Joel M. Bernstein, Business Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and M&A · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMcDermott Will & Emery LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing business in Los Angeles since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joel M. Bernstein?
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.
Quick answer
Joel M. Bernstein is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Joel has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Business · General · M&A
- Handles Business, General, and M&A matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joel M. Bernstein: Joel M. Bernstein is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Joel has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joel takes on
Joel concentrates on business, general, m&a, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
M&A
View other M&A attorneys
Securities
View other Securities attorneys
Business cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes business matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes m&a matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes securities matters in Los Angeles, 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joel M. Bernstein — business lawyer in Los Angeles
Joel M. Bernstein is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Joel has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Joel M. Bernstein is a lawyer practicing venture capital, equipment finance and leasing, financial markets and services and 8 other areas of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1966, and has been licensed for 56 years. Joel practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
How Joel handles business matters
Joel M. Bernstein is a lawyer practicing venture capital, equipment finance and leasing, financial markets and services and 8 other areas of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1966, and has been licensed for 56 years. Joel practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases Joel takes
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and m&a matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Chicago Law School
J.D. · 1969
University of Michigan
B.A. · 1966
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
California
1971 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1970 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at J.D. in University of Chicago Law School and B.A. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed J.D. in University of Chicago Law School and B.A. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joel runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Joel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Joel's professional memberships and bar associations
Illinois State Bar Assn
membership
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Joel M. Bernstein's office in Los Angeles
Joel's primary office is at 2049 Century Park E., 38th Fl., Los Angeles, CA, 90067. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
2049 Century Park E., 38th Fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joel M. Bernstein — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Joel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Los Angeles.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joel M. Bernstein claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joel M. Bernstein — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel'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; Joel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Los Angeles, California
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 Joel
Joel 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. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joel'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 Joel M. Bernstein
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joel offer a free consultation?
Joel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joel's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California 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. Joel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joel take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Joel 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 — Joel 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 Joel?
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. Joel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joel accepting new business clients right now?
Joel'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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Joel handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If Joel's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael Shemtoub
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 218

Farid Yaghoubtil
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 155
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74