Tory Dowd Bernsen is a partner at Muhlenkamp & Bernsen, Attorneys at Law. She focuses on criminal defense, DWI, and appellate advocacy. Tony Muhlenkamp and Tory first began working together at a large criminal defense firm in St. Louis in 2008. They represented clients for several years on numerous matters, ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. During that time, they developed a trusted relationship which enabled them to work well together and advocate effectively for their clients.
Tory focused largely on appellate advocacy until she left the large firm and began working for the State of Missouri prosecuting administrative DWIs and representing the State on various driver license matters. Tony remained at the firm and continued representing clients in state and federal trial courts.
In 2015, Tory and Tony decided to open their own firm, handling criminal defense and appellate cases. Based on their prior experiences in the field, Muhlenkamp & Bernsen’s founding principle is to encourage and foster a direct line of communication between the attorney and the client. The firm values success by the quality of representation, the positive results realized, and the attention to detail it provides to all clients as opposed to the number of files opened.
Tory and Tony possess “big firm” knowledge and experience while providing it in an individualized and compassionate “small firm” setting.
St. Louis County DWI Treatment Team
Tory is also a defense attorney on the St. Louis County DWI treatment team program, helping clients dealing with alcohol abuse or addiction obtain the help they need to make a positive change in their lives. Besides helping program participants obtain the most favorable outcome in their cases, she and the DWI court team monitors each participant’s progress throughout treatment until they achieve an alcohol or drug-free lifestyle.
Training & Certifications
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys:
Awards
2020 Atticus Finch Award
- This award is given to those who serve unflinchingly, while defending unpopular clients or taking up unpopular causes.