team-member

William Bernhardi

West Seneca, NY

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Social Security Disability

Language

English Spanish

About

One of the "Top Attorneys of North America, 2016", selected by Who's Who. I have concentrated my law practice in the areas of Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income Disability, Railroad Retirement Disability, and disability pension claims with the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System (state and municipal employee pensions including Teachers, Police and Fire, and Corrections Officers).   I have successfully represented thousands of clients, in claims for benefits from the initial level of claim up to the U.S. Court of Appeals.  (see Poole v. Railroad Retirement Board, 905 F.2d 654, 2d.Cir. 1990).  I also represent clients in continuing disability reviews and defending against Social Security claims of disability cessation and overpayment. I am a former Social Security Disability Analyst, so I know how claims are adjudicated at the initial level.  I am also a former Social Security Claims Representative, so I know how claims are calculated and paid.  I am very familiar with Workers Compensation offset issues - I gave the seminar on this subject to the Erie County Bar Association. It has been my pleasure to mentor and assist other attorneys practicing in these fields of law, and to consult with attorneys handling related issues such as personal injury and Workers Compensation lump sum settlements..    

Language

English Spanish

Contact

William C. Bernhardi Law Offices PLLC950 A Union Rd Ste 240West Seneca, NY, 14224-3463 Office (716) 674-2424 Office (800) 949-0772 Fax (716) 674-0388 950 A Union Rd Ste 240West Seneca, NY, 14224-3463 Office (716) 674-2424(716) 674-2424 Office (800) 949-0772(800) 949-0772 Fax (716) 674-0388(716) 674-0388

Office: (855) 912-0051

Website: N/A

Reviews

Paula
September 26, 2015

I was referred to Mr. Berhardi from my attorney, Mr. Theodore Pyrak for my SSD case. When I had applied for Social Security Disability and I had nothing coming in and was in dire need. I couldn’t work at all because the pain was so severe. I had heard from many people they had been waiting for disability 3 years or more with no hope, regardless of whatever attorney they had, or how severe their case was. Mr Behardi & his firm went to work on my case and from the beginning, fought for my rights & the severity of my injury and didn’t keep saying they would appeal and might take another 2 ½ years (like most attorneys, I hear do). He said they should not deny you & we will find out what they are saying & doing. All the time keeping me from frantic and hysterical behaviors I was feeling because of fear. I had nothing coming in & was completely on my own. They genuinely care what happens to you. Between William Bernhardi , and his firm, each one of them kept me calm & comforted each step of the way. I am so grateful they went to bat for me and came thru with my disability in less than a year. If anyone needs a disability attorney they can trust. I would highly recommend Mr.William Berhardi and his firm above & beyond what anyone of them out there will do for you. They actually care about how you are handling the whole process. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else. So Very Grateful !!! Paula

Sue
August 12, 2021

Every one on staff including Mr. Bernhardi did an exceptional job for my case. I cannot thank all of you enough for bringing closure to my case in my favor. You were recommended to me & I in return will do the same for you too who are in need of a very good lawyer. I will review the links you sent me. If any problems I will call Lindsey for advice about my signing into SSA.gov. Thank you again for all your assistance n bringing justice to my situation. I wish every one the very best in all you do andsucceeding with cases as you have done with mine. Very best always - Thank you again - Sue Polich

Christopher
December 17, 2019

I was very impressed on how Mr. Bernhardi was responsive and on the ball. He was always available for questions and made the process easy. I highly reccomend!

anonymous
May 2, 2019

I couldn't be happier with the results from working with Bernhardi Law. Although the process takes awhile and there is a lot of paperwork to file Initially Bernhardi Law answered any questions I had and handled additional paperwork that you will receive through out the process. Thank you so much to Everyone at Bernhardi Law.

cynthia
May 1, 2019

My attorney at the William Bernhardi law firm was very thorough in their research and presentation of my case. As we got further into my consultation i became more and more confident in their ability to present a strong case and eventually was awarded a favorable verdict. I highly recommend calling the William Bernhardi firm to make an appointment for a consultation.

timothy
April 30, 2019

In 2014 I retained Mr Bernhardi to handle my ssdi claim. With such a involved process Mr Bernhardi and his staff were there to help with all my question threw this process. Mr Bernhardi was great in going above and beyond to guide my other attorneys involved In my involved case which was above and beyond his services and greatly appreciated. I would recommend Mr Bernhardi as he is knowledgeable and highly educated on SSDI law and the process.and will help you every step of the way.

Dale
July 27, 2015

After I explained my injuries and situation, Mr Bernhardi said he would take my case and was confident in our success. Although I was unsure, he explained that he does not waste time on cases that he cannot win, and was sure that we would win my case, which made me feel secure. The staff of his office and were always pleasant and willing to answer any questions I had, whether over the phone or through confidential e-mails. Kelly and Michelle left no stone unturned no matter how many questions I asked, and gave me the sense of security I needed. He won my case in six months and I received all the compensation owed to me. I am thankful and would recommend anyone to entrust their case to Mr. Bernhardi and his office staff.

anonymous
February 24, 2020

Waste of almost 18nminths he lost my hearing then told me to appeal then sent letter sayingntheyy dropped my case afteri became very sick and was hospitalized certain one hung up on me more then once very rude don't waste your time a lawyer s should be for their clients not let their paralegals or whoever they are be rude to clients when I told him she hung up on me more then once he claimed oh her husband is sick don't waste your time as mine was wasted they never call you back and when you call there they act as if your bothering them go elsewhere horrible experience find a lawyer with compassion also office staff most were no help at all they stated several times oh we don't help with paperwork big big mistake wish no woulda went with anyone else as I was told after I got him as a lawyer .. He lets his so called paralegal assistant Denise hang up on people then defends her stating her husbands sick well th e n she s should be doing different work my case was toast from the get go as th e y gave no help at all and lawyer you met once for 20 min then he goes to court no other interaction at all

Paula
September 26, 2015

I was referred to Mr. Berhardi from my attorney, Mr. Theodore Pyrak for my SSD case. When I had applied for Social Security Disability and I had nothing coming in and was in dire need. I couldn’t work at all because the pain was so severe. I had heard from many people they had been waiting for disability 3 years or more with no hope, regardless of whatever attorney they had, or how severe their case was. Mr Behardi & his firm went to work on my case and from the beginning, fought for my rights & the severity of my injury and didn’t keep saying they would appeal and might take another 2 ½ years (like most attorneys, I hear do). He said they should not deny you & we will find out what they are saying & doing. All the time keeping me from frantic and hysterical behaviors I was feeling because of fear. I had nothing coming in & was completely on my own. They genuinely care what happens to you. Between William Bernhardi , and his firm, each one of them kept me calm & comforted each step of the way. I am so grateful they went to bat for me and came thru with my disability in less than a year. If anyone needs a disability attorney they can trust. I would highly recommend Mr.William Berhardi and his firm above & beyond what anyone of them out there will do for you. They actually care about how you are handling the whole process. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else. So Very Grateful !!! Paula

Sue
August 12, 2021

Every one on staff including Mr. Bernhardi did an exceptional job for my case. I cannot thank all of you enough for bringing closure to my case in my favor. You were recommended to me & I in return will do the same for you too who are in need of a very good lawyer. I will review the links you sent me. If any problems I will call Lindsey for advice about my signing into SSA.gov. Thank you again for all your assistance n bringing justice to my situation. I wish every one the very best in all you do andsucceeding with cases as you have done with mine. Very best always - Thank you again - Sue Polich

Christopher
December 17, 2019

I was very impressed on how Mr. Bernhardi was responsive and on the ball. He was always available for questions and made the process easy. I highly reccomend!

anonymous
May 2, 2019

I couldn't be happier with the results from working with Bernhardi Law. Although the process takes awhile and there is a lot of paperwork to file Initially Bernhardi Law answered any questions I had and handled additional paperwork that you will receive through out the process. Thank you so much to Everyone at Bernhardi Law.

cynthia
May 1, 2019

My attorney at the William Bernhardi law firm was very thorough in their research and presentation of my case. As we got further into my consultation i became more and more confident in their ability to present a strong case and eventually was awarded a favorable verdict. I highly recommend calling the William Bernhardi firm to make an appointment for a consultation.

timothy
April 30, 2019

In 2014 I retained Mr Bernhardi to handle my ssdi claim. With such a involved process Mr Bernhardi and his staff were there to help with all my question threw this process. Mr Bernhardi was great in going above and beyond to guide my other attorneys involved In my involved case which was above and beyond his services and greatly appreciated. I would recommend Mr Bernhardi as he is knowledgeable and highly educated on SSDI law and the process.and will help you every step of the way.

Dale
July 27, 2015

After I explained my injuries and situation, Mr Bernhardi said he would take my case and was confident in our success. Although I was unsure, he explained that he does not waste time on cases that he cannot win, and was sure that we would win my case, which made me feel secure. The staff of his office and were always pleasant and willing to answer any questions I had, whether over the phone or through confidential e-mails. Kelly and Michelle left no stone unturned no matter how many questions I asked, and gave me the sense of security I needed. He won my case in six months and I received all the compensation owed to me. I am thankful and would recommend anyone to entrust their case to Mr. Bernhardi and his office staff.

anonymous
February 24, 2020

Waste of almost 18nminths he lost my hearing then told me to appeal then sent letter sayingntheyy dropped my case afteri became very sick and was hospitalized certain one hung up on me more then once very rude don't waste your time a lawyer s should be for their clients not let their paralegals or whoever they are be rude to clients when I told him she hung up on me more then once he claimed oh her husband is sick don't waste your time as mine was wasted they never call you back and when you call there they act as if your bothering them go elsewhere horrible experience find a lawyer with compassion also office staff most were no help at all they stated several times oh we don't help with paperwork big big mistake wish no woulda went with anyone else as I was told after I got him as a lawyer .. He lets his so called paralegal assistant Denise hang up on people then defends her stating her husbands sick well th e n she s should be doing different work my case was toast from the get go as th e y gave no help at all and lawyer you met once for 20 min then he goes to court no other interaction at all

Paula
September 26, 2015

I was referred to Mr. Berhardi from my attorney, Mr. Theodore Pyrak for my SSD case. When I had applied for Social Security Disability and I had nothing coming in and was in dire need. I couldn’t work at all because the pain was so severe. I had heard from many people they had been waiting for disability 3 years or more with no hope, regardless of whatever attorney they had, or how severe their case was. Mr Behardi & his firm went to work on my case and from the beginning, fought for my rights & the severity of my injury and didn’t keep saying they would appeal and might take another 2 ½ years (like most attorneys, I hear do). He said they should not deny you & we will find out what they are saying & doing. All the time keeping me from frantic and hysterical behaviors I was feeling because of fear. I had nothing coming in & was completely on my own. They genuinely care what happens to you. Between William Bernhardi , and his firm, each one of them kept me calm & comforted each step of the way. I am so grateful they went to bat for me and came thru with my disability in less than a year. If anyone needs a disability attorney they can trust. I would highly recommend Mr.William Berhardi and his firm above & beyond what anyone of them out there will do for you. They actually care about how you are handling the whole process. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else. So Very Grateful !!! Paula

Sue
August 12, 2021

Every one on staff including Mr. Bernhardi did an exceptional job for my case. I cannot thank all of you enough for bringing closure to my case in my favor. You were recommended to me & I in return will do the same for you too who are in need of a very good lawyer. I will review the links you sent me. If any problems I will call Lindsey for advice about my signing into SSA.gov. Thank you again for all your assistance n bringing justice to my situation. I wish every one the very best in all you do andsucceeding with cases as you have done with mine. Very best always - Thank you again - Sue Polich

Christopher
December 17, 2019

I was very impressed on how Mr. Bernhardi was responsive and on the ball. He was always available for questions and made the process easy. I highly reccomend!

anonymous
May 2, 2019

I couldn't be happier with the results from working with Bernhardi Law. Although the process takes awhile and there is a lot of paperwork to file Initially Bernhardi Law answered any questions I had and handled additional paperwork that you will receive through out the process. Thank you so much to Everyone at Bernhardi Law.

cynthia
May 1, 2019

My attorney at the William Bernhardi law firm was very thorough in their research and presentation of my case. As we got further into my consultation i became more and more confident in their ability to present a strong case and eventually was awarded a favorable verdict. I highly recommend calling the William Bernhardi firm to make an appointment for a consultation.

timothy
April 30, 2019

In 2014 I retained Mr Bernhardi to handle my ssdi claim. With such a involved process Mr Bernhardi and his staff were there to help with all my question threw this process. Mr Bernhardi was great in going above and beyond to guide my other attorneys involved In my involved case which was above and beyond his services and greatly appreciated. I would recommend Mr Bernhardi as he is knowledgeable and highly educated on SSDI law and the process.and will help you every step of the way.

Dale
July 27, 2015

After I explained my injuries and situation, Mr Bernhardi said he would take my case and was confident in our success. Although I was unsure, he explained that he does not waste time on cases that he cannot win, and was sure that we would win my case, which made me feel secure. The staff of his office and were always pleasant and willing to answer any questions I had, whether over the phone or through confidential e-mails. Kelly and Michelle left no stone unturned no matter how many questions I asked, and gave me the sense of security I needed. He won my case in six months and I received all the compensation owed to me. I am thankful and would recommend anyone to entrust their case to Mr. Bernhardi and his office staff.

anonymous
February 24, 2020

Waste of almost 18nminths he lost my hearing then told me to appeal then sent letter sayingntheyy dropped my case afteri became very sick and was hospitalized certain one hung up on me more then once very rude don't waste your time a lawyer s should be for their clients not let their paralegals or whoever they are be rude to clients when I told him she hung up on me more then once he claimed oh her husband is sick don't waste your time as mine was wasted they never call you back and when you call there they act as if your bothering them go elsewhere horrible experience find a lawyer with compassion also office staff most were no help at all they stated several times oh we don't help with paperwork big big mistake wish no woulda went with anyone else as I was told after I got him as a lawyer .. He lets his so called paralegal assistant Denise hang up on people then defends her stating her husbands sick well th e n she s should be doing different work my case was toast from the get go as th e y gave no help at all and lawyer you met once for 20 min then he goes to court no other interaction at all