Bernstein Shur Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1915 by Israel Bernstein, Bernstein Shur has evolved from a solo practice into one of New England's largest and most entrepreneurial law firms. With over 100 attorneys and professionals, the firm operates offices in Portland and Augusta, Maine, and Manchester, New Hampshire. Bernstein Shur provides practical and innovative counsel across more than 20 key practice areas, serving clients throughout the United States and globally.

Key Strategic Focus

Bernstein Shur's strategic focus encompasses a broad spectrum of legal services, including:

Business & Corporate Law: Advising on mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, private capital, corporate restructuring, intellectual property, data privacy, cybersecurity, tax and estate planning, international business, and succession planning.

Business Restructuring & Insolvency: Representing clients in business bankruptcy and Chapter 11 cases, with a significant presence in New England and major reorganization courts nationwide.

Energy & Environmental: Assisting clients in contract negotiation, governmental approvals, permitting, insurance coverage, real estate control for projects, and tax valuations of energy assets.

Government & Public Affairs: Providing public affairs, communications, lobbying, political campaign, and government relations services, leveraging deep connections with lawmakers and key decision-makers.

Labor & Employment: Counseling public and private sector clients on employment litigation, administrative hearings, labor negotiations, collective bargaining, and compliance with employment laws.

Litigation: Offering representation in commercial litigation, construction disputes, data security issues, product liability, real estate matters, and municipal litigation.

Real Estate: Handling complex real estate transactions, including energy projects, commercial developments, leasing, condominium development, and real estate litigation.

Financials and Funding

Bernstein Shur's estimated annual revenue is approximately $87.6 million, with a revenue per employee of $297,000. The firm has a workforce of around 295 employees.

Leadership Team

Joan Fortin: Chief Executive Officer.

Julie Boehme: Chief Operating Officer.

Matt Kramer: Chief Information Officer.

Arnold Macdonald: Owner.

James Keenan: Partner and Shareholder.

Len Gulino: Partner.

Leadership Changes

In 2021, Joan Fortin was appointed as CEO, marking a significant leadership transition for the firm.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The legal services market in New England is competitive, with firms vying for clients across various industries. Bernstein Shur's comprehensive service offerings and strategic focus position it as a formidable player in this landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt: Employs 371 individuals with an estimated revenue of $62.1 million.

McConnell Valdés: Employs 244 individuals with an estimated revenue of $38.7 million.

Baird Holm: Employs 166 individuals with an estimated revenue of $38.6 million.

Crowe & Dunlevy: Employs 274 individuals with an estimated revenue of $38.7 million.

Richards, Layton & Finger: Employs 330 individuals with an estimated revenue of $44.8 million.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Bernstein Shur is Maine's exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world's leading association of independent law firms, enabling the firm to provide seamless, cross-border support to clients globally.

Operational Insights

The firm's strategic considerations include:

Client-Centric Approach: Emphasizing efficiency and client satisfaction by avoiding over-lawyering and over-staffing, ensuring solutions are prioritized over processes.

Talent Acquisition: Attracting nationally recognized lawyers seeking a balance between high-quality legal practice and quality of life, thereby enhancing the firm's expertise and client service.

Simplification of Complex Issues: Delivering world-class legal services in the simplest and most sensible ways possible, ensuring clients can easily understand and implement legal advice.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Bernstein Shur's strategic roadmap includes:

Expansion of Practice Areas: Continuously developing new practice areas to meet evolving client needs, such as the recent establishment of a Media and Marketing practice.

Technological Integration: Leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and client engagement, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of legal innovation.

Community Engagement: Maintaining a strong commitment to public service and civic engagement, reflecting the firm's foundational values and enhancing its reputation.