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Bernstein Shur
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PORTLAND, ME, December 12, 2011 – Bernstein Shur, one of northern New England’s largest law firms, announced today that attorney and shareholder Linda McGill has been honored as “Volunteer of the Decade” by the International Senior Lawyers Project at its tenth anniversary gala luncheon held December 1 in New York, NY.
The gala included guests of honor George Soros, founder and chairman of the Open Society Foundations and Aric Press, editor in chief of American Lawyer Media. Soros was the keynote speaker for the event, held at the Yale Club in midtown Manhattan. Congratulatory videos were sent by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of the Republic of Liberia and actor and philanthropist, Matt Damon. Click here to watch the video from Matt Damon.
McGill, who has served as a volunteer with ISLP for the past eight years, is among five attorneys who were selected for the honor. The distinction recognizes individuals in the practice of law who have worked tirelessly and diligently to carry out ISLP’s mission of providing world-class legal counsel to the global community in areas where legal assistance is greatly needed in order to promote the rule of law, human rights and equitable economic development.
As part of her service to ISLP, Linda traveled to New Delhi, India, including a prolonged five-month stay, to work with the Human Rights Law Network, one of the most significant human-rights organizations in India. She worked with HRLN’s legal staff on a wide range of human-rights issues, including violations of defendants’ rights, workplace sexual harassment, environmental justice and discrimination against the dalit (the outcasts of India’s society).
McGill has continued to serve as an advisor to the Human Rights Law Network and the Center for Constitutional Rights in India. “ISLP’s work has a direct impact on many communities and countries that lack access to the kind of legal resources needed to advance human rights and economic justice at both the individual and institutional levels,” she said.
“In addition to the achievements of her work with HRLN,” said Jean Berman, executive director of ISLP, “Linda made an invaluable contribution to ISLP by demonstrating the validity of our founding concept – that experienced lawyers from countries with developed legal systems can make a significant contribution in developing countries. Moreover, Linda became an ardent ambassador on behalf of ISLP and, as a result, seven other Maine volunteers, including retired Bernstein Shur Shareholder Joseph Hahn, have participated in assignments to Africa, Asia and Latin America. When it came time to select notable volunteers, there was no doubt in our minds that Linda would be one of our honorees.”
McGill is a member of Bernstein Shur’s Labor and Employment Practice Group as well as the firm’s Municipal and Regulatory Practice Group. She represents business, non-profit and public-sector employers in labor relations, collective bargaining, avoiding and defending employment-discrimination claims, wage and hour issues, executive compensation and employment-law compliance. She teaches and trains extensively on human-resources and employment-law topics and has published numerous articles in the field.
“Linda exemplifies the passion and commitment to community that we value among Bernstein Shur attorneys,” said Charles E. Miller, the firm’s chief executive officer. “She puts her considerable legal experience and talent to work both at home and abroad.”
A resident of Freeport, Maine, McGill has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine School of Law, teaching employment-discrimination law. In 2007, she was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in New England and is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell. She is recognized in both Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA, where she ranks No. 1 for her work in labor and employment law.
McGill is a 1971 graduate from Randolph-Macon Women’s College, where she received her B.S. She received her J.D. in 1978 from Northeastern University School of Law.
About Bernstein Shur
Widely regarded as one of New England’s most entrepreneurial firms, Bernstein Shur is a multi-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys in Maine and New Hampshire offices. Founded in 1915, the firm provides practical and innovative counsel throughout the region and around the world. Bernstein Shur is Maine’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. www.bernsteinshur.com.