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Bernstein Shur
News & Resources | Firm News
Bernstein Shur, one of northern New England’s largest law firms, announced today that more than 50 percent of the firm’s attorneys provided pro bono legal assistance in 2010, logging in over 1,800 hours and providing $470,000 worth of services at no cost to local organizations and individuals in need.
At a time when law firms nationwide have struggled in the wake of the recession, Bernstein Shur has maintained its commitment to providing pro bono assistance to nonprofit organizations and struggling individuals.
The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is among the organizations Bernstein Shur aided last year. VLP matches Maine attorneys with low-income community members in need of legal services or advice. The VLP is currently involved in the ‘Maine Attorneys Saving Homes’ project to provide advocacy for mediation in home foreclosure cases.
Bernstein Shur attorneys also volunteered their services to the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) last year. Maine’s only nonprofit provider of free or low-fee immigration and related legal services, ILAP has long relied on Bernstein Shur attorneys, according to Lori Dwyer, a Bernstein Shur attorney who serves as vice president of the ILAP board.
“Bernstein Shur attorneys serve in ever-increasing numbers on ILAP’s pro bono panel, helping immigrants and refugees living under the threat of death in their native countries obtain asylum in the United States,” said Dwyer. “We are humbled by these clients and extremely proud to be able to use our skills as attorneys and advocates to make a difference in the lives of these individuals and families.”
Bernstein Shur has maintained a commitment to community and charitable services since the firm was founded 85 years ago, according to Charles E. Miller, chief executive officer of Bernstein Shur. “Pro bono work has been ingrained in the firm’s culture from the beginning. We encourage and reward our attorneys to serve the community by providing those in need with legal support and representation to be equal participants in our justice system.”