Michelle, a graduate of Widener University School of Law, joined Buckley in 2004 after working for several large Philadelphia firms. Her decision to focus on the legal profession came while she was a student at Susquehanna University. Although initially pursuing her dream by studying marine biology, she changed her major to English with a minor in legal studies after finding that the biology major was not meeting her expectations. A native of Wilkes-Barre, Michelle enrolled in paralegal school after graduating from Susquehanna in 1992. She wisely combined her interests in marine life and the law by applying to maritime law firms as a paralegal. That search led her to a Philadelphia firm owned by another Wilkes-Barre native. Her first job, in fact, found her working on the Exxon Valdez case in 1993. While enjoying a successful career as a paralegal, Michelle enrolled in law school in 1994. Out of Widener in 1997, she worked for a firm representing clients seeking social security benefits. Travel weary after visiting 30 states in 18 months, Michelle soon went on to work for several large Philadelphia law firms focusing her practice in the area of defense litigation. She particularly enjoyed working on medical malpractice cases, which enabled her to once again use her biology background. Joining Buckley in 2004, Michelle now concentrates her practice in the area of insurance defense. In addition to the Commonwealth Courts, Ms. Bernardo-Rudy is also admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of New Jersey, and is active with the Chester County Bar Association. She and her husband, Michael, live in East Vincent Township. 118 W. MARKET STREET SUITE 300 WEST CHESTER, PA 19382-2928 (610) 436-4400 Ext.108 (610) 436-6179 FAX mbernardo@buckleyllp.com