Bradford S. Bernstein

Represented three brothers in a two-day trial in Montgomery County (Maryland) Circuit Court arising from a property dispute with his late brother's estate, who sought over $250,000 in contribution for living expenses dating back over 30 years.

Represented an estate of a deceased husband in Montgomery County (Maryland) Circuit Court, successfully defending a claim that the marital property agreement he had entered into with wife was invalid. The decision was affirmed by the Appellate Court of Maryland, barring the wife’s claim to an elective share against the husband’s estate.  

Represented a father in Montgomery County (Maryland) Circuit Court in a four-day trial to determine custody and access of the parties’ minor children. The trial court’s decision was favorable to the father but only provided him with limited access and visitation. After securing in banc review by a three-judge panel under the abuse-of-discretion standard, the panel agreed with the father and reversed the trial court's initial custody and access award. The matter was remanded for reconsideration of a new custody and access schedule. The Appellate Court of Maryland agreed with the panel’s determination after the wife filed an appeal. After the case was remanded, negotiated a satisfactory schedule for the father.

Represented a residential homebuyer in the Eastern District of Virginia based on a claim by the former owner of an unlawful foreclosure sale. Got the case dismissed as the former owner failed to cooperate in discovery.

Represented a residential homebuyer in Montgomery County, Maryland, obtaining compensatory damages and attorneys' fees against the sellers who failed to disclose a known rodent infestation.

Represented a major financial institution in a long-running title dispute in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. The owner of the property claimed that a deed that she signed was forged, and therefore, the lender’s deed of trust was invalid. After a multiday trial, the Superior Court entered an order confirming the validity of the deed, thereby confirming the bank's lien on the property as valid and enforceable.

Represented a manufacturing company in the U.S. District of Maryland against a contractor who asserted breach of contract claims and race discrimination. The manufacturing company prevailed on summary judgment, a decision was upheld by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Represented a mother in Carroll County (Maryland) Circuit Court in obtaining a modification of custody and child support. The court also granted the client’s petition for contempt against the husband in failing to provide sufficient information in relation to the marital award, which resulted in the recovery of a retirement account under the father’s name.   

Represented a same-sex couple in the Frederick County (Maryland) Circuit in obtaining a preliminary injunction and a judgment for $100,000 against neighbors who engaged in a year-long campaign of harassment after the couple began constructing their home on the property. Compelled a resolution where the harassing neighbors agreed to sell their property to our clients.

Represented a homebuyer in recovering compensatory damages and attorneys' fees in litigation against sellers who concealed a significant rodent infestation during the property transaction. Success at trial required overcoming the burden of proving the sellers' actual knowledge of material defects, which was accomplished through key testimony from a former tenant who had reported the infestation to the sellers prior to the sale.

Miles & Stockbridge represented a Baltimore-based manufacturer accused of breach of contract and discrimination in a federal lawsuit brought by a former vendor. The firm obtained summary judgment for all claims, most of which were upheld on appeal to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The firm also has provided day-to-day employment law counseling and advice and successfully defended the manufacturer in EEOC charges filed by employees, including a charge of disability discrimination in which the firm obtained a very favorable early settlement for the client.