Bernhard is the Managing Member of C.J. Lawrence. Prior to relaunching CJL in 2014, Bernhard spent 16 years at ISI Group Inc. Bernhard began his career in 1989 as a corporate banker in London at Deutsche Bank AG in its structured finance division. During that time, he gained experience across many sectors in project and asset-based finance deals for large multi-national corporations. In 1991, Bernhard spearheaded an initiative to match UK investors with opportunities offered by the newly formed Treuhandanstalt, a Trust Agency established by the German government in Berlin to privatize about 8500 state-owned enterprises formerly owned by the GDR post German unification.

In 1993, he joined the Assets Management Products Group at Deutsche Bank Securities in New York. His responsibilities included structuring and launching numerous Irish-based, tax-driven investment companies for predominantly German Corporates. In 1994, he helped lead a Rights Offering for The New Germany Fund, Inc., one of Deutsche Bank’s flagship closed end funds. In 1996, he launched the DB Brazil Investment Fund. In 1997, he brought to market the DB New World Fund, an emerging market, local currency fund. In 1997, he brought to market the DB New World Fund, an emerging market, local currency fund and also launched the DB Top 50 US Funds, based on Jim Moltz’s Bulldog investment strategy.

In 1997, Bernhard transitioned to asset management. Led by his mentor and current CJL chairman, Jim Moltz, he co-managed both the DB Top 50 US Fund and DB Bulldog Portfolios. The same year he joined the CIO office of DB’s Private Banking division directing its risk management and new products initiatives.

At CJL, Bernhard advises high net worth clients, foundations and family offices across most investable asset classes. Bernhard leads CJL’s investment advisory effort which includes thematic Unit Investment Trusts: Bulldog Equity, European Select and the American Renaissance Portfolios.

Bernhard received his M.A. in International Relations & Economics from Johns Hopkins University, SAIS and his BA in International Studies from George Mason University. He also attended NYU Stern School of Business as a part of his training at Deutsche Bank. He is the President & Trustee of The Opera Foundation, a New York based non-profit involved in the Arts.