Since becoming an attorney in 1994, Bernard has successfully defended and tried a diverse range of claims, including civil rights actions, personal injury cases, auto litigation, insurance bad faith and coverage issues, workers' compensation claims, contract disputes and employment related matters. His wide-ranging practice has helped Bernard develop a unique perspective on legal disputes, allowing him to provide comprehensive and knowledgeable counsel to his clients.

Bernard’s legal career began after a moderately successful stint as a high school football coach in Leonia, New Jersey. Capitalizing on his Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers, Bernard contributed to the Transportation Law Journal while enrolled in law school at the University of Denver. During his second year in law school, Bernard was honored to begin working as a law clerk with Nathan, Bremer, Dumm & Myers, P.C., and now proudly continues his career as a trial attorney and shareholder with the firm.

Bernard has defended law enforcement in a variety of civil rights claims, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in the cases arising out of the tragedy at Columbine High School. Along with his partner, Andrew Fisher, Bernard wrote the briefs that led to the early dismissal of nine of ten cases. Schnurr v. Bd. of County Comm’rs, 189 F. Supp. 2d 1105 (D. Colo. 2001). Bernard also argued an appeal before the Tenth Circuit, resulting in the latest statement of law regarding the appropriate parameters for a protective sweep, and creating a significant advancement of the law in this area. Fishbein v. City of Glenwood Springs, 469 F.3d 957 (10th Cir. 2006).

In recent matters, Bernard won a verdict at trial for a Weld County rancher and farmer in a trespass case involving alleged polluted irrigation drainage, and successfully argued for the dismissal of defamation claims against Custer County landowners arising from their participation in a homeowners association. Bernard enjoys the opportunity given to him as insurance defense counsel to represent small business owners and individuals in personal injury actions.

A substantial part of Bernard’s practice is devoted to the defense of Workers’ Compensation Claims. During the course of his career, Bernard has completed countless hearings before the Office of Administrative Courts and petitions to the Industrial Claims Appeals Office.

Bernard passed the Colorado bar in 1994, and is licensed to practice law in all State Courts in Colorado, as well as the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, and the Denver and Colorado Bar Associations. Bernard also served as a member of the Federal Bar Association's Committee on Pattern Employment Law Jury Instructions.