Ray Bernstein was a law clerk for the Honorable Fern M. Smith of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and later served as Senior Staff Attorney, Criminal Research Division, for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Ray has also practiced civil and criminal law in California and has received numerous awards for his pro bono service.

• Recipient, Volunteer of the Month Award, Bar Association of San Francisco, May 2007
• Recipient, Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service awards, Bar Association of San Francisco, 1996, 1998, 2006
• Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California, 1997