Scott Berndtson
N/A
Licensed for 34 years
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Business
Language
English French
About
Scott A. Berndtson Scott graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law (IIT Chicago-Kent) in 1987 receiving the Bar and Gavel Award for outstanding service to the college, community and the profession of law. His legal career began in the storied civil litigation department of Baker & McKenzie’s Chicago office assisting in the defense of physicians, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.After three years at Baker & McKenzie Scott joined Keck, Mahin & Cate defending the errors and omissions policy of Continental Bank officers after the historic collapse of US oil and gas futures market in the 1980’s. This collapse required the US government to bail out the bank despite a billion dollar excess coverage policy of insurance. Scott managed a staff of 30 and helped to develop a defense which ultimately proved successful in the case. The case was later made into a book entitled "Belly Up."His legal career has included serving as a Lecturing Professor of Law at IIT Chicago-Kent where he taught Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Arbitration, serving as Interim Academic Dean of the Aerospace Institute of Chicago and as an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at the University of Wisconsin. Over 30 years of practice Scott has handled diverse matters in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin and multiple federal jurisdictions.Scott has been lead counsel on successful cases in multiple state and federal jurisdictions and as lead attorney on matters in over a dozen Counties in Illinois. Never turning away from difficult cases, Scott relied on his philosophy of science undergraduate education from the University of Illinois at Chicago when he brought the first case in Illinois sounding in thermo-acoustic electric wave blast brain injury. Later he successfully employed the same theory on a matter in a Wisconsin case utilizing the same neuropsychological expert from Northwestern University and physicians from the University of Chicago to make his case on the reliability of the cutting edge science of electron microscopy that proved his theory of injury.After practicing in Chicago for a number of years Scott moved to rural Galena, Illinois where he raised his family of four children. He became a named partner with a prominent local lawfirm before creating his own law firm in 1997. Scott moved back to Chicago in 2002. Over his career he has developed skills in a wide area of practices including, injury law (defense and plaintiff), probate law, trusts and estates, land use, employment law, family law, insurance law and commercial litigation. In 2009 he joined forces with Michael J. Morrisroe of Morrisroe & Associates, Ltd, a prominent transactional and commercial litigation boutique law firm in DuPage County, concentrating in commercial litigation in both state and federal courts; including copyright, trademark, trade secrets, unfair trade practices, and patents matters, as well as, injury, probate and family law. Recent successes included achieving the dismissal of all 10 counts in a complex litigation action brought against a brilliant inventor in a heated lawsuit entailing over 2 million documents in discovery. In another recent federal matter, Scott teamed with Mike Morrisroe and firm attorney, John Madden, to successfully try and win another complex federal jury trial. Scott's successes have achieved an enviable following of loyal clients. Scott is an acknowledged community volunteer winning service awards for helping to create a multi-state system of shelters and counseling service for battered and abused women and children and was recently acknowledged as a Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by the DuPage County Bar Association. Scott served as the Five County 15th Judicial District Assembly Member (Legislative Branch) of the Illinois State Bar Association and has served as the Chairman of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Law Office Management Section Council. He is a former Director of the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Advisory Council. Scott was born in Chicago, grew up in Barrington, Illinois and now lives in Park Ridge, Illinois with his wife, Samim Munshi, also a distinguished attorney and former DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney Civil Bureau Attorney of the Year.
Practices Areas
Estate Planning
Business
Personal Injury
Divorce and separation
Language
English French
Contact
Reviews
I have been a client of Mr. Scott Berndtson for nearly six years. Recently I hired Scott, under my power of attorney, to represent my learning-disabled son in a situation that required Scott's professional guidance in very specific areas of law. For example, setting up a Special Needs Trust for my son, securing life insurance proceeds for him from my ex-wife's policy of insurance, and the acquisition from my ex-wife's pension of outstanding retirement death benefits. Because of Scott's skill, topic knowledge, and compassion, those objectives were achieved without compromise. Overall, the outcomes of this case exceeded my expectations in securing a stable financial future for my disabled son. I applaud Scott for his persistence and successfully rising to those challenges presented in this case. He is a true professional where his sensitivity and understanding is to be appreciated, especially in a system where, at times, the client may not be able to adequately express their true concerns. Mr. Berndtson's philosophy of practice represents what all clients seek in an attorney - honesty, integrity, understanding, and results. Without hesitation I would highly recommend his legal services to anyone seeking future counsel. - Thank you, Scott
I hired Scott to represent me in my divorce. He was patient with me, competent, and I felt that he always had my back.
Scott is an outstanding and exceptional attorney who gets things done! I hired him truly thinking that my case was lost because of the way my case was handled by another attorney whom I had to replace. Scott went above and beyond the call of duty to prove that not all was lost! He is fierce and a true advocate and I highly encourage his legal services to anyone in need
I had contacted Mr. Berndtson regarding a tax situation, just to have an informed opinion. He explained he himself was busy, but would take a look at the documentation I received and let me know if it was viable or if he would be passing it to one of his colleagues. Next communication I received was he personally had resolved the issue and I would no longer have to be concerned. He is a professional who not only goes the extra step, but his integrity is without reproach. I would most highly recommend him to anyone in need.
During an extremely stressful and emotional time in my life, Scott was there to explain the process and guide me. He was always available by email or phone to answer my numerous questions- no matter how trivial. Scott is very knowledgeable about what he does and goes that extra mile to ensure his clients get the best possible outcome. I am very thankful I had him on my side!
Scott, had to step in as council when the other attorney failed to do his job. On top of all that, there were plenty of "mistakes" by the then executor. Scott took swift action and replaced the executor with my sister and I. Over several years Scott was able to help us close out the Trusts and Estate. Scott, listened and advised us and explained the process to us in a manner that as "lay" people we could understand. I would hire Scott again and recommend him highly.
Yes this is the one. Scott Berndtson makes you feel comfortable, he makes time to insure that you understand what your options are and the next steps to take in any case. I don't wish to be in a position where I need his services ever again but if the need arises I won't even bother to shop around.
I cannot say enough about Scott -- as an attorney and as a person. I met Scott to review my divorce papers and discussed ongoing concerns about the well-being of my children. Scott helped me realize that I and the children were victims of domestic abuse. With Scott's advice and assistance, I obtained an emergency order of protection and three weeks later, through his zealous advocacy, attained a settlement that would guarantee the safety and security of myself and my family. Scott's advocacy was not limited to the courtroom -- Scott assisted in finding counselors for myself and my children, encouraging me when the fear became overwhelming, and keeping me apprised of progress. I know that I was and remain in the best hands and I cannot thank him enough for helping me start a new life for myself and my children.
Scott represented me in a judgement case. I felt he put everything he had into defending me! His passion in my case surpassed any expectations I had. Because of Scott's going above and beyond, we ended up with a favorable settlement. I highly recommend Scott as an attorney!
I have been a client of Scott's for nearly five years. He has good rapport with the court system and is very personable. He simplifies complex legal issues into common English terms. His work ethic is very good.
I have been a client of Mr. Scott Berndtson for nearly six years. Recently I hired Scott, under my power of attorney, to represent my learning-disabled son in a situation that required Scott's professional guidance in very specific areas of law. For example, setting up a Special Needs Trust for my son, securing life insurance proceeds for him from my ex-wife's policy of insurance, and the acquisition from my ex-wife's pension of outstanding retirement death benefits. Because of Scott's skill, topic knowledge, and compassion, those objectives were achieved without compromise. Overall, the outcomes of this case exceeded my expectations in securing a stable financial future for my disabled son. I applaud Scott for his persistence and successfully rising to those challenges presented in this case. He is a true professional where his sensitivity and understanding is to be appreciated, especially in a system where, at times, the client may not be able to adequately express their true concerns. Mr. Berndtson's philosophy of practice represents what all clients seek in an attorney - honesty, integrity, understanding, and results. Without hesitation I would highly recommend his legal services to anyone seeking future counsel. - Thank you, Scott
I hired Scott to represent me in my divorce. He was patient with me, competent, and I felt that he always had my back.
Scott is an outstanding and exceptional attorney who gets things done! I hired him truly thinking that my case was lost because of the way my case was handled by another attorney whom I had to replace. Scott went above and beyond the call of duty to prove that not all was lost! He is fierce and a true advocate and I highly encourage his legal services to anyone in need
I had contacted Mr. Berndtson regarding a tax situation, just to have an informed opinion. He explained he himself was busy, but would take a look at the documentation I received and let me know if it was viable or if he would be passing it to one of his colleagues. Next communication I received was he personally had resolved the issue and I would no longer have to be concerned. He is a professional who not only goes the extra step, but his integrity is without reproach. I would most highly recommend him to anyone in need.
During an extremely stressful and emotional time in my life, Scott was there to explain the process and guide me. He was always available by email or phone to answer my numerous questions- no matter how trivial. Scott is very knowledgeable about what he does and goes that extra mile to ensure his clients get the best possible outcome. I am very thankful I had him on my side!
Scott, had to step in as council when the other attorney failed to do his job. On top of all that, there were plenty of "mistakes" by the then executor. Scott took swift action and replaced the executor with my sister and I. Over several years Scott was able to help us close out the Trusts and Estate. Scott, listened and advised us and explained the process to us in a manner that as "lay" people we could understand. I would hire Scott again and recommend him highly.
Yes this is the one. Scott Berndtson makes you feel comfortable, he makes time to insure that you understand what your options are and the next steps to take in any case. I don't wish to be in a position where I need his services ever again but if the need arises I won't even bother to shop around.
I cannot say enough about Scott -- as an attorney and as a person. I met Scott to review my divorce papers and discussed ongoing concerns about the well-being of my children. Scott helped me realize that I and the children were victims of domestic abuse. With Scott's advice and assistance, I obtained an emergency order of protection and three weeks later, through his zealous advocacy, attained a settlement that would guarantee the safety and security of myself and my family. Scott's advocacy was not limited to the courtroom -- Scott assisted in finding counselors for myself and my children, encouraging me when the fear became overwhelming, and keeping me apprised of progress. I know that I was and remain in the best hands and I cannot thank him enough for helping me start a new life for myself and my children.
Scott represented me in a judgement case. I felt he put everything he had into defending me! His passion in my case surpassed any expectations I had. Because of Scott's going above and beyond, we ended up with a favorable settlement. I highly recommend Scott as an attorney!
I have been a client of Scott's for nearly five years. He has good rapport with the court system and is very personable. He simplifies complex legal issues into common English terms. His work ethic is very good.
I have been a client of Mr. Scott Berndtson for nearly six years. Recently I hired Scott, under my power of attorney, to represent my learning-disabled son in a situation that required Scott's professional guidance in very specific areas of law. For example, setting up a Special Needs Trust for my son, securing life insurance proceeds for him from my ex-wife's policy of insurance, and the acquisition from my ex-wife's pension of outstanding retirement death benefits. Because of Scott's skill, topic knowledge, and compassion, those objectives were achieved without compromise. Overall, the outcomes of this case exceeded my expectations in securing a stable financial future for my disabled son. I applaud Scott for his persistence and successfully rising to those challenges presented in this case. He is a true professional where his sensitivity and understanding is to be appreciated, especially in a system where, at times, the client may not be able to adequately express their true concerns. Mr. Berndtson's philosophy of practice represents what all clients seek in an attorney - honesty, integrity, understanding, and results. Without hesitation I would highly recommend his legal services to anyone seeking future counsel. - Thank you, Scott
I hired Scott to represent me in my divorce. He was patient with me, competent, and I felt that he always had my back.
Scott is an outstanding and exceptional attorney who gets things done! I hired him truly thinking that my case was lost because of the way my case was handled by another attorney whom I had to replace. Scott went above and beyond the call of duty to prove that not all was lost! He is fierce and a true advocate and I highly encourage his legal services to anyone in need
I had contacted Mr. Berndtson regarding a tax situation, just to have an informed opinion. He explained he himself was busy, but would take a look at the documentation I received and let me know if it was viable or if he would be passing it to one of his colleagues. Next communication I received was he personally had resolved the issue and I would no longer have to be concerned. He is a professional who not only goes the extra step, but his integrity is without reproach. I would most highly recommend him to anyone in need.
During an extremely stressful and emotional time in my life, Scott was there to explain the process and guide me. He was always available by email or phone to answer my numerous questions- no matter how trivial. Scott is very knowledgeable about what he does and goes that extra mile to ensure his clients get the best possible outcome. I am very thankful I had him on my side!
Scott, had to step in as council when the other attorney failed to do his job. On top of all that, there were plenty of "mistakes" by the then executor. Scott took swift action and replaced the executor with my sister and I. Over several years Scott was able to help us close out the Trusts and Estate. Scott, listened and advised us and explained the process to us in a manner that as "lay" people we could understand. I would hire Scott again and recommend him highly.
Yes this is the one. Scott Berndtson makes you feel comfortable, he makes time to insure that you understand what your options are and the next steps to take in any case. I don't wish to be in a position where I need his services ever again but if the need arises I won't even bother to shop around.
I cannot say enough about Scott -- as an attorney and as a person. I met Scott to review my divorce papers and discussed ongoing concerns about the well-being of my children. Scott helped me realize that I and the children were victims of domestic abuse. With Scott's advice and assistance, I obtained an emergency order of protection and three weeks later, through his zealous advocacy, attained a settlement that would guarantee the safety and security of myself and my family. Scott's advocacy was not limited to the courtroom -- Scott assisted in finding counselors for myself and my children, encouraging me when the fear became overwhelming, and keeping me apprised of progress. I know that I was and remain in the best hands and I cannot thank him enough for helping me start a new life for myself and my children.
Scott represented me in a judgement case. I felt he put everything he had into defending me! His passion in my case surpassed any expectations I had. Because of Scott's going above and beyond, we ended up with a favorable settlement. I highly recommend Scott as an attorney!
I have been a client of Scott's for nearly five years. He has good rapport with the court system and is very personable. He simplifies complex legal issues into common English terms. His work ethic is very good.