Justice Richard Bernstein, Michigan State Supreme Court Justice, is the first blind and youngest State Supreme Court Justice in the U.S.

Blind since birth, Justice Bernstein is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his juris doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law. As an attorney, Justice Bernstein’s cases set national standards for protection of the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities. He represented the Paralyzed Veterans of America in partnership with the United States Department of Justice to help establish guidelines that are used by all commercial facilities across the country. He represented disabled residents against the Oakland County, Michigan Road Commission after roundabout traffic circles were built without disabled access. This ruling impacted future ADA compliance for road construction throughout the US. Finally, in a landmark settlement against Delta Airlines and Detroit Metro Airport, Bernstein gained accessibility for disabled fliers, helping set the standard for which airlines and airports are to be covered under the ADA.

Justice Bernstein has completed 18 marathons and 1 triathlon.