Richard Bernstein
Associate Justice
Lansing, Michigan
About Richard Bernstein
Richard H. Bernstein is an associate justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. He has served on the court since January 1, 2015. He was elected in November 2014 to an eight-year term. He is the first blind justice in the court’s history.
Bernstein was born on November 9, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan. He has been legally blind since birth due to retinitis pigmentosa. He attended Andover High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 1996, graduating summa cum laude. During college, he served as student body president of the College of Literature, Science and Arts and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi.
He received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1999. Before admission, he challenged the structure of the Law School Admission Test, arguing that it unfairly measured blind applicants.
After law school, Bernstein joined The Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan and New York. Much of his legal work focused on disability rights and accessibility. He represented clients in cases involving public transportation, stadium renovations, and road safety under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Bernstein also served one eight-year term on the Wayne State University Board of Governors, including time as vice chair and chair. He has taught a political science course on law and social change at the University of Michigan.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Education
Media
Press
How US Justice Richard Bernstein fought to thrive while living with blindness
Read the full article ›Awards & Recognition
- Leader in the Law – Michigan Lawyers Weekly (2009)
- Michiganian of the Year – The Detroit News
- 40 Under 40 – Crain’s Detroit Business
- Regeana Myrick Outstanding Young Lawyer Award – Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan (2003–2004)
- Keeping Them Honest Award – CNN (2006)
- John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award – State Bar of Michigan (2008)
- Brooks’ Elite 40 Under 40 – Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson (2012)
- Spirit of Detroit Award – Detroit City Council
- Special Recognition Award – Macomb Intermediate School District
- Children’s Advocate Award – National Council of Jewish Women
- Volunteer of the Year – Jewish Home and Aging Services
- James T. Neubacher Award – University of Michigan (2011)
- Communication and Leadership Award – Toastmasters International (2013)
- Tony Filippis Courage Award – Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (2010)
- Inductee – National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (2013)
- President Abraham Lincoln Equality Award – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force Inc.
Licenses & Certifications
- Licensed to Practice Law – State of Michigan
- Licensed to Practice Law – State of New York
Charities & Volunteering
- OneFamily Fund – Met with survivors of terrorist attacks in Sderot (2010)
- Disability Rights Pro Bono Work – Legal advocacy for accessibility and disability rights
- Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence – Advocacy and establishment support
Boards & Memberships
- Wayne State University Board of Governors – Board Member (2002–2010)
- Wayne State University Board of Governors – Vice Chair
- Wayne State University Board of Governors – Chair (2009–2010)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Richard Bernstein do?
Richard Bernstein is an associate justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, where he has served since January 1, 2015. Before joining the court, he practiced law at The Law Offices of Sam Bernstein, focusing on disability rights and accessibility cases.
What is Richard Bernstein known for?
He is known as the first blind justice in the history of the Michigan Supreme Court and for his legal work on disability rights, including cases involving public transportation, stadium renovations, and road safety under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He has received recognition such as Michiganian of the Year from The Detroit News and a spot on Crain's Detroit Business 40 Under 40 list.
Where is Richard Bernstein based?
Richard Bernstein is based in Lansing, Michigan.
Where did Richard Bernstein study?
He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 1996, graduating summa cum laude, and received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1999.
Who does Richard Bernstein work for?
Richard Bernstein works for the Michigan Supreme Court as an associate justice.
Last updated February 24, 2026