PORTLAND, Maine — Bernstein Shur, one of Northern New England’s most respected law firms, is proud to announce its partnership with Portland Hearts of Pine as the professional soccer club’s Official Law Firm and Dirigo Partner—the organization’s premier partnership tier.
It brings together two organizations that share a belief in the power of community, personal accountability, and encouraging people to lead with purpose.
Since its launch, 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. That spirit strongly aligns with Bernstein Shur’s culture and values.
Established in Portland, Maine in 1915, Bernstein Shur was founded with a clear mission: to strengthen the community and help businesses grow. Founder Israel Bernstein, the son of Jewish immigrants, built his own law practice after opportunities were denied to him because of his background—a spirit of determination, resilience, and purpose that continues to shape the firm today.
“From the beginning, Hearts of Pine has represented something bigger than sports,” said Hearts of Pine Founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson. “There’s 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.”
This is a shared mindset across both entities: a belief that great teams are built by people who bring not only their talents, but energy, accountability, and a genuine commitment to something bigger than themselves.
“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,” said Bernstein Shur CEO Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus. “At Bernstein Shur, we believe excellence is something you pursue intentionally every day—with creativity, resilience, and heart. That mindset has defined this firm since 1915, and it continues to shape the core of who we are.”
As a Dirigo Partner, Bernstein Shur will support the club’s continued growth and community engagement efforts throughout the region, while also creating opportunities to spotlight and support nonprofits making an impact across Northern New England.
“What makes this partnership especially meaningful is that both organizations are strongly connected to this place,” said Hearts of Pine President Kevin Schohl. “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.”
The partnership reflects Bernstein Shur’s continued investment in organizations helping shape the future of the region through leadership, innovation, and community connection.
About Bernstein Shur
Founded in 1915, Bernstein Shur is a New England-based law firm that advises clients across the U.S. and around the world. Our 100+ award-winning attorneys and professionals practice in more than 20 critical areas and a variety of industries. We believe in diversity, respect, and collegiality and maintain a deep commitment to serve the communities in which we live and work. While we’re proud of our roots, accolades, and wide-ranging expertise, it’s not only our substance that sets us apart; it’s also our approach. We relish simplifying the complex. We believe that sophisticated doesn’t have to mean stuffy, and we’re not just accessible—we’re approachable. We fight hard for our clients, but calm persistence and collaboration are often our weapons of choice. Most importantly, we believe that being mindful of our clients’ bottom lines is ultimately better for our own. Over the past century, these values have become the essence of Bernstein Shur. And they produce better results—and better experiences—for our clients. For more information, visit our website. Click to learn more about our partnership with Hearts of Pine.
About Hearts of Pine
Portland Hearts of Pine is Maine’s professional soccer club, and plays in USL League One, the third tier of professional soccer in the United States. A community club rooted in using Soccer for Good, in the 2025 inaugural season Hearts established community programming, set league records for attendance and consecutive sell-outs, all while advancing to the playoff semi-finals and pulling off major upsets along the way. The club’s mission is simple yet ambitious: to create an elite club that embodies the spirit of Maine while driving economic, cultural, and community impact across the city and state. Hearts are a reflection of Maine’s diverse communities and landscapes—from the Highlands to Downeast, Casco Bay to Acadia, Aroostook to the Forest City. Our club motto expands upon the state’s own—Dirigo (Latin for “I lead”)—centering on the heart as a symbol of strength, unity, and hope. Learn more about hearts of Pine here.