PORTLAND, Maine (Jan 29, 2026) – Bernstein Shur is pleased to announce that Nick Higgins and A. Eli Leino have been elected to Shareholder, effective January 1, 2026.
“Nick and Eli exemplify the talent, drive, and client commitment that define Bernstein Shur,” said Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus, Chief Executive Officer of Bernstein Shur. “Both bring a thoughtful, strategic approach to their work and have earned the trust of clients and colleagues alike. We are excited to welcome them to the firm’s shareholder group and look forward to their continued leadership and contributions to our firm’s future.”
Nick Higgins is an attorney in the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group, with a particular focus on representing buyers and sellers in the automotive, powersports, and boat dealership industries. Over the past two years alone, Nick has advised clients on dealership transactions with an aggregate value exceeding $600 million. His practice also includes advising across a range of industries—including biotechnology, insurance, hospitality, aquaculture, and construction—on complex business transactions, commercial contracts, and strategic growth initiatives. Nick brings a distinctive entrepreneurial perspective to his work, informed by his prior experience as the owner and operator of an award-winning mead and hard cider winery. He also regularly assists nonprofit organizations with governance matters, including board issues, bylaw reviews, mergers, and dissolutions. Nick is admitted to practice in the State of Maine, the State of New Hampshire, and the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire. He earned his JD from the University of New Hampshire School of Law, summa cum laude, and his BA from the University of Southern Maine, magna cum laude.
A. Eli Leino is an attorney in the firm’s Real Estate and Land Use Practice Groups, based in Bernstein Shur’s Manchester, New Hampshire office. Eli advises clients on all aspects of commercial and residential real estate development, including land use permitting, zoning and subdivision approvals, acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing, and project financing. With prior experience as in-house counsel for a real estate developer, Eli brings a pragmatic, business-focused mindset to his practice and helps clients navigate regulatory complexity while advancing their development goals. His experience includes permitting and redeveloping large-scale projects, including recently securing entitlements and community revitalization tax relief for a large commercial and residential mixed-use project in downtown Manchester. Eli is admitted to practice in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont. He earned his JD from American University, Washington College of Law, cum laude, and his BA from Hamilton College.
About Bernstein Shur
Bernstein Shur Sawyer & Nelson is a New England-based law firm that advises clients across the US and around the world. Our 100+ award-winning attorneys and professionals practice in more than 20 critical areas and a wide range of industries. To learn more, visit www.bernsteinshur.com.