Bernard F. McGovern, Esq.

Bernard McGovern is a partner in Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP's Wills, Trusts, and Estates Practice, concentrating in Trust and Estate Planning and Trust and Estate Administration.

His practice also includes Trust and Estate Accounting and Trust and Estate Litigation, in addition to Guardianship proceedings, Elder Law matters, and real property law.

Mr. McGovern is widely recognized by peers for his expertise. He advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries on their rights and obligations, including all aspects of contested probate and discovery proceedings and estate tax proceedings.

Mr. McGovern served in the United States Army Reserve for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

BAR ADMISSIONS

New York, 1974

EDUCATION

J.D., St. John’s University School of Law, 1973

- Dean’s List; American Jurisprudence Award

B.A., History, Marist College, 1970

- Cum Laude

MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS

New York State Bar Association; Trust and Estate Section
Queens County Bar Association; Surrogate Court Committee
Nassau County Bar Association; Surrogate Court Committee
Member, former President, Blackstone Lawyers Club
Member, Catholic Lawyers Guild
Member, Knights of Columbus
Member, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
Member, 77^th Infantry Division Reserve Officers Association
Former advisory board member, Ticor Title

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

The Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, 2024 – 2025
Avvo, 5-star reviewed member
LI Herald “2022 Top Lawyer of Long Island,” Lifetime Achievement Award
LI Herald “2021 Top Lawyer of Long Island,” Estates & Trusts
U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms in America," 2022 (firmwide)
Chambers USA Regional Spotlight NY: Trusts & Estates, 2024 (practice)
U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms in America: Elder Law," 2022 – Present (practice)
New York Law Journal “New York’s Top Rated Trusts and Estates Lawyers,” 2020 (practice)
Global Law Experts 2020 “Trusts and Estates Litigation Law firm of the Year in New York, US” (practice)
Nominee, LI Herald “2019 Top Lawyers of Long Island,” Estates & Trusts

PRO BONO & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project
Queens County Bar Mentor Program
St. John’s University School of Law Externship Program
Formerly, Development Committee of the American Cancer Society, Queens County Branch

Testimonials

“When I sat with Mr. McGovern and explained my case, my sister and I knew right away this prestigious law firm was THE ONE. Mr. McGovern gave me the confidence that everything was going to be fine. Mr. ...”
- Eliz P.
“Quality attorney group we used for estate planning. The team was friendly, helpful, and extremely proficient. They guided me through some very difficult planning processes. I can only give them the ...”
- Joseph R.
“Thank you for the services you continue to provide to Mr. P. I will continue to tell my colleagues that the ease in which your office works with the client and our facility is leaps and bounds beyond ...”
- Gregg B.
“I had the pleasure of having both Mr. Trotti and Mr. McGovern handle legal services for me and they did so with great knowledge, a comforting manner and ease. They were friendly, professional and ...”
- De'bra S
“"Worked with Bernie McGovern and he was extremely helpful and patient. My wife and I are very happy with his service and experience."”
- Joe C.
“Mr. McGovern is a gentleman and a scholar. When my wife and I were interested in setting up a trust we called him. He came over and discussed with us our options. He set up the trust and looked over ...”
- Sebastian R.
“You guys have been a wonderful experience in such an unfun time of someone’s life. Even if it’s just to reach out for an answer and hear some reassurance.”
- Ken H.

Bernard F. McGovern

Publications

Testimonials

Get In Touch