Robert A. Berns

Robert A. Berns, Business Attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Cannabis, and General

PartneratKaufman Dolowich LLP

Hackensack, NJ

Practicing business in Hackensack since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Robert A. Berns is a partner based in Hackensack, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Cannabis, and General. Robert has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman Dolowich LLP.

Based in
Hackensack, NJ
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
Business · Cannabis · General
  • Handles Business, Cannabis, and General matters from Hackensack, NJ.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Robert A. Berns: Robert A. Berns is a partner based in Hackensack, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Cannabis, and General. Robert has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman Dolowich LLP.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Robert takes on

Robert concentrates on business, cannabis, general, insurance, and internet. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

Robert takes business matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Cannabis cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

Robert takes cannabis matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

General cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

Robert takes general matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

Robert takes insurance matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Internet cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

Robert takes internet matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Robert A. Berns — business lawyer in Hackensack

Robert A. Berns is a partner based in Hackensack, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Cannabis, and General. Robert has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kaufman Dolowich LLP.

Robert A. Berns concentrates his practice in the areas of professional liability defense and ethics (attorneys, accountants, insurance producers, real estate, architects and miscellaneous professionals), directors and officers (D&O), employment practices liability defense, commercial disputes, environmental matters and insurance coverage/declaratory judgment actions. Mr. Berns also represents clients in FDCPA matters, fidelity and surety and construction claims. In addition to litigation, he advises clients on developing and implementing risk management, regulatory compliance and best practices policies and protocols.

Awards

Recognition

•2022, 2021,2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015: Selected to the “New Jersey Super Lawyers List,” for Professional Liability
•2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016: Named to “Best Lawyers in America”, for Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
•2021 “Top Lawyers,” Bergen Magazine, Bergen County, New Jersey (November 2021)
•2018: Recognized in “Bergen County’s Top Lawyers” for Professional Malpractice (Non-Medical) Defense

Publications

•NJ’s Legalization Legislation: The First 180 Days, New Jersey Law Journal, by Robert Berns, & Charles Kellett
•Professional Negligence vs. Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Insurance Broker Malpractice Actions, New Jersey Law Journal
•Overriding the Attorney-Client Privilege in Nonlegal Malpractice Cases, Westlaw
•Your Client Said Goodbye, New Jersey Law Journal
•To Text, or Not To Text, That Is the Question!, New Jersey Law Journal

Publications

•“To Text, or Not To Text, That Is the Question?” New Jersey Law Journal, October 2013

Presentations

•“Everyday Ethics and Why It Matters,” Lorman Educational Services, June 2016

News

•Your Client Said Goodbye, New Jersey Law Journal

Speaking Engagements

•Join Us for a Live Webinar “New Jersey - Everyday Ethics and Why It Matters” (July 12, 2017)
•Ethics Presentation - Joseph Halpern-David Furman American Inn of Court: Ethics Presentation - Joseph Halpern-David Furman American Inn of Court

Robert's approach to business cases

Robert A. Berns concentrates his practice in the areas of professional liability defense and ethics (attorneys, accountants, insurance producers, real estate, architects and miscellaneous professionals), directors and officers (D&O), employment practices liability defense, commercial disputes, environmental matters and insurance coverage/declaratory judgment actions. Mr. Berns also represents…

The kind of cases Robert takes

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, cannabis, and general matters in Hackensack and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Whittier Law School

    J.D. Whittier · 1987

  • Brandeis University

    B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    2004 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • New Jersey

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1987 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. Whittier in Whittier Law School and B.A. in Brandeis University.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. Whittier in Whittier Law School and B.A. in Brandeis University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Robert's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Professional Memberships •Bergen County Bar Association •American Bar Association •Claims & Litigation Management Alliance

    CLM) •Professional Liability Underwriting Association (PLUS · membership

Locations

Robert A. Berns's office in Hackensack

Robert's primary office is at 25 Main Street, Suite 500, Hackensack, NJ, 07601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kaufman Dolowich LLP

25 Main Street, Suite 500

Hackensack, NJ 07601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert A. Berns

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Hiring guide

How to hire Robert A. Berns — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Robert

Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Robert A. Berns

  • How much does it cost to hire Robert for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Robert offer a free consultation?

    Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in New Jersey typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Hackensack?

    Robert is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Robert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Robert?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Robert accepting new business clients right now?

    Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Hackensack, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey

Robert handles business matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

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