About Pedro Bernal, Esq.

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Tough Principled Defense From an Experienced Attorney

Prior to forming Bernal Law, APLC I served as a prosecutor for almost a decade.

Throughout my legal career, I have handled virtually hundreds of cases ranging from misdemeanors and civil regulatory violations to complex white-collar criminal matters in the trial courts, as well as appellate cases in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

I have prosecuted and defended cases in the areas of insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, health care fraud, tax evasion, drug possession, drug trafficking, gun charges, violent crime, consumer protection, child abuse, domestic violence, administrative law and other areas.

For several years, I served as a Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, where I prosecuted complex white-collar crimes, fraud cases, drug trafficking offenses and tried numerous cases to jury verdict.

I also worked as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego, prosecuting federal crimes.

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Prior to joining the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, I served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General of Washington, where I enforced state and federal consumer protection laws against businesses and individuals, drafted legislation and argued cases in the appellate courts.

As a former prosecutor, I understand how cases are investigated and prosecuted in the courts.

This is a unique perspective that few attorneys in my field have.

Additionally, I am fully bilingual and able to seamlessly assist my Spanish-speaking clients with their legal issues.

I serve as an Adjunct Professor of Law at California Western School of Law and lecture frequently on legal matters at local law schools as well as at universities and law schools all over Mexico and Latin America.

I am admitted to practice law in California and Washington, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Curiculum Vitae
  • Principal Attorney, Bernal Law, APC, 2016-Present
  • Deputy District Attorney, San Diego District Attorney’s Office, 2012-2016
  • Special Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California (San Diego), 2015-2016
  • Assistant Attorney General, Washington State Attorney General’s Office (Seattle), 2007-2012
EDUCATION
  • Juris Doctor, The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois, 2007
  • Bachelor of Science, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, 2004
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As Seen On

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“I hired Pedro during one of the most difficult times in my life. Pedro was compassionate to my situation and knew the law well. He was able to negotiate a resolution that let me move on with my life.”

Annie C.

“Lo recomiendo mucho porque me ayudo mucho con mi cargo de DUI. Excelente trabajo. Súper recomendado”

Francisco Morales

“La experiencia del Sr. Bernal ayudó a descartar un cargo de hit and run. Es altamente profesional, honesto/directo y de mucha confianza. Un abogado fenomenal.”

Sally Piñera

“Pedro Bernal is a very experienced attorney. As a former prosecutor he has the experience and insight necessary to be a true advocate for his clients. He is very professional and diligent in responding to phone calls and emails. Pedro handles a broad array of criminal matters ranging from White Collar crimes to health insurance fraud; he truly knows the ins and outs of how a case is prosecuted and tried in court. I highly recommend Pedro Bernal to any individual that is facing charges or has been arrested for a criminal offense or a civil regulatory violation. He truly provides the one-on-one attention that any client deserves.”

Ronson J. Shamoun

“I called Pedro to get some legal insight on a business partnership that went sour and although his expertise is criminal law, he gave me solid legal advise and referred me to an excellent lawyer that specializes with small businesses. If you want honest legal counsel, no bs, and a straight shooter lawyer, look no further than Pedro Bernal.”

Y. Ramirez

“ Pedro Bernal is a very professional and trustworthy lawyer. I had an amazing experience and I highly recommend him!”

Y. Mendoza

“Attorney Bernal has been extremely professional with my case. He has worked diligently and has responded to all my phone calls and emails.”

I. Heard

“Pedro Bernal is extremely professional and always made sure to answer all my questions. A reliable criminal defense attorney that you can definitely count on. His experience as a former prosecutor made a world of a difference when dealing with my case. Thank you, Mr. Bernal!”

Melissa Marquez

“Hands down one of the best lawyer in San Diego. He helped me with my restraining order against my ex boyfriend. He not only helped me with my case but made me feel safe and was available for every question I had. Will contact him again with any other legal matters.”

Joanna Gallardo

“Pedro was very professional and very tentative to my case. I would definitely recommend and go back when in need of an attorney!”

Fabian Toledo

“Pedro was so helpful with my case. He is definitely worth the $! Glad I retained him.”

Erica Lopez

“I strongly recommend Mr. Bernal for any criminal defense need. He is very attentive and delivers results! Thanks to all the staff at Bernal Law!”

Ruayner Rivas

“He is great! reliable and efficient. Would recommend Bernal Law to anyone who needs a criminal defense attorney. Thank you, Pedro.”

Mariangela Contacessi

“It was a pleasure working with Pedro Bernal. His knowledge & experience was really helpful through this difficult experience. He was referred to us by another attorney we knew and we were so grateful in the end. Look no further... Pedro Bernal is the answer.”

Leann Thompson

“Really recommend Mr Bernal. I was risking being away from my family but he stood by me and fought for my freedom every step of the way . This was my first experience dealing with a case, but he helped me haveba better understanding of what was happening at all times. Thank you for all your help and your great knowledge !”

Antonio Macias

“I would highly recommend Pedro for being the perfect lawyer. Accessible to you at any time... Very professional. Sets your expectations very practically and well prepared at the hearing. You can feel assured that you are in the best of hands”

Punam Garg

“Exceptionally good attorney. Absolutely determined to win and serve to the best interest of his client. He was representing my opponent, and I lost in the court room hearing absolutely everything, even where I was feeling strong in my case. Representing my opponent, he was always very well prepared to the slightest details of the case, he was very well articulate representing his client side during the courtroom hearing session, he made a great positive impression on the judge, and kept his concentration till very end through the lengthy court sessions. He clearly demonstrated very strong motivation to win the case for his client, he did outstanding job educating and preparing his client for the win in the court room settings. His client got fortunate to have him in his corner. He righteously won based on his professional skills and qualities. I was also represented by an attorney, but lost everything where I was not even was supposed to to loose because he was so much better. He completely destroyed all my defense and totally negated all the strong points brought by my attorney in the case. He has all the professional and personal qualities you would look in the attorney to bring your case to victory in the court of the law”

Greg Egoudine

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