BERNHARD LAW FIRM - Key Persons
During his law career, Andrew Bernhard has represented national real estate developers, financial institutions, and corporations in their complex commercial, consumer finance, and real estate development matters. In recognition for his work both Super Lawyers Magazine and Best Lawyers Magazine have designated Andrew as a Rising Star and top attorney, which is awarded to less than 2.5% of Florida lawyers. South Florida Business and Wealth Magazine Legal Awards selected Bernhard Law Firm as a Top 4 Boutique Law Firm in Miami. Expertise Magazine and Marquis Who's Who have selected Andrew Bernhard as one of the best real estate litigation attorneys in Miami. The Florida Bar Journal selected Andrew's white paper on real estate contract deceleration for publication. Litigants have cited his writings in briefs to the Florida Supreme Court and Florida Third District Court of Appeal. The New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Palm Beach Daily News, The Real Deal, and Automotive News have interviewed and quoted Andrew for his position on high-profile contract disputes. The Florida Supreme Court has quoted Andrew Bernhard's legal opinion in the landmark case of Bartram v. U.S. Bank National Association.
Before establishing Bernhard Law Firm, Andrew Bernhard litigated trials and appeals for Rivero Mestre LLP, handling commercial, finance, and banking disputes. Andrew represented national financial institutions in their escalated litigation matters ranging from violation of federal business and banking statutes, preservation of bank-owned real estate, defending securities fraud claims, and negotiating director and shareholder settlements. Prior to Rivero Mestre, Andrew Bernhard represented Florida communities and national real estate developers in real estate litigation and transactional matters. He also worked under Edwin G. Torres, United States Judge for the Southern District of Florida, and at the San Diego County Public Defender's Office.
Andrew Bernhard was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. At age 17, Andrew moved to Costa Rica and later to Mexico. He returned to attend the University of Arizona, where he received a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry. Afterwards, Andrew taught business professionals in Buenos Aires and Milan for Repsol, BASF, American Express, Pfizer, and Phillips, working abroad for several more years. He has traveled to more than 75 countries on six continents.
Andrew Bernhard graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law where he served as Executive Chair for the International Moot Court Board and received the CALI Excellence Award for International Moot Court. His professors named him a Dean's Fellow for Constitutional Law, Property, and Legal Research and Writing, and granted him honors in Business Associations and Litigation Skills. The University of Miami School of Law awarded Andrew Bernhard the John F. Evans Memorial Scholarship for excellence in Litigation Skills.