Michael Bergerson has 30 years of trial experience in both the criminal and civil courts throughout the State of Indiana.  Through management of a private law practice and service on numerous boards and commissions, Bergerson will be prepared for the job of Superior Court Judge on day one.  As a lifelong resident of La Porte County, Bergerson has the experience, local perspective, and sense of fairness needed for this position.
 
Bergerson’s legal career has spanned four decades, during which he has prosecuted criminals and assisted families and businesses. Beginning in 1982, Bergerson has spent 20 years prosecuting felons in the county’s Superior and Circuit courts.  He has built an impressive trial record in Superior Court No. 1, where he has worked since 1999.  
 
Since 1978, Bergerson has maintained a civil law practice, focused on business law, personal injury, bankruptcy, wills and estates, property law, and domestic relations, among others.  His litigation experience extends to jurisdictions beyond La Porte, including Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Texas, Oregon, and Tennessee.  
 
Bergerson has been a key participant in numerous local government initiatives, including the Redevelopment Commission of Michigan City, the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Sanitary District of Michigan City.  Bergerson was a partner with the Law Firm of Kenefick, Gilmore, and Bergerson from 1978 to 1993, and has managed the Law Offices of Michael Bergerson and Associates from 1993 through 2007.
 
Bergerson’s career reflects a devotion to serving the community in which he was born and raised. He has contributed pro bono services to county organizations such as Catholic Family Services, Young People’s Little Theatre, and Little Lighthouse Landing. He has also been active with a number of area schools, including those attended by his children:  Notre Dame Grade School, Saint Mary’s Grade School, and Marquette High School.  Bergerson himself is a graduate of Notre Dame Grade School and Marquette High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree at John Carroll University and his Juris Doctor at Northern Illinois University.  Bergerson and his wife, Debbie, have seven children.

Resume

• LAPORTE COUNTY DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
• (1982-1994) Assigned to La Porte Superior Court No. 4; La Porte Superior Court No. 1 and La Porte Circuit Court
• *Received Exceptional Service Award 1993
• (1999-2007) Assigned to LaPorte Superior Court No. 1
• LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL S. BERGERSON
• 601 Franklin Street - Suite 200 - Drawer K
• Michigan City, Indiana 46361
• (1993-2007)
• LAWFIRM OF KENEFICK, GILMORE & BERGERSON
• 2222 Michigan Blvd.
• Michigan City, Indiana 46360
• (1978-1993)
• Representative clients:
• Coca-Cola Bottling Co. (for Northwest Indiana) (1985-2007)
• Sanitary District of Michigan City (1979-1995)
• Redevelopment Commission of Michigan City (2000-2007)
• La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau (1999-2007)
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana &  Illinois – 1978
• Also have been involved in major litigation in other jurisdictions including Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Eugene, OR., Knoxville, TN. and Amarillo, TX.

• Little Lighthouse Landing, pro bono legal services
• Young People's Little Theater, pro bono legal services
• Michigan City Stars,  pro bono legal services
• LULAC, pro bono legal services
• Notre Dame School Board (1986-1990)
• President (1988-1990)     
• Michigan City Bar Association
• President 1988
• Long Beach County Club Board of Directors (1986-1991)
• President (1989-1991)
• Legal Services Corp. of Northern Indiana
• Board of Directors (1979-1988)
• Pro-Bono Panel (1979-2005)
• Catholic Family Services
• Board of Directors (1978-1987)
• Exceptional Service Award for Pro-Bono Legal Services (1985)
• Basketball Coach at Notre Dame Grade School (1992, 1993 and 1994)
• Basketball Coach at St. Mary’s Grade School (1996, 1997 and 1998)
• Volunteer Assistant Golf Coach and Baseball Coach at Marquette High School
• Boy Scouts of America - LaSalle Troop 802 - on call service as a certified instructor for golf merit badge
• Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association

• Northern Illinois University, College of Law
• De Kalb, Illinois
• Juris Doctorate, 1978
• John Carroll University
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Bachelor of Arts, 1974