Robert N. Berg

Robert N. Berg advises clients in complex insurance and environmental disputes, with more than 30 years of legal experience. His work focuses on high-pressure matters where a clear strategy matters. He helps clients understand layered claims, manage risk, and move toward practical outcomes in Commercial & Business Litigation and insurance-related cases.

Robert earned a B.A. from the University of California at Davis and later earned a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He is admitted to practice in California. His education and bar admission support a career centered on litigation, insurance disputes, environmental claims, and business conflict resolution.

Robert has handled major disputes involving cleanup costs, pollution claims, policy coverage, and liability questions. In one matter, he litigated issues tied to alleged perchloroethylene (PCE) spills. In another case, he helped defeat bad-faith claims and showed that a policy did not apply, saving the client several million dollars.

Robert also represented an insurance company in a complex coverage dispute involving Aerojet General. The matter included issues such as trigger, self-insured retentions, and investigative-cost obligations. His work led to three appellate decisions favorable to the client, showing his skill in building strong arguments for difficult coverage cases.

Robert has helped clients in environmental matters involving CERCLA, nuisance law, toxic chemicals, and water contamination. He successfully argued that a client who sued for water pollution in federal court could not be treated as an “arranger” under CERCLA. He also helped reduce exposure in a $500 million water-contamination case.

Robert brings experience in high-value claims, including disputes involving maritime insurance, defense and indemnity duties, and large class action coverage issues. He represented an insurance company on coverage components of the $650 million Los Angeles Archdiocese clergy abuse class action. He is affiliated with the American Bar Association and recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers (2022-2023).

Robert N. Berg focuses on giving clients clear direction when disputes involve major financial, insurance, or environmental risks. His work has helped insurers, businesses, and other clients limit exposure, challenge unsupported claims, and resolve serious matters with careful planning. Clients benefit from his steady judgment, litigation background, and practical problem-solving approach.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Michelman & Robinson, LLP
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California at Davis
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges