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Bernadette R. Nelson

Associate

Biography

Bernadette Nelson is an attorney in the Litigation & Trial Group. She represents clients in complex commercial litigation matters in both state and federal court, drawing on experience gained at a top national firm and a federal clerkship to deliver strategic, results-oriented counsel.

Before joining McNaul, Bernadette was a litigation associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in Washington, D.C., where she assisted multinational companies with high-stakes civil litigation, including consumer protection and class action defense. She served as a law clerk to the Honorable Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, assisting with criminal and civil jury trials and hearings.

Bernadette earned her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2020. During law school, she served as Senior Articles Editor for the Iowa Law Review and was awarded the Hancher-Finkbine Medallion — the university's most prestigious recognition of student leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.

A native of Wyoming, Bernadette is an avid skier, hiker, and camper who spends as much time as possible in the mountains. She is also a passionate traveler and lover of the arts, with a particular appreciation for theater and contemporary dance.

Education

The University of Iowa College of Law (JD, 2020)

Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service (BS, 2014), cum laude

Bar Admissions

Washington State (Pending)

Washington D.C.

Wyoming

Court Admissions

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Congratulations to MENH Attorneys Named in the 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers®

McNaul Ebel Nawrot & Helgren PLLC is proud to share that 15 attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

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