Bernstein Shur is a New England-headquartered law firm that advises clients across the US and around the world.
Our diverse group of award-winning attorneys and professionals work in more than two dozen critical practice areas and specialize in a wide variety of industries.
We’re proud of our roots, accolades, and wide-ranging expertise. But it’s not only our substance that sets us apart; it’s the way we approach our work and our relationships.
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We believe that sophisticated doesn’t have to mean stuffy or formal, and reserve legalese for other lawyers.
We relish simplifying the complex, and recognize practical can also be impressive.
We’re not just accessible—we’re approachable. Our lawyers are people first, and are easy to get to know and work alongside.
We fight hard for our clients, but calm persistence and collaboration are often our weapons of choice.
We are creative problem solvers who never over-lawyer or overstaff, delivering the efficient outcomes you need.
At Bernstein Shur, excellence isn’t optional—it’s our standard. We don’t just meet expectations; we set the bar higher every day. Our team is made up of relentless go-getters who lead with passion, integrity, and a fierce commitment to delivering top-tier counsel. When clients choose Bernstein Shur, they’re choosing trusted partners who never settle and who fight for their success as if it were our own.
Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus
Chief Executive Officer
How we started, and how we grew.
Established in Portland, Maine in 1915, founding partner Israel Bernstein built the firm with a clear mission: to strengthen his community and help businesses grow. The son of poor Jewish immigrants, he was smart, driven, and determined—not one to take “No” for an answer, especially when doors were closed to him simply because of his background.
More than a century later, that spirit of bold advocacy and unwavering professionalism has propelled Bernstein Shur to continue serving clients with the same dedication: helping businesses grow, communities thrive, and new opportunities flourish.
1915
After graduating from Harvard Law School, Israel Bernstein sets up a solo practice in Portland, Maine.
1930s/40s
The practice grows with the addition of Israel’s brother, Louis, and son, Sumner.
1960
Future Bernstein Shur named partner Leonard Nelson joins the practice.
1964
After merging with Shur & Sawyer, another Portland firm, Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson is born.
1990
The firm adds an office in Augusta, Maine, to better position its Government and Public Affairs team to interact with all branches of state government and provide legal and strategic counsel to commercial and municipal clients.
2003
Bernstein Shur opens its first office across state lines in Manchester, New Hampshire, to better service its clients.
Our firm has not grown by accident. Our strategic plan and policies remain quite simple: hire ethical, intelligent, energetic, ambitious people; pay them fairly; disregard gender, sexual orientation and ethnic background; show up every day; return calls promptly. Think all the time about giving good value to your clients.
Lenny Nelson
Senior Shareholder
Bernstein Shur today: a world-class resource for clients.
We’ve grown with intention throughout our history, delivering smart, sustainable, top-tier service in a way that’s grounded, practical, and client-focused.
- We’ve built a diverse team of attorneys, consultants and operations professionals that embody our values and commitment to exceptional client work and service.
- We’ve recruited and developed nationally recognized attorneys: More than half of our shareholders are listed in Best Lawyers in America.
- Through the talent and hard work of our teams, we’ve built many nationally ranked practice areas, including our energy, environmental, real estate and business law practices.
- We’ve become one of northern New England’s largest law firms, expanding our national reach and deepening our local commitment with offices in Augusta, Maine, and Manchester, New Hampshire.
- True to our founder’s vision, we remain steadfast in our commitment to giving back: proudly holding leadership roles in charitable, political, bar and civic organizations; dedicating thousands of hours to pro bono legal services; and rolling up our sleeves to volunteer in our communities.
We are continuing our legacy as we usher in a new era for our firm, building boldly on more than a century of excellence. We’re positioning the firm for strategic growth, expanded reach, and the next generation of opportunities for our clients, people, and communities.