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.
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.
In the news
- The Wall Street Journal
Rudy Giuliani violated ethics, says tentative finding by DC Bar
Dec 15, 2022The 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.
- Business Insider
DC disciplinary counsel says Rudy Giuliani’s law license should be revoked
Dec 15, 2022The 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.
- The National Law Journal
Rudy Giuliani violated at least one ethics rule in 2020 election litigation, panel says
Dec 15, 2022The 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.
- The Wall Street Journal
Rudy Giuliani takes stand in ethics case over 2020 election fraud claims
Dec 5, 2022The 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.
- The National Law Journal
Rudy Giuliani repeatedly warned to answer questions during heated testimony in ethics probe
Dec 5, 2022The 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.
- Politico
Giuliani defends 2020 election challenge at DC Bar hearing
Dec 5, 2022The 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.
- Business Insider
Rudy Giuliani struggled to answer basic questions at his attorney misconduct hearing
Dec 5, 2022The 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.
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
- Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 in the fields of Entertainment Law—Music; Litigation—First Amendment; and Media Law; listed in Best Lawyers since 2006
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating™ from Martindale Hubbell®, the highest possible rating for ethics and legal ability
- Recognized in 2014 as a “Super Lawyer” by Washington DC Super Lawyers Magazine, which featured the top 5% of attorneys in the Washington, DC, area
- Recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 for media and entertainment work; recognized in Chambers USA in previous years.
Professionals in the Practice Area
View AllJohn Ruskusky
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4460Mobile:+1 708.606.8720
- jtruskusky@nixonpeabody.com
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Daniel J. Hurteau
Office Managing Partner / Deputy Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- New York
- Office:+1 518.427.2652
- dhurteau@nixonpeabody.com
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Joseph J. Ortego
Partner / Diversity Partner / Chair, NP Trial / Leader, Aviation- New York
- Office:+1 212.940.3045
- jortego@nixonpeabody.com
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Carolyn G. Nussbaum
Senior Counsel- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1558Mobile:+1 585.766.1480
- cnussbaum@nixonpeabody.com
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Christopher M. Mason
Partner / Deputy Leader, Class Actions and Aggregate Litigation / Leader, Arbitration Team- New York
- Office:+1 212.940.3017
- cmason@nixonpeabody.com
-