William J. Bill Bernfeld

Real Estate Law

4.0 (1 reviews)

Los Angeles, California

46+ years experience

Akerman LLP

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

213-688-9500

https://www.akerman.com/en/people/william-bernfeld.html

633 West Fifth Street, Suite 6400, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Create an account to contact this attorney

Bio

William Bernfeld focuses his practice on real estate and commercial law. He regularly assists clients in acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and financing of real estate projects in a variety of sectors throughout California including office, retail, restaurant, hospitality, and industrial. Bill regularly works on behalf of lenders to secure permanent, construction, and distressed project financing, as well as handling asset-based and commercial lending transactions on behalf of institutional clients. Additionally, Bill’s background as a bankruptcy attorney puts him in a unique position to assist clients with distressed real estate transactions including loan workouts and other restructuring needs. William Bernfeld focuses his practice on real estate and commercial law. He regularly assists clients in acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and financing of real estate projects in a variety of sectors throughout California including office, retail, restaurant, hospitality, and industrial. Bill regularly works on behalf of lenders to secure permanent, construction, and distressed project financing, as well as handling asset-based and commercial lending transactions on behalf of institutional clients. Additionally, Bill’s background as a bankruptcy attorney puts him in a unique position to assist clients with distressed real estate transactions including loan workouts and other restructuring needs.

Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Real Estate Law

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2019

Education

Southwestern University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1979

Get Directions on Google Maps

Reviews

David Rivera

2 weeks ago

A Trusted Advisor for Complex Commercial Real Estate

I engaged William Bernfeld of Akerman LLP to handle the acquisition and subsequent financing of a mixed-use development property in downtown Los Angeles. With over four decades of experience, his depth of knowledge was immediately apparent. He didn't just review contracts; he provided strategic counsel on the entire transaction, identifying potential zoning and title issues we had completely overlooked. His recognition in real estate law is well-deserved, as his guidance through the intricate financing terms saved our project significant future liability. What I appreciate most is how he translates complex legal concepts into clear, actionable business advice, a skill honed from his 46-year practice. The transaction closed smoothly and on schedule, largely due to his meticulous preparation and negotiation. If I had one note, it would be that during the busiest weeks, response times from his office could occasionally stretch to a day or two, though he always made himself available for critical matters. For anyone navigating the complexities of California commercial real estate, from acquisitions to leasing, William Bernfeld is an exceptional asset. His long-term perspective and practical approach are invaluable.