
Michael J Bernard, Construction Attorney in Metairie, Louisiana
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, Insurance, and Maritime · 4.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
AssociateatBurglass & Tankersley, L.L.C.
Metairie, LA
Practicing construction in Metairie since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael J Bernard?
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Quick answer
Michael J Bernard is an associate based in Metairie, LA. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Maritime. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burglass & Tankersley, L.L.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Metairie, LA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Construction · Insurance · Maritime
- Handles Construction, Insurance, and Maritime matters from Metairie, LA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael J Bernard: Michael J Bernard is an associate based in Metairie, LA. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Maritime. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burglass & Tankersley, L.L.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael J Bernard
Michael concentrates on construction, insurance, maritime, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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Insurance
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Maritime
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Workers Comp
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Construction cases in Metairie, Louisiana
Michael takes construction matters in Metairie, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Metairie, Louisiana
Michael takes insurance matters in Metairie, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Maritime cases in Metairie, Louisiana
Michael takes maritime matters in Metairie, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Metairie, Louisiana
Michael takes workers comp matters in Metairie, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael J Bernard — Over 39 years of Louisiana construction experience
Michael J Bernard is an associate based in Metairie, LA. The practice focuses on Construction, Insurance, and Maritime. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burglass & Tankersley, L.L.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Michael J Bernard is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, casualty insurance defense, commercial insurance defense and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Louisiana State University in 1983, and has been licensed for 39 years. Michael practices at Burglass & Tankersley, L.L.C. in Metairie, LA.
How Michael handles construction matters
Michael J Bernard is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, casualty insurance defense, commercial insurance defense and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Louisiana State University in 1983, and has been licensed for 39 years. Michael practices at Burglass & Tankersley, L.L.C. in Metairie, LA.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, insurance, and maritime matters in Metairie and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Michael J Bernard's legal education and bar admissions
Loyola University
J.D. · 1987
Louisiana State University
B.A. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1987 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in Louisiana State University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in Louisiana State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael J Bernard
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
New Orleans, Jefferson, Louisiana State and American Bar Associations Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel
membership
Locations
Michael J Bernard's office in Metairie
Michael's primary office is at 5213 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA, 70001-5602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Burglass & Tankersley, L.L.C.
5213 Airline Drive
Metairie, LA 70001-5602
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael J Bernard — 4.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in Metairie.
4.3
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael J Bernard claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael J Bernard — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Metairie, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael J Bernard
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple construction 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Metairie?
Michael is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new construction clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Metairie, New Orleans and Baton Rouge in Louisiana
Michael handles construction matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in Louisiana
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Metairie handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





