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Overview

Bernardo guides clients through all stages of complex commercial litigation, proactive risk assessment on insurance coverage matters and cross-border disputes.

Insurance companies, manufacturers, financial institutions and investors are among the worldwide clients that rely on Bernardo’s counsel. He has handled a range of commercial matters in and out of the courtroom, including:

  • Breach of contract actions
  • Bad faith and fraud claims
  • CERCLA cost recovery actions
  • Declaratory judgment actions
  • Patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation
  • Product liability

Bernardo also has significant experience with international litigation and arbitration, and contributes to a variety of complex matters involving cross-border disputes. Having practiced in the United States and Brazil, clients appreciate Bernardo’s broad international perspective on litigation, arbitration and international trade issues. Bernardo leverages his cross-cultural background to assist clients in Section 337 cases before the U.S. International Trade Commission, and with trade-related regulatory issues such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection audits, penalties, redelivery notices and other agency enforcement activities.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinders Program, 2023
  • American Bar Association Free Legal Answers Pro Bono Leader, 2021 and 2022
  • Missouri Bar Pro Bono Wall of Fame, 2019-2021

Education

  • LL.M., University of Michigan Law School
    • Michigan Grotius Fellow
    • International Arbitration and Insurance Law
  • LL.B., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas
  • Brazil

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • The Missouri Bar
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Order of Attorneys of Brazil

Languages

  • Portuguese, native
  • Spanish, proficient
White Papers | December 28, 2023
International Trade Law: 2023 Year in Review & Outlook for 2024

U.S. importers and exporters are navigating a new enforcement landscape where government officials are working collectively across agencies and increasingly leveraging new technologies.

White Papers | December 21, 2022
International Trade Law: 2022 Year in Review & Outlook for 2023

How to get trade ready in 2023.

Outside the Office

A proud University of Michigan alumnus, Bernardo follows Wolverines football and basketball. The sports he enjoys playing himself are soccer and volleyball. And he’s a devoted reader who reboots each night by reading at least a couple of pages, even as he and his wife are busy with two very young children.

Community Leadership
  • International Relations Council of Kansas City (IRCKC)
  • Alumni Association of the University of Michigan