Atty. Marcel J. Bernier
Marcel Bernier has been involved in corporate and limited liability company law for over 40 years, assisting clients with navigating intricate legal landscapes to accomplish their goals. Situated in Hartford, Connecticut, Marcel is part of Harris Beach Murtha, where he acts as general counsel for numerous businesses.
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) & More Attorney · Serving Hartford, CT
Profile Summary
About Marcel J. Bernier at a Glance
Marcel J. Bernier is a business attorney based in Hartford, Connecticut, practicing at Harris Beach Murtha. Educated at University of Connecticut (J.D., 1982). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), and Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Law (Hartford) (2022). Serves clients in Hartford, CT and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Marcel J. Bernier
- Marcel Bernier has been involved in corporate and limited liability company law for over 40 years, assisting clients with navigating intricate legal landscapes to accomplish their goals
- Situated in Hartford, Connecticut, Marcel is part of Harris Beach Murtha, where he acts as general counsel for numerous businesses
- His practice includes offering guidance on forming new business entities, handling acquisitions, sales, mergers, reorganizations, deferred compensation plans, phantom equity plans, buy-sell agreements, and business succession planning
- Marcel has crafted over 100 operating agreements, employment contracts, and buy-sell agreements, with significant experience in completing a multitude of business transactions
- His expertise in accounting and tax provides a solid foundation for structuring and negotiating business transactions and succession agreements
- With deep roots in family business representation, Marcel addresses general business concerns and succession planning
- He authored “Preserving Your Business for the Next Generation,” featured as Chapter 3 in The ABA Practical Guide to Estate Planning, published by the ABA in 2011. (Read Chapter 3) His writing extends to “Business Exit Strategies” for the Hartford Business Journal, shedding light on strategic business decisions. (Read the article) He also contributed “The Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act” in the Connecticut Lawyer in May 2017. (Read the article) Marcel extends his services to various professional firms, including those in medical, engineering, and law practices, focusing on acquisitions, partner admissions and retirements, and succession planning through meticulously designed agreements
- Experienced in advising high-net-worth clients, Marcel addresses estate planning intricacies, including federal and Connecticut estate tax minimization, along with probate and trust administration processes
- His knowledge also contributed to the Connecticut Bar Association Committee, co-chairing the drafting of the Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. (View his testimony) Marcel was also involved in creating the Connecticut Entity Transactions Act
Practice Areas Explained
Marcel J. Bernier's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Marcel J. Bernier handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Hartford.
Business & Corporate Law in Hartford
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Marcel J. Bernier is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Connecticut →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Hartford
Practicing law in Connecticut. Legal matters in Connecticut are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Hartford are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Connecticut state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Connecticut brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Connecticut courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Hartford Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Hartford-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Connecticut attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Hartford or all attorneys in Connecticut.
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Common Questions About Marcel J. Bernier
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Hartford Choose Marcel J. Bernier
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Marcel J. Bernier's practice in the field of business.
Focused Business Practice
Concentrating on business means Marcel J. Bernier's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Hartford
A Hartford-based practice means Marcel J. Bernier attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Marcel J. Bernier Handles in Hartford
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Marcel J. Bernier has experience with under Connecticut law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Marcel J. Bernier directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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