Nicholas J. Bernate
Senior Associate
“Though I am a trial attorney, I view litigation as one of many tools I can use to resolve my client’s problems.”
Practice Areas
Education
Santa Clara University School of Law 2012, cum laude, Order of the Coif, Dean’s List, Witkin Awards for academic excellence
University of California at Santa Cruz, B.A. 2008, Legal Studies
Bar & Court Admissions
- Maine
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maine
- California
- U.S. District Court for the District of Northern California
Affiliations & Recognition
- Super Lawyers – Rising Star, 2017-2024
- Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch 2020-2024
- Sonoma Magazine – Lawyers of Distinction 2021
Nick is a member of Murray Plumb & Murray’s litigation team where he represents both businesses and individuals. His practice is largely devoted to commercial, real estate, and construction litigation. Nick also has experience in condominium law, noncompete disputes, and defamation claims.
Prior to joining Murray Plumb & Murray, Nick was a shareholder of Clement, Fitzpatrick & Kenworthy, in Santa Rosa, California. He also worked as a senior associate at the law firm of Bledsoe, Diestel, Treppa & Crane LLP, in San Francisco. Nick has tried several cases in California Superior Court and the United States Federal Court, and appeared in the Maine Superior and District Courts, Maine Supreme Court, and United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Nick has been recognized as a top-rated civil litigation attorney in both Maine and Northern California and has been named as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” each year since 2017. He has also been selected by his peers for Best Lawyers New England: Ones to Watch for commercial litigation. Nick lives with his wife and daughter in Southern Maine.