Overview

In 1967, Joe Bernstein started his Pittsburgh law practice with the goal to provide the best possible advice to clients. As an established businessman-turned-lawyer, Joe was hand-picked to be a member of President Lyndon Johnson’s task force on minority small businesses. Eventually Joe Bernstein and his son Bob would make it a priority to balance a client’s business interests with their legal needs at Bernstein law firm. When Kirk Burkley joined the firm in 2002, his views aligned with those of his predecessors, and today he continues the firm's legacy as managing partner of Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.

At the heart of Bernstein-Burkley is the tradition of tending to both business and legal opportunities, in addition to creating partnerships that provide clients with peace of mind through expert advice and zealous representation. With offices in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Wheeling, the law firm concentrates in Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Litigation, Real Estate, Business Law, and Oil & Gas. In every transaction, one thing remains the same: the firm's commitment to respecting and understanding clients’ best interests and bottom line. The Bernstein-Burkley team approaches each client with the same care and diligence in which they handle their own business needs.

An important component to this business approach is the firm's attorneys, who are nationally recognized innovators in their practice areas. Bernstein-Burkley clients can feel confident about working with this experienced team, knowing that their business is in the hands of industry leaders.

Size:
28
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Practice Areas:
6
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
12

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Regional

Cleveland

Tier
1
Cleveland
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Cleveland
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Cleveland
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Tier
1
Cleveland
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Pittsburgh

Tier
1
Pittsburgh
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Pittsburgh
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Regional

Cleveland

Tier
1
Cleveland
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Cleveland
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Cleveland
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Tier
1
Cleveland
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Pittsburgh

Tier
1
Pittsburgh
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Pittsburgh
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
1
Pittsburgh
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
Pittsburgh
Commercial Litigation
Tier
3
Pittsburgh
Oil and Gas Law

Practice Areas

Bernstein-Burkley PC has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 7 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Creditors' and Debtors' Rights
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Real Estate Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Bernstein-Burkley PC proudly has 12 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Offices & Contacts

Pittsburgh, PA
Cleveland, OH
Wheeling, WV
Maxwell Center
32 20th Street, Suite 301
Wheeling, WV 26003
United States
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