Rafael Bernardino, Jr., Biography

With over 25 years of experience in law, Rafael Bernardino, Jr. is currently a partner at Michelman & Robinson's Los Angeles office, a nationally-leading firm. His diverse practice focuses on both complex civil and criminal litigation as well as transactional and business counseling, and he is highly renowned for his expertise in environmental litigation.

An experienced trial lawyer, Mr. Bernardino has tried more than fifty cases to verdict in California and in federal courts throughout the United States.

Mr. Bernardino's practice includes all aspects of environmental litigation, including prosecution and defense of complex environmental actions, site investigation and remediation, negotiations with regulatory agencies, joint defense efforts among private parties, and litigation in federal and state courts.

Mr. Bernardino regularly counsels high profile clients on the environmental risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, and other business and commercial real estate transactions by conducting environmental due diligence, preparing and negotiating environmental provisions in transactional documents, and providing related advice to buyers, sellers and lenders.

In addition to his practice, Mr. Bernardino teaches Intellectual Property Law and regularly lectures on federal criminal procedure, corporate accountability and ethics, and trial advocacy. He is also well published on issues affecting environmental law and sought after as an expert in the field.

Mr. Bernardino previously served as law clerk to the Honorable Manuel L. Real, and at the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. where he served as attorney-advisor on intelligence policy to Attorneys General Edwin Meese and Richard Thornburgh.

Mr. Bernardino is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in Economics and Political Science and a law degree from the University of Southern California Law Center.

Community Affiliations

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Mexican American Bar Association

Italian American Lawyers Association

National Hispanic Bar Association