Steven M Berne, Bankruptcy Attorney in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatHarris Berne Christensen, LLP
Lake Oswego, OR
Practicing bankruptcy in Lake Oswego since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Steven M Berne?
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Quick answer
Steven M Berne is a member based in Lake Oswego, OR. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Steven has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harris Berne Christensen, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Lake Oswego, OR
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Lake Oswego, OR.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Steven M Berne: Steven M Berne is a member based in Lake Oswego, OR. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Steven has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harris Berne Christensen, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Steven takes on
Steven concentrates on bankruptcy, business, civil rights, creditor rights, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Civil Rights
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Creditor Rights
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General
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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Steven takes bankruptcy matters in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Steven takes business matters in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Steven takes civil rights matters in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Creditor Rights cases in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Steven takes creditor rights matters in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
General cases in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Steven takes general matters in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Steven M Berne — bankruptcy lawyer in Lake Oswego
Steven M Berne is a member based in Lake Oswego, OR. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Steven has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harris Berne Christensen, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Mr. Steven M Berne is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, creditors rights law, commercial law and 3 other areas of law. Steven received a B.A. degree from University of Oregon and Portland State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Steven practices at Harris Berne Christensen, LLP in Lake Oswego, OR.
Working with Steven on a bankruptcy matter
Mr. Steven M Berne is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, creditors rights law, commercial law and 3 other areas of law. Steven received a B.A. degree from University of Oregon and Portland State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Steven practices at Harris Berne Christensen, LLP in Lake Oswego, OR.
Who Steven represents
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and civil rights matters in Lake Oswego and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Brigham Young University
J.D. · 1984
University of Oregon and Portland State University
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Steven's state bar admissions
Washington
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Oregon
1985 · ACTIVE
Steven studied at J.D. in Brigham Young University and B.A. in University of Oregon and Portland State University.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed J.D. in Brigham Young University and B.A. in University of Oregon and Portland State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Steven has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Steven's professional memberships and bar associations
Multnomah County and American (Member, Bankruptcy Sub-committee for Law Division of Fidelity and Surety Law Committee of TIPS) Bar Associations Oregon State Bar
membership
Locations
Steven M Berne's office in Lake Oswego
Steven's primary office is at 5000 Meadows Road, Suite 400, Lake Oswego, OR, 97035. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Harris Berne Christensen, LLP
5000 Meadows Road, Suite 400
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Steven M Berne — 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Steven. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Lake Oswego.
4.5
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steven M Berne claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Steven M Berne — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Lake Oswego, Oregon
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Steven
Steven discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Steven's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Steven M Berne
How much does it cost to hire Steven for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Lake Oswego?
Steven is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steven 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 Steven?
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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Lake Oswego, Portland and Salem in Oregon
Steven handles bankruptcy matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Oregon
If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Lake Oswego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





