Bernstein Shur is proud to join Portland Hearts of Pine as the professional soccer club’s Official Law Firm and top-tier Dirigo Partner—a partnership rooted in performance, community, and the enduring spirit of Northern New England.
Learn More
Built for more than the game
Portland Hearts of Pine has quickly become more than a soccer club, building a passionate following around a movement rooted in optimism, ambition, and pride of place. The club was created to rally the community and culture of Maine around soccer while building something that represents all who have their hearts in Maine.
That spirit strongly resonates with us. Established in Portland, Maine in 1915, Bernstein Shur was founded with a clear mission: to strengthen the community and help businesses grow. Our founder, Israel Bernstein, the son of Jewish immigrants, built his own law practice after opportunities were denied to him because of his background—creating a culture of determination, resilience, and purpose that continues to shape our firm today.
This partnership brings together two organizations that share a belief in the power of community, personal accountability, and encouraging people to lead with purpose. We both believe that meaningful impact starts with showing up every day ready to perform at a high level while staying deeply connected to the communities we serve.
Why we’re all in
We believe great teams are built by people who bring not only talent, but energy, accountability, and a genuine commitment to something bigger than themselves. That belief drives how we build our teams, serve our clients, and show up for our communities.
Hearts of Pine reflects the authenticity and pride that define Maine and Northern New England more broadly. Like us, the club cares deeply about representing this region well, investing in local communities, and creating something people are proud to stand behind.
Raising the game locally
As a Dirigo Partner, we are proud to support Hearts of Pine’s continued growth and community engagement efforts throughout the region while helping spotlight nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact across Northern New England.
From community initiatives to game-day experiences, this partnership is about creating lasting connections and investing in organizations helping shape the future of the region through leadership, innovation, and community connection.
“The Hearts’ rally cries of ‘Raise Your Game’ and ‘Lead With Your Heart’ resonate with our firm’s culture and our pursuit of excellence in how we serve our clients, support one another, and engage with our communities. At Bernstein Shur, we believe excellence is something you pursue intentionally every day—with creativity, resilience, and heart.”
Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus
Chief Executive Officer, Bernstein Shur
“From the beginning, Hearts of Pine has represented something bigger than sports. There’s an authenticity to Bernstein Shur’s story, values, and people that immediately resonated with us. We both believe in building something meaningful here, investing in our communities, and showing up every day ready to perform at a high level. That alignment made this partnership feel incredibly natural.”
Gabe Hoffman-Johnson
Founder & Chief Community Officer, Hearts of Pine
“What makes this partnership especially meaningful is that both organizations are strongly connected to this place. Bernstein Shur and Hearts of Pine both have strong roots in Maine and New Hampshire, but the impact and relationships we build extend far beyond state lines. We care deeply about community, representing this region well, and creating something people are proud to stand behind.”
Kevin Schohl
President & Chief Business Officer, Hearts of Pine