The Bernstein Law Firm Preference Defense Team
The Bernstein Law Firm Preference Defense Team was created in response to the marked increase in claims for preferential transfers being filed in connection with bankruptcy cases. Over the last few years, our clients have been deluged with demands for return of payments made by their bankrupt debtor customers. We saw a need to create a cost-efficient nationwide defense to these claims and the Preference Defense Team was born!
PREFERENCE DEFENSE TEAM
Bob Bernstein : Bob is Managing Partner of the firm. A seasoned creditors' rights and bankruptcy attorney, Bob has achieved the rare distinction of being Certified in both Creditors' Rights and Business Bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification. He has served as President of the Commercial Law League of America, North America's oldest Creditors' Rights organization, and is an active member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, where he has served as Chairman of the Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section as well as several other creditor's rights and bankruptcy and technology-related committees. He is also a member of the state bars of Pennsylvania, Florida, West Virginia, and New York. In overseeing the firm's bankruptcy practice, Bob has been involved in countless preference actions and defenses.
Charles E. Bobinis : Chuck is the firm's senior litigation attorney. Board Certified in Creditors' Rights by the American Board of Certification, Chuck's experience includes representing a wide array of clients and interests before state and federal trial and appellate courts, including bankruptcy court, federal and state administrative panels and alternative dispute resolution forms. Chuck has resolved many complex preference payment claims for clients in Bankruptcy Courts throughout the country. He is admitted to the bars of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Kirk B. Burkley : Kirk's areas of concentration include bankruptcy and creditors' rights. He is a member of the Pennsylvania bar and is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and has been involved in numerous preference defense representations.
RECENT VICTORIES
While past cases are not a guarantee or indicator of future success, the Bernstein Law Firm Preference Defense Team's recent victories include:
- A $66,000 claim dismissed with no payment. Legal costs to client $2,600.
- A $103,000 claim dismissed with no payment. Legal costs to client $1,800.
- A $25,000 claim dismissed with no payment. Legal costs to client $700.
- A $200,000 claim settled by withdrawal of client's unsecured claim. Legal costs to client $2,500.
- A $392,000 claim settled by client giving up the first $50,000 distributed from the case. Legal costs to client $6,000.
