Born in Bucharest, he attended school there until 1855, when he left for the University of Paris.

Vernescu subsequently returned home and practiced law, amassing a substantial fortune.

From January to June 1865, he served as Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs in the cabinet of Constantin Bosianu, and was also part of the new Senate.

Elected to the constituent assembly of 1866, he was among the founders of the National Liberal Party (PNL) in 1875.

In early 1880, he quit the PNL and formed a moderate group, the Sincere Liberal Party.