Meet the team

Estate planning attorney Maximilian Bernard

Maximilian Bernard, Attorney at law.

Max’s journey into law was deeply influenced by his own family’s experience. In 2015, Max helped his father, Edward Bernard, move his law practice to Santa Rosa by opening an office in Oakmont where they focused on drafting and updating estate plans and defending conservatorships. Inspired by this, Max pursued a career in law with a specific focus on estate planning, driven by a desire to make this process accessible, comfortable, and easy for his clients to understand.

Max earned an AA in Political Science at Santa Rosa Junior College and went on to graduate cum laude from Empire College School of Law, passing the bar on his first attempt. While in school, he worked as a paralegal and law clerk for his father and other local attorneys, gaining hands-on experience in real property, tax law, business matters, contracts, immigration, and trust litigation.

At Bernard Law Office, Max strives to create a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their unique circumstances. In the past year and a half, he’s helped countless individuals recover funds owed to them and has served as corporate counsel for a variety of local businesses—handling everything from entity formation and contract drafting to ongoing compliance. He believes in taking the time to truly understand each client’s goals, concerns, and family dynamics to develop personalized solutions that reflect their wishes and values.

Outside of the office, Max enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the great outdoors, and giving back to the community through tutoring bar-prep and law students. His commitment to serving others extends far beyond the legal realm, as he’s always looking for meaningful ways to make a positive impact.



Edward Bernard, Attorney at law, Of counsel.

Ed’s legal career spans nearly five decades, marked by a deep commitment to serving clients across a broad spectrum of matters. He is a graduate of Golden Gate University with a BA in Political Science, he went on to earn his JD from San Fernando Valley College of Law and passed the California bar on his first time in 1976. Shortly thereafter, he also became licensed in Nevada, where he not only practiced real property law, civil litigation, elder law, estate planning, trust administration, trust litigation, and criminal defense, but also served as head of the Nevada Bar Disciplinary Committee.

Over the years, he has tried and won cases in both federal court and the Nevada Supreme Court and has achieved notable victories, securing public easements for community benefit and obtaining judgments against major polluters of Lake Tahoe. Ed also has extensive experience serving as corporate corporate counsel for trust and title companies, guiding them through real estate transactions and ensuring strict compliance.

In 2015, Ed relocated his practice to California. Where he dedicated his time to proudly serving clients in Sonoma County and its surrounding areas. Ed closed his practice in 2022 but because of his true love for the law and helping people he is re-entering the legal field as our very first, Of Counsel Attorney at Bernard Law Office! Where he will be participating in cases on an ongoing basis, lending his extensive expertise in real estate transactions, probate and trust administration, estate planning, and complex civil litigation. 

At Bernard Law Office, he brings the same thoughtful, client-centered approach that has defined his work for nearly fifty years: listening closely to goals and concerns, crafting tailored strategies, and advocating tirelessly to protect both individual and business interests.

When he’s not practicing law, Ed enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and walking his golden retriever along the beach—activities that keep him grounded and inspired to continue giving back through his legal service.


Xiomara Rojas, Legal Assistant.

Xiomara is a dedicated legal assistant fluent in both English and Spanish. With an educational background in public health and social services, she is passionate about helping individuals in her community, particularly those facing language barriers. Her desire to advocate for those in need inspired her to pursue a career in the legal field.


Currently, Xiomara is furthering her education to become a paralegal, constantly expanding her knowledge and skills within the legal profession. Outside of her professional and academic commitments, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, cherishing the relationships that inspire and motivate her.