Bernard Johnsen

Bernard is originally from Northwest Indiana, however he has been a resident of Arizona for more than two decades. Bernard grew up fascinated by the legal system as he listened to the stories from his dad, who retired as a police officer and decided to get his law degree and become a county prosecutor.

Bernard graduated cum laude from Arizona State University where he also earned a Certificate in International Business Studies. He studied Law at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, graduating in the top 11% of his class.

Bernard has always had a special interest in lending a hand to those in need. While attending law school, he interned at the Sixty Plus, Elder Law Clinic. He was honored with the Board of Directors’ Award for Outstanding Lawyering for pro bono work he performed for seniors over the age of 60 in all types of matters.

Bernard served as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA) and did taxes for those who could not afford to do it themselves. One of his favorite volunteer projects was serving as an E-board member of the Next Door Neighbors, where he helped raise money and gifts for Christmas Angels, the Portland Plunge, several benefit runs and other deserving organizations and individuals.

Bernard continued to sharpen his skills after law school, and clerked at several law firms while earning his license to practice law.

Bernard’s personal values of compassion and serving others, especially in the Elder Law Clinic have made him a natural fit with Magellan Law.  His focus of practice at Magellan Law Firm is probate/trust litigation, probate/trust administration and estate planning.

Outside the office, Bernard serves as a Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley Stevenson Branch.  Also, Bernard is an avid sports fan — he loves to play golf and softball in particular.  The thing he enjoys most is spending time with his two beautiful daughters.

Education

• Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan
  Juris Doctor
  Honors: Cum Laude
  Honors: Top 11% of His Class
  Honors: 3.49 GPA
  Law Review: Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, Senior Associate Editor

• Arizona State University
  W.P. Carey School Business
  Bachelor of Science
  Major: Marketing
  Certificate in International Business Studies
  Honors: Cum Laude

• Mesa Community College
  Associate of Arts Degree

Bar Admissions

• United States District Court
• State Bar of Arizona – Probate and Trust Section

Professional Associations and Memberships

• United States District Court Member
• State Bar of Arizona Member – Probate and Trust Section
• American Bar Association Member – Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law
• American Bar Association Member – Section of Litigation

Honors

• Recipient, Board of Directors’ Award for Outstanding Lawyering

Pro Bono Activities

• VITA Volunteer
• E-board member of the Next Door Neighbors

Professional Organizations

• Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley, Mesa – Stevenson Branch