Bernstein Shur Announces 2015 Awards for Excellence and Pro Bono Service

Portland and Augusta, ME and Manchester, NH (February 24, 2016) – Bernstein Shur, one of northern New England’s largest law firms, recently announced 2015 pro bono and volunteer service results. In addition to two attorneys who were individually honored, the firm honored its staff group, the Sunshine Committee.

Sumner T. Bernstein Pro Bono Award

Talesha Saint-Marc

Talesha Saint-Marc, member of the Labor & Employment and Litigation & Dispute Resolution practices groups, was recognized with the Sumner T. Bernstein Pro Bono Award for her pro bono work. Saint-Marc provided legal services to victims of domestic violence, including a custody trial for a mother and son. Saint-Marc documented the mother’s suffering and helped the mother obtain  permanent custody of her young son.

Barnett I. Shur Civic Award

Sunshine Committee

The Sunshine Committee, a dedicated group of Bernstein Shur’s staff members who engage in year-round efforts to raise funds, collect donated goods, and raise awareness for the needy in our community, was recognized for its volunteer work with the Barnett I. Shur Civic Award. The committee members are: Janet Davis, chair; Jo Dyke, Ruth Earley, Mandy Furbush, Debra Humason-Fulgham, Robin Learned, Karla Quirk, Laura Rodrigues, Angela Stewart, Michelle Thomas and Angie White.

The committee collects warm clothing, blankets, food and monies from within the firm to support its efforts to assist those in need. During 2015, the Sunshine Committee provided services to a variety of organizations, including:

• The Salvation Army, sponsoring a single parent with children, two teenagers and an elderly woman for the holiday season
• ME Homeless Veterans Alliance, donating flashlights, socks, coats, bottled water, holiday stocking stuffers and blankets
• Monetary donations to Camp Sunshine
• Helping single mothers provide their families with holiday gifts, decorations and clothing
• Providing gifts to two veterans who did not have family or friends to share the holidays

ME Supreme Court’s Katahdin Counsel

David Soley

David Soley, member of the firm’s Real Estate and Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice groups, was honored for his continued service to American Civil Liberties Union and ME Homeless Legal Clinic. To be recognized by the ME Supreme Court’s Katahdin Counsel, an attorney must provide more than 50 hours of pro bono service a year, placing them in the top tier of those donating legal services.

About Bernstein Shur
Founded in 1915, Bernstein Shur is a New England-based law firm with clients across the U.S. and around the world. The firm has more than 100 award-winning attorneys and professionals who provide practical and innovative counsel in more than 20 key areas, catering to a broad range of clients and industries. Bernstein Shur is known for simplifying complex issues and winning through steadfast persistence. The firm is ME’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. More information is available at www.bernsteinshur.com.