Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Bankruptcy & Business Law
Bernstein Law Firm has served the Pittsburgh business community for over five decades, dedicated to creating partnerships that provide clients with peace of mind through expert legal service and zealous representation. Our practice areas include bankruptcy and restructuring, creditors' rights, business law, real estate, litigation, and oil & gas law. With offices in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Wheeling, we combine regional expertise with a national reach to handle complex legal matters efficiently. Our attorneys, including multiple Best Lawyers honorees, are certified by the American Board of Certification, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of legal excellence. We represent secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy cases nationwide, leveraging a network of local counsel to act as a one-stop shop for clients' legal needs.Our litigation team resolves commercial disputes through trial or negotiation, supported by extensive trial experience and alternative dispute resolution expertise. In real estate, we protect client interests in commercial transactions while aligning with individual business goals. Our oil & gas practice handles lease matters and disputes at state and federal levels, complementing our broader energy law capabilities. We maintain memberships in prestigious legal organizations, including the Commercial Law League of America and the American Bankruptcy Institute, reflecting our commitment to professional excellence. With a business-oriented approach to legal service, we handle each client's matters with the same care and diligence we apply to our own operations.
Services
Bankruptcy & Restructuring
Creditors Rights
Business Law
Real Estate
Litigation
Oil & Gas Law
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of regional legal experience
- Our attorneys are certified by the American Board of Certification
- We maintain a national case network with local counsel partnerships
- 11 attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2025
- We combine business acumen with legal expertise in every case
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating
- Commercial Law League of America
- Turnaround Management Association
- American Bankruptcy Institute
Services
Bankruptcy & Restructuring
Our bankruptcy attorneys represent creditors in Chapter 7 liquidations and Chapter 11 reorganizations nationwide. We manage all aspects of bankruptcy proceedings including asset distribution, executory contracts, and automatic stay litigation. With a network of local counsel, we serve as a centralized resource for complex bankruptcy cases.
Creditors Rights
We protect creditors' interests through pre-litigation collections, foreclosure proceedings, and judgment enforcement. Our team handles commercial and consumer debt matters, including repossession actions and credit documentation management, ensuring aggressive protection of secured and unsecured claims.
Business Law
Our business law practice covers corporate transactions, employment law, and strategic partnerships. We represent clients in supplier agreements, distribution contracts, and business entity formation, providing legal counsel aligned with commercial objectives and regulatory compliance.
Real Estate
We handle commercial real estate transactions for developers, owners, and lenders. Our services include property acquisition, lease agreements, title resolution, and development permitting, with a focus on achieving clients' financial and operational goals efficiently.
Litigation
Our litigation team resolves business disputes through trial or alternative dispute resolution. We handle creditor rights litigation, contract disputes, and fiduciary duty claims, combining courtroom experience with strategic negotiation to achieve favorable outcomes.
People
Kirk B. Burkley
Managing Partner
With over 50 years of legal experience, Kirk B. Burkley leads Bernstein Law Firm's strategic direction. He specializes in creditors' rights and bankruptcy law, maintaining active involvement in complex case management and client relations.
Robert S. Bernstein
Partner
Partner Robert S. Bernstein focuses on commercial litigation and real estate law. With decades of experience, he represents clients in property disputes, contract enforcement, and business transaction negotiations across multiple industry sectors.
Keri P. Ebeck
Partner
Partner Keri P. Ebeck specializes in bankruptcy proceedings and creditor representation. She handles Chapter 11 reorganizations and complex debt restructuring cases, providing strategic counsel to financial institutions and commercial lenders.
Kit F. Pettit
Partner
Partner Kit F. Pettit concentrates on real estate transactions and development projects. He advises clients on commercial property acquisitions, zoning regulations, and construction contract disputes throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Raymond P. Wendolowski
Partner
Partner Raymond P. Wendolowski handles oil & gas law matters, including lease disputes and energy-related real estate transactions. He represents exploration companies and landowners in regulatory compliance and resource development agreements.
Questions
What practice areas does Bernstein Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in bankruptcy & restructuring, creditors' rights, business law, real estate, litigation, and oil & gas law.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Bernstein Law Firm has provided legal services to businesses for over 50 years since its founding in 1975.
Do you handle cases outside Pennsylvania?
Yes, we handle bankruptcy and legal matters nationwide through our network of local counsel while maintaining regional offices in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Wheeling.
Are your attorneys certified specialists?
Many of our attorneys hold certifications from the American Board of Certification, the nation's premier legal specialty certification organization.
