Bernie was born in San Diego, California and was raised in Chicago's western suburbs. He completed his undergraduate studies at Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) in 1980 with a double major, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) in History and Philosophy. He attended law school at DePaul University in Chicago where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1983.

Bernie has practiced law since his admission to the Illinois bar in 1983. His practice is concentrated in corporate and commercial law, business transactions, commercial real estate and general representation of medium and small business entities and their principals. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He is active in various charitable and not-for-profit organizations including the Rotary Club of Oak Brook.