Practice/Organization Description
Jay H. Bernstein manages the Workers' Compensation practice of Kirsch, Gelband, & Stone, in Newark N.J, specializing in Emergency Motions for Medical Treatment and Surgery, with hundreds of successful court orders for emergency surgery and medical treatment. His practice also includes Social Security Disabilty law and appallate practice (pro bono criminal constitutional law for the N.J. Public Defender).
Mr. Bernstein, who has practiced for nearly 20 years, has represented thousands of injured workers throughout New Jersey, and has been named by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Certified Workers' Compensation attorney, a distiction held by less than 5% of attorneys throughout the State.
Mr. Bernstein served as a legal clerk for the Ministry of Justice, State of Israel, in Jerusalem; a legal intern for Congressman Torricelli, in the U.S. Congress; and as a Legal Aid Attorney, representing homeless children and families in Trenton, N.J. Mr. Bernstein received a Commendation for Superior Performance from the Trial Defense Service of the United States Army, JAG Corps, Ft. Knox, Kentucky,
and a commendation for Volunteer Service in the First Gulf War from the State of Israel.
Jay is a an original founding member of the NJ Mass Disaster Legal Response Program, which has served families of the 9/11 Terror attack, and Hurricane and flood victims in the region, giving free legal aid and services.
Bar Admissions
Mr. Bernstein is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
Education
Juris Doctor, with Certificate in International Law, College of Law, Syracuse University, 1988. Russian Language Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 1984. Political Science and Archeology Studies, Brandeis University, Hiatt Institute, Israel, 1982. B.A. History, University of Rochester, 1984.
Professional Associations & Memberships
Association of Trial Lawyers- ATLA. NJ Bar Association- Mass Disaster Legal Response Team. National Board - Volunteer's for Israel. Docent- Coleman Elementary School . Boy Scouts of America. Glen Rock Pops Orchestra. Save the Children.
Honors and Awards
AWARDS
*Proclamation by Governor James McGreevy, honoring pro bono volunteer attorneys for volunteering to aid terror victims of 9/11. (Sept. 11th Legal Response Team), presented to Jay Bernstein by Hon. Deborah T. Poritz, Chief Justice NJ Supreme Court, and the President of the NJ Bar Association, April, 2003.
*Commendation by New Jersey Bar Association, New Jersey Legal Response Program, for aid to to victims and families of deceased loved ones of 9/11/01. November 1, 2002.
*Commendation by Essex County Bar, World Trade Center (9/11) Volunteer Attorney, MassDisaster Quick Response Team, 2001-2002
*Certificate of Appreciation by Ann Bartlett, President NJ Bar Association, for Volunteer efforts to assist Hurricane Floyd Victims, March 2000.
*Letter of Commendation, for Pro Bono Immigration and Naturalization Hearings, by Gilda Spinat, Director, New American Resettlement Program, 1998.
*Proclamation of Honor and Commendation by Governor Christie Whitman, to the founding members, Mass Disaster Quick Response Team, NJ Bar/American Red Cross/ Fema, May 1997.
*Letter of Appreciation for Volunteer Service during the Gulf War, by Minister of Defense, State of Israel, Moshe Arons, 1991.
*New York City Human Resources Administration, Volunteer Award 1990 - Organized Bronx Group Home Tutorial Program for Disadvantaged Youth, Tutored school children, Bronx, N.Y.
*Commendation for Superior Performance, Trial Defense Service, JAG Corps, US Army, Ft. Knox, KY, 1986. US Army JAG Corps Legal Intern, Legal Writing Award.
