Law and Mediation Office of Helene Bernstein, PLLC

Attorney Helene S. Bernstein

Bar Admissions:

• New York State Bar, Second Department, 1988
• Southern and Eastern Districts of the State of New York, 1991

Education:

• J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 1987
• B.A., State University of New York at Binghamton, 1984

Professional Memberships and Achievements:

• Brooklyn Bar Association, 1988 - Present
• Women's Bar Association, 2008 - Present
• Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, 2015 - Present
• Family Divorce Mediation Council, Board of Directors, 2010 - Present
• Familykind, Inc., Advisory Board, Mediation Consultant, 2010 - Present
• New York Divorce Mediation Council, Membership Committee, 2010 - Present
• Interdisciplinary Council on Mental Health, 2015 - Present
• National Association of Divorce Professionals, 2019 - Present
• Presumptive Divorce Mediation Panels in Kings and NY Counties

“I hired Helene Bernstein to help me collect past child support owed by my ex-husband in Brooklyn Family Court. We were 100% successful and not only was I able to collect the arrears through my ex’s two pensions and social security, I was able to get my husband to pay my legal fees and expenses. Ms. Bernstein was relentless and even had my ex put in jail when he refused to comply with his court ordered obligations. My attorney was hardworking, always returned my calls and was a good and kind person. I strongly recommend Helene Bernstein as she knows how to get the job done!” -NG

“I have worked with Helene Bernstein for three years. She represented me in both Custody and Support issues. She represented me well and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking competent counsel. If you’re reading this then you already know how tough and frustrating these issues can be. Helene not only offered committed and excellent council she provided guidance and honest communication. She was always clear in explaining my options, paths forward and likelihood of success. The family court system is an impossible maze to navigate alone and Helene not only knows it well but helped in making me feel comfortable in it. Helene is also mediation focused and will try very hard to keep you out of court if possible. In my case mediations failed but not for lack of trying however, court was successful because Helene was focused on the two-track system. Track one mediation, Track two court preparation. Because of her tireless work I am able to have a positive and substantial relationship with my child and I have orders and systems in place to protect that relationship. Helene Bernstein is smart, committed, dependable and reasonable. She never took steps without making sure I fully understood and agreed to them. She was always honest with me and let me know if what I was looking for was unattainable. If you are committed to making life better for yourself and your family Helene is the person for the job. I cannot recommend her enough and my family is forever better because of her.” —CD

“After our initial consultation, Helene immediately jumped into action and, in a few weeks’ time, she and her assistant made more progress in my case than my prior attorney did in two and a half years! They rescued me from a less than enthusiastic attorney and with professionalism with a personal touch guided me through the most difficult situation I’ve ever faced. At a time when I was feeling hopeless, alone and put-upon by the judge, my attorney and opposing counsel, Helene’s knowledge, perseverance and thoroughness provided me with a sense of confidence and some assimilation of fairness. Helene and Sam are top rate legal professionals who have maintained their human compassion–which, for me, made all the difference in the world. They let me know through their actions and interaction with me that they remembered that this business of theirs is my life–and this part of it was in good hands.”

“During my divorce proceedings, my attorney recommended that my husband and I try mediation. Since we had attended a parenting education course via Family Kind [familykind.org/] I used their services to obtain a mediator and they provided us with Helene Bernstein. I was a bit skeptical being new to the entire process and idea that mediation would work for a difficult time in both of our lives; however, Helene and Sam Cambraia [her paralegal and mediator] took away all of the fears, stress, and anxiety. Helene is an excellent active listener. Her ability to get both parties to understand each others points of view in a safe, non-judgmental space was impressive and extremely helpful. Mini homework exercises she made us do created a better relationship where my husband and I are much better in co-parenting. We both refer back to Helene’s problem-solving solutions when a hiccup in communication arises. I would absolutely recommend Helene Bernstein as a mediator and attorney. She’s very knowledgeable in her field, genuine, authentic and makes you feel at ease; qualities that are hard to find in professionals in her field when you’re going through such a difficult time in your life.”

“I was one of the lucky ones whose divorce was relatively easy, with no sticking points to speak of. That does not mean that you don’t need an astute attorney to handle all matters relating to a divorce including pension issues, retirement accounts and the selling and distribution of property. Helene Bernstein guided me every step of the way in an even and professional manner. Her expertise was apparent from the first interview to the final sign off. I would recommend her highly and without hesitation.”

“I have met Helene Bernsteinduring my research to find children services attorney. I am a daycare owner and I was dealing with my very unpleasant experience having a case with ACS for child abuse. During the time I was making my decision about hiring attorney I have met few of them, also I have done my research online. During my first meeting with Helene I really like her very professional way how she asked the questions about my case, also she gave me a lot of details how we are going to work together on this – all the procedures, etc. I was very impressed how fast she has handled this case, she has acted strongly to defend my rights and get quick answers about my case. Her communication with me was always on very high level! She has always answered all my questions returning my phone calls, emails, also giving me all the updates. At the end she has represented me and won my case – we have won this together, because I had a great lawyer!;) I was defending myself and the good name of my business, Helene as my attorney was very supportive and very professional defending my rights as her client. I really recommend her service! Very highly!

Thank you again Helene!”

“We had the pleasure of working with Helene Bernstein and Sam Cambraia. We have never met either in person and most likely never will, but our lives crossed over a very unique case that occurred 30+ years ago in a state that is 1100 miles from New York. As the defendants, we sought representation from our local law firms but were told that they could not represent us in a case that was initiated in New York even if the original case was in our state. That left us to find a legal representation in New York, a state that we never resided in. There are thousands of lawyers in New York and we had no idea where to start. In the meantime the court expected us to submit documents within days and our court date was in two weeks on December 22^nd. On the first court date, we were on our own and were told that the court had not received any of our documents. As a result the court was ready to rule thinking that we had defaulted, but we were given a continuance. My wife started making follow-up calls to lawyers in New York and we found and chose Helene to defend us and she accepted. For the first time, we felt a sense of relief. We are extremely fortunate to have found such a knowledgeable, ethical, kind and caring professional who made sure that everything was always ready and in order. We entrusted her with our lives and she treated us with respect. I hesitate to think what would have happened had we not found Helene. She has positively impacted our lives and for that we will be forever grateful.”