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    1. Home
    2. People
    3. Robert C. BerniusPeople
    1. Home
    2. People
    3. Robert C. BerniusPeople

    Robert C. Bernius

    Senior Counsel


    • Washington, DC
    • Office202.585.8312
    • rbernius@nixonpeabody.com
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    Introduction

    Robert Bernius, a former partner in the firm, has tried jury cases and argued appeals in state and federal courts throughout the country. He also served as general counsel to the firm.

    Practice Areas

    Complex DisputesNP Trial®ERISA LitigationLabor & EmploymentLitigation

    My focus

    I am a senior counsel of the firm, and in that capacity I advise the firm and its attorneys about all issues that arise in the contemporary practice of law.

    Litigation

    I have also defended corporate clients in jury trials and appeals throughout the country.

    Looking ahead

    Attorneys face increasingly complex legal and ethical duties as they strive to serve their clients. They often need assistance in resolving the multifaceted and subtle issues that confront them. As firms grow larger and as attorneys specialize more, that need will only increase. The firm strives to serve our clients ethically and competently and, relying on my decades of legal experience, I will continue to help it do so.

    Admitted to practice

    New York
    Maryland
    District of Columbia
    U.S. Supreme Court
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
    U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
    U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
    U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
    U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
    U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
    U.S. District Court, District of Maryland

    Education

    Brown University, Sc.B.E.E., magna cum laude, (Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi)
    Yale Law School, J.D.

    Professional activities

    Robert Bernius is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and vice-chair of the District of Columbia Board on Professional Responsibility.

    Recognition

    Robert was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 in the fields of Entertainment Law—Music; Litigation—First Amendment; and Media Law. Robert has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2006.

    Robert has received an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating™ from Martindale Hubbell®, the highest possible rating for ethics and legal ability.

    In 2014, Robert was recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by Washington DC Super Lawyers Magazine, which featured the top 5% of attorneys in the Washington, DC, area.

    Robert was recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 for media and entertainment work; he has been recognized in Chambers USA in previous years.

    News Mentions

    • The Wall Street Journal

      Rudy Giuliani violated ethics, says tentative finding by DC Bar

      The following article covers a preliminary finding by a Washington, DC Bar Board of Professional Responsibility committee that Rudy Giuliani violated at least one ethics rule in litigation related to the 2020 election. Washington, DC senior counsel Bob Bernius, chair of the committee, is quoted in the coverage of the preliminary, nonbinding decision, and he notes that the ethics committee will prepare a written report on its findings.

      Dec 15, 2022
    • Business Insider

      DC disciplinary counsel says Rudy Giuliani’s law license should be revoked

      The following article covers a preliminary finding by a Washington, DC Bar Board of Professional Responsibility committee that Rudy Giuliani violated at least one ethics rule in litigation related to the 2020 election. Washington, DC senior counsel Bob Bernius, chair of the committee, is quoted in the coverage of the preliminary, nonbinding decision, and he notes that the ethics committee will prepare a written report on its findings.

      Dec 15, 2022
    • The National Law Journal

      Rudy Giuliani violated at least one ethics rule in 2020 election litigation, panel says

      The following article covers a preliminary finding by a Washington, DC Bar Board of Professional Responsibility committee that Rudy Giuliani violated at least one ethics rule in litigation related to the 2020 election. Washington, DC senior counsel Bob Bernius, chair of the committee, is quoted in the coverage of the preliminary, nonbinding decision, and he notes that the ethics committee will prepare a written report on its findings.

      Dec 15, 2022
    • The Wall Street Journal

      Rudy Giuliani takes stand in ethics case over 2020 election fraud claims

      The following article covers a Washington, DC Bar Board on Professional Responsibility committee hearing this week, where Rudy Giuliani is testifying in connection with charges he violated ethics rules during litigation related to the 2020 election. Washington, DC senior counsel Bob Bernius, chair of the committee, is quoted in the articles and will make a recommendation about what discipline is warranted, if any.

      Dec 5, 2022
    • The National Law Journal

      Rudy Giuliani repeatedly warned to answer questions during heated testimony in ethics probe

      The following article covers a Washington, DC Bar Board on Professional Responsibility committee hearing this week, where Rudy Giuliani is testifying in connection with charges he violated ethics rules during litigation related to the 2020 election. Washington, DC senior counsel Bob Bernius, chair of the committee, is quoted in the articles and will make a recommendation about what discipline is warranted, if any.

      Dec 5, 2022
    • Politico

      Giuliani defends 2020 election challenge at DC Bar hearing

      The following article covers a Washington, DC Bar Board on Professional Responsibility committee hearing this week, where Rudy Giuliani is testifying in connection with charges he violated ethics rules during litigation related to the 2020 election. Washington, DC senior counsel Bob Bernius, chair of the committee, is quoted in the articles and will make a recommendation about what discipline is warranted, if any.

      Dec 5, 2022
    • Business Insider

      Rudy Giuliani struggled to answer basic questions at his attorney misconduct hearing

      The following article covers a Washington, DC Bar Board on Professional Responsibility committee hearing this week, where Rudy Giuliani is testifying in connection with charges he violated ethics rules during litigation related to the 2020 election. Washington, DC senior counsel Bob Bernius, chair of the committee, is quoted in the articles and will make a recommendation about what discipline is warranted, if any.

      Dec 5, 2022

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