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Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. Managing Partner Speaks At Two Diverse Events
In the space of a week and on two continents, Bob Bernstein shared his expertise on true leases (coining a new industry term) and foreign insolvency proceedings.
Being the best means thinking creatively, pursuing ongoing education, and participating in events that keep one’s perspective fresh. This is especially true of attorneys, thanks to the malleable and ever-changing nature of law. Bob Bernstein, Managing Partner of Bernstein-Burkley, P.C., has recently done his part by participating in two events held in May 2004: the Equipment Leasing Association Legal Forum, and a joint session of the Commercial Law League of America and the Insolvency Lawyers Association of the UK.
The Equipment Leasing Association Legal Forum, a gathering of more than 200 lawyers representing the equipment leasing industry, was held on May 4th in New Orleans. Bernstein spoke to the group on the topic of “True Leases Under Attack.” During the conference, he and others noted the continuing confusion and misuse of industry terms “financing lease” and “finance lease,” as well as confusion among legal, accounting and tax terminology.
Bernstein announced his attempt to ease some of this confusion by coining a new term to describe a “financing lease” or “lease intended as security.” He suggested that the acronym “ALIAS lease” could be used to simplify the language and refer to “A Lease Intended As Security.” Members of the audience applauded the attempt as “creative” and “appropriate.”
“I hope that the industry will appreciate the simple differentiation between ‘true’ lease and ‘alias’ lease,” says Bernstein. “I would like to see the term gain widespread acceptance and usage and eventually become part of the lexicon.”
On Monday, May 10, Bernstein spoke to the CLLA/Insolvency Lawyers Association joint session in London, England. His topic was “U.S. Recognition of Foreign Insolvency Proceedings.”
Bernstein was one of about 50 professionals attending this special conference. He was part of a program that included William Trower, QC, and Gabriel Moss, QC, who spoke on the English and European Union perspectives, respectively.
It’s no surprise that Bernstein participates in such diverse and far-reaching events. It’s a manifestation of the attitude that made the firm a recent recipient of the Pennsylvania Super Lawyer designation.
“We believe fervently in the power of continuing education,” he asserts. “It’s one of the principles upon which we’ve based our firm. By leaving the ‘Ivory Tower’ and exchanging ideas with colleagues who have different experiences and perspectives, we can feel confident that we’re providing the best service to our clients.”