William Joseph Bernfeld, M&A Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on M&A and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratAkerman LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing m&a in Los Angeles since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you William Joseph Bernfeld?
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Quick answer
William Joseph Bernfeld is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on M&A and Real Estate. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Akerman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- M&A · Real Estate
- Handles M&A and Real Estate matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William Joseph Bernfeld: William Joseph Bernfeld is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on M&A and Real Estate. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Akerman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on m&a and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
M&A cases in Los Angeles, California
William 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 William agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Los Angeles, California
William takes real estate 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet William Joseph Bernfeld — m&a lawyer in Los Angeles
William Joseph Bernfeld is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on M&A and Real Estate. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Akerman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
William Joseph Bernfeld is a lawyer practicing real estate, real estate and construction, real estate financing and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of California - Los Angeles in 1975, and has been licensed for 47 years. William practices at Akerman LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
William's approach to m&a cases
William Joseph Bernfeld is a lawyer practicing real estate, real estate and construction, real estate financing and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of California - Los Angeles in 1975, and has been licensed for 47 years. William practices at Akerman LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for m&a and real estate matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Southwestern Law School
J.D. · 1978
University of California - Los Angeles
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
California U.S. Dist
1979 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Southwestern Law School and B.A. in University of California - Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Southwestern Law School and B.A. in University of California - Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
William Joseph Bernfeld's office in Los Angeles
William's primary office is at Ernst and Young, 725 S. Figueroa Street, 38th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Akerman LLP
Ernst and Young, 725 S. Figueroa Street, 38th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William Joseph Bernfeld — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing m&a 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 William Joseph Bernfeld claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Joseph Bernfeld — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new m&a attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a m&a attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many m&a 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 William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in m&a practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every m&a 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many m&a practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Joseph Bernfeld
How much does it cost to hire William for a m&a case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some m&a attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do m&a cases in California typically take?
Simple m&a 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new m&a clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
M&A attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
William handles m&a matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified m&a 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
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these m&a attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





