Bernard T. Klimist

Bernard T. Klimist is a trial lawyer. He has been Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law for over 30 years. He has been a licensed attorney for over 40 years, since 1981, having graduated from SMU School of Law. Prior to that, he attended SMU as an undergraduate, obtaining a business degree with an emphasis in accounting and was in charge of a manufacturing company with a national presence. A tried-and-true Texan, Mr. Klimist was born and raised in Dallas. In 1981, Mr. Klimist moved to Victoria, Texas, where after a year with a local firm, he opened his own office which has been in practice for 40 years. 

Through the years he has handled numerous complex cases drawing notoriety, having been interviewed and featured on HBO and Arts Entertainment regarding his representation in a capital murder case. In the last 40 years he has tried hundreds of cases, including jury trials, of all forms for both plaintiffs and defendants. He has obtained multiple verdicts in the millions of dollars and has represented victims who have suffered devastating tragedies. He has been awarded the highest AV rating by Martindale Hubbell, the agency which gives rankings to legal professionals. Additionally, in 2011, he was named in Texas Monthly as a Super Lawyer for Plaintiff Personal Injury representation. Most recently, Mr. Klimist was named “Best of the Best” in Civil Trial Law. He is licensed in both State and Federal court and is a sustaining fellow of the State Bar Texas Bar Foundation.

Bernard T. Klimist believes that it is not only his duty as a lawyer, but as a person, to give back to his community. He has been a member of the boards of numerous non-profit charity organizations in the Victoria area, such as Hospice and Theatre Victoria, and served as a member of the VISD Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2016. After joining the board in 2003, in 2004 he took the position as President to lead the district to the record bond election which resulted in the two new high schools and numerous other facilities in VISD. He has also served as regional chairperson for the Do the Right Thing National Anti-Violence Initiative.

As passionate as he is for his practice of law and his community, neither touches his dedication to his family. He has been with his wife, Laura, for over 38 years and together they have a beautiful daughter, Kate. Bernard T. Klimist’s love for his family gives him the insight to help people as they face the problems that life presents them. As the case with a doctor, no one likes going to an attorney, but when it is necessary, you want someone who is experienced and will represent you as if they were your own family.