
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
Are you Robert A. Berns?
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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
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Cannabis
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General
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Insurance
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Internet
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Real Estate
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Consumer
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Criminal Defense
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Employment
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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.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert A. Berns
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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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