How much does it cost to hire Bernard for a citizenship case?

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

Does Bernard offer a free consultation?

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

How long do citizenship cases in California typically take?

Simple citizenship 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. Bernard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Bernard take my case if I'm outside Encino?

Bernard is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Bernard 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 Bernard?

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. Bernard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Bernard accepting new citizenship clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Bernard Sidman, Citizenship Attorney in Encino, California

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Citizenship and Immigration · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PrincipalatBernard Sidman

Encino, CA

Practicing citizenship in Encino since 1977.

49+: Years practicing
4.8 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Citizenship Immigration

Are you Bernard Sidman?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Bernard Sidman is a principal based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Citizenship and Immigration. Bernard has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bernard Sidman. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Encino, CA
Experience: over 49 years
Known for: Citizenship · Immigration

Handles Citizenship and Immigration matters from Encino, CA.
Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Bernard's practice areas in Encino

Bernard concentrates on citizenship and immigration. Each area below outlines the kind of case Bernard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Citizenship cases in Encino, California

Bernard takes citizenship matters in Encino, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bernard agrees to represent you.

Immigration cases in Encino, California

Bernard takes immigration matters in Encino, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bernard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Bernard Sidman, citizenship attorney serving Encino

Bernard Sidman is an accomplished lawyer who has been dedicated to the practice of U.S. immigration law since opening his firm in 1983. A member of the “American Association of Immigration Lawyers” for over 35 years, Bernard has extensive knowledge and mastery of this field. He takes on cases for clients from throughout the United States and all over the world. Bernard handles all types of immigration cases, including business and family immigration matters as well as deportation and removal cases. He also specializes in immigration issues from the entertainment industry. A native of Leeds, England, Bernard Sidman graduated with honors from the University of Sheffield. He went on to practice as a solicitor in London before moving to the United States to found his law firm in 1983. Bernard is exceptionally experienced and proficient in his field. Bernard personally reviews every case before it is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure quality and accuracy. We Can Help You Achieve Your American DreamWe handle all types of immigration cases, including business and family immigration matters as well as deportation and removal cases. Contact Sidman Law Group today for a consultation.

Bernard's approach to citizenship cases

Clients Bernard works with

Bernard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for citizenship and immigration matters in Encino and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Bernard studied and practices

University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England
LL.B. · 1971

Jurisdictions

Bernard's state bar admissions

California
1983 · ACTIVE
England
1977 · ACTIVE

Bernard studied at LL.B. in University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England.

Law school and academic background

Bernard completed LL.B. in University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Bernard runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Bernard's legal honors and published work

Bernard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Bernard's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of California American Bar Association
membership

Locations

Bernard Sidman's office in Encino

Bernard's primary office is at The Atrium, 16530 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 306, Encino, CA, 91436-4554. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Bernard Sidman

The Atrium, 16530 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 306

Encino, CA 91436-4554

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Bernard Sidman — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Bernard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing citizenship attorneys in Encino.

4.8

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Bernard Sidman claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Bernard Sidman — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Bernard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bernard'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; Bernard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a citizenship attorney in Encino, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many citizenship 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 Bernard

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every citizenship 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. Bernard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Bernard Sidman

How much does it cost to hire Bernard for a citizenship case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bernard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Bernard offer a free consultation?
Bernard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bernard's office. Some citizenship attorneys offer free consults — check Bernard's current terms during booking.
How long do citizenship cases in California typically take?
Simple citizenship 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. Bernard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Bernard take my case if I'm outside Encino?
Bernard is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Bernard 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 Bernard?
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. Bernard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Bernard accepting new citizenship clients right now?
Bernard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Citizenship attorneys serving Encino, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Bernard handles citizenship matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified citizenship attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Bernard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these citizenship attorneys in Encino handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.