-Burkley, P.C., is pleased to announce the addition of new partner, Salene Mazur Kraemer, Esquire, MBA, to its skilled team of attorneys. A Board-Certified Business Bankruptcy specialist and a Certified Turnaround Analyst, Salene concentrates her practice on restructuring, creditors’ rights, and bankruptcy law.  She also provides general corporate counsel for mid-size to large companies. Salene will be working at both the Wheeling, W. Va., and Pittsburgh, Pa., locations, and will also be managing the Wheeling office.

Continue reading “Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. Welcomes Partner Salene Mazur Kraemer To Wheeling, Pittsburgh Teams”

(PITTSBURGH) January 23, 2020 – Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. has been awarded the following rankings by the US News – Best Lawyers 2020 “Best Law Firms” list:

• Metropolitan Tier 1 law firm in both Pittsburgh and Morgantown in the area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Metropolitan Tier 2 law firm in the area of Litigation – Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law in Pittsburgh
• National Tier 3 law firm in the areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

In order to be eligible for the ranking, Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. had to have at least one lawyer recognized in the current edition of Best Lawyers in a “Best Law Firms” ranked practice area/metro area. The law firm also had to undergo a rigorous evaluation process that involved client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field. Clients and peers were asked to evaluate firms based on the following criteria: responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, integrity and civility, as well as whether they would refer a matter to the firm and/or consider the firm a worthy competitor.

This is Bernstein-Burkley’s tenth year being named a Tier 1 law firm, and Co-Managing Partner Kirk Burkley believes that this consistent ranking is a testament to the firm’s attention and care toward clients.

“Nearly all of our client engagement comes from past or current clients and referrals,” says Burkley. “We at Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. take our clients’ interests and needs very seriously and strive to be a committed, stalwart presence when they work with us.”

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY
Bernstein-Burkley is a highly regarded and respected Pittsburgh-based law firm with a national reach in Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights, Business and Corporate Transactions, Litigation, Real Estate, and Oil and Gas. The firm has cultivated a reputation for excellence over the course of 50 years in the business community. Bernstein-Burkley’s core purpose is to create partnerships that provide clients with a peace of mind through expert advice and zealous representation. While headquartered in Pittsburgh, the law firm includes locations in Wheeling, W.Va., and Cleveland, Ohio.

 

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Megan McLachlan
Marketing Manager, Bernstein-Burkley
mmclachlan@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8114

(PITTSBURGH) November 11, 2019 – Bernstein-Burkley is pleased to announce the firm’s expansion to Cleveland, Ohio. The new office, located at Fifth Third Center, 600 Superior Ave East – Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH 44114, is now open under the welcomed direction of two new partners to the firm, Harry W. Greenfield and Jeffrey C. Toole.

Both partners will join the firm’s Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice group, where Harry will focus on corporate bankruptcy and restructuring involving receiverships, mechanic’s liens, collection actions, foreclosure actions, lease defaults, and Uniform Commercial Code issues, while Jeff focuses on commercial debt restructuring and insolvency matters, primarily in the manufacturing, retail, real estate development, health care, hospitality, and transportation industries.

Continue reading “Bernstein-Burkley Announces New Cleveland Office and Welcomes Two Partners, Harry W. Greenfield and Jeffrey C. Toole”

(PITTSBURGH) November 4, 2019 – Bernstein-Burkley is pleased to announce the addition of a new associate, Trisha R. Hudkins, to its team of skilled attorneys. Trisha joins the firm’s growing Litigation practice, where she will focus on commercial litigation, employment law, and toxic tort in the firm’s Wheeling, West Virginia office.

Trisha has experience with all phases of litigation, from inception through trial, including early and essential investigation, substantive motion practice, depositions and mediations, and successful settlement negotiation. In addition, through her prior experience as a Title Abstractor and Crew Chief in the oil and gas industry, she possesses valuable knowledge to assist her in the defense of toxic tort claims involving asbestos and other industrial exposures to toxic substances.

Continue reading “Bernstein-Burkley Welcomes Associate Trisha R. Hudkins to Litigation Team”

(PITTSBURGH) October 21, 2019 – Bernstein-Burkley is pleased to announce the addition of a new associate, David A. Jones, Jr., to its team of skilled attorneys. David joins the firm’s growing Litigation practice, where he will concentrate on commercial and general business litigation.

He also has diverse experience in bankruptcy court and handling a range of civil litigation matters for both plaintiffs and defendants, including disputes involving intellectual property, breach of contract, fraud, business torts, construction surety bonds, civil rights, and employment discrimination. In addition, David has experience with insurance coverage, accounting malpractice, product liability and banking practices.

Continue reading “Bernstein-Burkley Welcomes Associate David Jones to Litigation Team”

Bernstein-Burkley is pleased to announce that Dianne Bartony and Brian Walsh have joined our growing Business Law and Commercial Real Estate group. To meet the demand for the firm’s corporate transactional and commercial real estate services, we have hired two talented associates who bring with them a wealth of experience in these areas.

Over the course of more than 15 years of practicing law, Dianne Bartony has gained extensive experience focusing on commercial transactions involving lending real estate and corporate matters. She has represented lenders, borrowers, commercial landlords and tenants and other corporate clients in a wide range of business, real estate and other commercial matters. She is an expert in negotiating and drafting a variety of complex business contracts and agreements. She also has experience acting as in-house general counsel to privately-held businesses, advising on day-to-day operational matters including employment issues, conflict resolution, policy implementation, and sales and service agreements.

Brian Walsh’s decade of experience has focused on business and corporate transactional matters, including entity formation, corporate restructuring, negotiating and drafting shareholder, partnership, and membership agreements, negotiating and drafting asset purchase agreements and other documents related to mergers and acquisitions, and general counseling relative to business operating activities and contractual disputes. He also routinely acts as general outside counsel to small and mid-size businesses in varying industries.

Brian’s real estate-related work includes advising clients on commercial real estate transactions, including lease agreements, lease assignments, land use and development, and acquisition and disposition of real property in connection with the sale of businesses. He also assists clients with complex corporate governance matters involving corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships.

“We are thrilled to have Dianne and Brian join Bernstein-Burkley. I am confident that their experience will allow us to better serve the needs of our clients by providing pragmatic, innovative and well-tailored solutions,” said Kirk Burkley, Co-Managing Partner of Bernstein-Burkley

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY, P.C.
Bernstein-Burkley is a highly regarded and respected Pittsburgh-based law firm with a national reach in Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights, Business Law, Litigation, Commercial Real Estate and Oil and Gas. The firm has cultivated a reputation for excellence over the course of 50 years in the business community. Bernstein-Burkley’s core purpose is to create partnerships that provide clients with a peace of mind through expert advice and zealous representation.

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Marissa Luznar
Director of Operations and Marketing, Bernstein-Burkley
mluznar@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8113

Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. was awarded the following rankings by the US News – Best Lawyers 2019 “Best Law Firms” list:

• Metropolitan Tier 1 law firm in both Pittsburgh and Morgantown in the area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Metropolitan Tier 2 law firm in the area of Litigation – Bankruptcy in Pittsburgh
• National Tier 3 law firm in the areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

The rigorous evaluation process included the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field. Clients and peers were asked to evaluate firms based on the following criteria: responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, integrity and civility, as well as whether they would refer a matter to the firm and/or consider the firm a worthy competitor.

This is Bernstein-Burkley’s ninth year being named a Tier 1 law firm. When asked why their firm continues to be selected as a “Best Law Firm,” Co-Managing Partner, Kirk Burkley, said, “We care about our clients and the peace of mind they get when working with us. We take a business approach to our work, always keeping our clients’ bottom line in mind. We believe that is why 98% of our engagements come from past or current clients and referrals.”

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY
Bernstein-Burkley is a highly regarded and respected Pittsburgh-based law firm with a national reach in Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights, Business and Corporate Transactions, Litigation, Real Estate, and Oil and Gas. The firm has cultivated a reputation for excellence over the course of 50 years in the business community. Bernstein-Burkley’s core purpose is to create partnerships that provide clients with a peace of mind through expert advice and zealous representation.

 

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Marissa Luznar
Director of Operations and Marketing, Bernstein-Burkley
mluznar@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8113

(PITTSBURGH) September 7, 2018 – Bernstein-Burkley is pleased to announce the addition of a new Partner, Mark A. Lindsay, to its team of skilled attorneys. He joins the firm’s growing Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice.

Mark is an attorney with more than 15 years of experience handling bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, corporate counseling, transaction, real estate, and litigation matters. He has regularly represented:

• Large Corporate Clients
• Lenders
• Municipal Entities
• Utility Providers
• Commercial and Residential Landlords
• Consumer Finance Companies
• Other Creditor Entities

“Mark is a noteworthy addition to Bernstein-Burkley’s Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice group. His experience with complex bankruptcy and workout situations is well suited to meet the needs of our clients. His expertise and ingenuity will reinforce the firm’s goal to continuously deliver innovative and well-tailored solutions to our clients,” said Kirk Burkley, Co-Managing Partner of Bernstein-Burkley.

Mark is a past chair and current member of the Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section Allegheny County Bar Association and has been recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s Super Lawyers® since 2013.

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY
Bernstein-Burkley is a highly regarded and respected Pittsburgh-based law firm with a national reach in Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights, Business and Corporate Transactions, Litigation, Real Estate, and Oil and Gas. The firm has cultivated a reputation for excellence over the course of 50 years in the business community. Bernstein-Burkley’s core purpose is to create partnerships that provide clients with a peace of mind through expert advice and zealous representation.

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Marissa Luznar
Director of Operations and Marketing, Bernstein-Burkley
mluznar@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8113

(PITTSBURGH) August 15, 2018 – Bernstein-Burkley is pleased to announce that partners, Robert S. Bernstein, Kirk B. Burkley and Arch W. Riley, Jr. have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 25th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Robert Bernstein, Co-Managing Partner, was recognized in the fields of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, and Litigation – Bankruptcy. This will be the eleventh consecutive year that Bernstein has been acknowledged by Best Lawyers®. He was also named Best Lawyers® 2016 Litigation – Bankruptcy “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh.

Kirk Burkley, Co-Managing Partner, was selected in the area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law. This will be the ninth consecutive year that Burkley has been acknowledged by Best Lawyers®.

Arch Riley, Partner, was recognized for his work in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. This will be the eleventh consecutive year that Riley has been acknowledged by Best Lawyers®. He was also named Best Lawyers® 2016 Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Morgantown.

ABOUT BERNSTEIN-BURKLEY
Bernstein-Burkley is a highly regarded and respected Pittsburgh-based law firm with a national reach in Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Creditors’ Rights, Business and Corporate Transactions, Litigation, Real Estate, and Oil and Gas. The firm has cultivated a reputation for excellence over the course of 50 years in the business community. Bernstein-Burkley’s core purpose is to create partnerships that provide clients with a peace of mind through expert advice and zealous representation.

ABOUT BEST LAWYERS^®
Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers^® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers^® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Lists of outstanding attorneys are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.

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For more information, visit www.bernsteinlaw.com or contact:
Stephanie McHale
Marketing Coordinator, Bernstein-Burkley
smchale@bernsteinlaw.com or 412-456-8114