Dedicated Representation in the Detroit Metro Area
Who We Are
Bernstein & Bernstein is proud that we count on the expertise of a professional team of attorneys.
Of Counsel
- William W. Watkinson
- Harvey M. Howitt
- James J. Bernstein
In Memoriam
- Jacob Bernstein (1900-1945)
- Newton B. Bernstein (1935-2009)
Joseph H. Howitt
Joe Howitt is a senior partner and owner of Bernstein & Bernstein. Joe attended college at Western Michigan University, where he graduated in 1994 with a B.B.A. in Marketing, a B.A. in French, and a Minor in General Business. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 1997. Joe then achieved a very high score on the Michigan Bar Examination, automatically passing based on his results on the multi-state portion of the exam.
Within Joe's first year or two as an attorney, he received numerous favorable results at trial, including a judgment of $225,150.00 following a jury verdict in a trip and fall case where the defendant offered only $5,000.00 to settle. Since that time, Joe has continued to handle cases involving significant injuries and damages.
Joe is licensed to practice law in Michigan's state and federal courts as well as the United States Supreme Court. He has achieved successful results following oral arguments before the entire bench of the Michigan Supreme Court and has won numerous cases in the Michigan Court of Appeals. He has been interviewed and quoted for multiple front-page articles that have appeared in Michigan Lawyers Weekly magazine. He regularly works as a case evaluator for the Wayne County and Macomb County Circuit Courts. Joe also works as an arbitrator to help resolve civil disputes involving injury and disability claims.
Joe is a member and supporter of the Michigan Association for Justice and a supporter of Justice-PAC. He has been a supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union and is involved with multiple organizations devoted to the prevention of animal cruelty.
Joe is extremely fortunate to continue to work alongside his father, Harvey M. Howitt, an excellent trial attorney who formerly was an owner and senior partner of the firm for many years until becoming "of counsel" to the firm in 2005.
Outside of work, Joe has coached the Farmington High School girls' varsity tennis team since 2008 and works with junior tournament players year-round. Joe enjoys weightlifting, tennis, and most sports. He plays the guitar and piano.
Mark M. Grayell
Mark M. Grayell has been a practicing attorney in the State of Michigan since 1984. His legal experience consists of practicing law in the areas of General Negligence, Auto Negligence, product liability, Michigan No-Fault Act, Civil Rights, Employment Law, Workers' Compensation, Michigan Dram Shop Act, Social Security, Medical Malpractice, and Toxic Torts.
A graduate of Birmingham Seaholm High School and Oakland University, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Mr. Grayell received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University Detroit School of Law.
Mr. Grayell has litigated cases throughout the State of Michigan in the District Courts, Circuit Courts, Appellate Courts, Federal Courts, and the Michigan Supreme Court.
Organizational Memberships
- State Bar of Michigan
- Michigan Association for Justice
Teaching Affiliations
- Instructor, American Institute for Paralegal Studies
- 5th Degree Black Belt (Sensei) Isshinryu Okinawan Karate
Lisa M. Watkinson
- Southern Methodist University, B.A. Sociology 1989
- Loyola University School of Law, J.D. 1992
- Licensed Louisiana 1992, New York 1999, and Michigan 2003
Past 15 years of practice in general litigation, mass tort, asbestos defense, and social security disability. Current member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives) and MI State Bar Social Security Section.
Attorney Lisa Watkinson is a Partner at the Bernstein & Bernstein. She received her law degree from Loyola University School of Law in 1992. She also has a BA in sociology from Southern Methodist University in 1988. For over 20 years she has exclusively represented clients in applying for social security disability (SSDI) and supplement security income (SSI) benefits as well as appealing for those whose benefits have been improperly denied. Prior to that she practiced general litigation, mass tort and asbestos defense.
She is a current board member of the Michigan State Bar Social Security Section and regularly gives presentations on various aspects of social security disability issues to other attorney members of the Michigan Bar Association. She is also licensed to practice in Louisiana and New York. Outside of work, she spends time with her three children and volunteers in their many activities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Of Counsel
Newton B. Bernstein
- BBA University of Michigan 1956
- JD University of Michigan 1959
Admitted to Practice:
- State of Michigan 1959
- US District Court 1959
- US Supreme Court 1963
Bernstein & Bernstein 1960-2005 (Retired)
Long-Time Partner & Owner of Bernstein & Bernstein 1935-2009
William W. Watkinson
- BA Western Michigan University 1959
- LLB George Washington University 1962
- Admitted to Practice:
- State of Michigan 1963
- State of Virginia 1962
- Member of the law firm of Bernstein and Bernstein, 1963 to present, Of Counsel since 2005
- Specializing in Workers' Compensation and Social Security
Harvey M. Howitt
- Admitted to Practice:
- State of Michigan 1970
- US Dist. Ct. Eastern District, Mich.
- US Dist. Ct. Western District, Mich.
- US Circuit Court of Appeals (6th Circuit)
- US Supreme Court
Mr. Howitt is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice. He has achieved an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell. Mr. Howitt is a Case Evaluator in Wayne (Best Panel Award 2006-2007), Oakland, Genesee, and Macomb Circuit Courts. Harvey Howitt has obtained numerous jury verdicts and settlements in excess of one million dollars.