Bernstein Shur Continues Strong Commitment to Pro Bono Service

Eben Albert-Knopp and Phil Gleason Honored by Firm for
Exceptional Volunteer Service

Bernstein Shur, one of northern New England’s largest law firms, continued its commitment to pro bono legal service in 2013 with nearly half a million dollars in legal services donated. Significant projects include helping establish a new ME legal clinic for the homeless, work in a domestic violence clinic, helping families whose lives are endangered seek asylum and new homes in ME, organizing a charity to assist homeless veterans, and defending indigent people accused of serious crimes.

“I am proud of my colleagues’ continued dedication to pro bono services for those in need,” said Arnie Macdonald, attorney and chair of the Pro Bono Committee at Bernstein Shur. “Their commitment to volunteerism is astonishing in its breadth and depth and shows how devoted our firm and its attorneys are to being impactful community members.”

Each year, Bernstein Shur recognizes two attorneys for their exceptional commitment to pro bono and community service. The following attorneys were honored for their 2013 dedication at a firm event in December:

Eben Albert-Knopp

Eben M. Albert-Knopp, member of the firm’s Business Law Practice Group and Litigation Group, received the Sumner T. Bernstein Pro Bono Award for his pro bono work. Albert-Knopp has provided legal representation to individuals and families seeking asylum, including a particularly lengthy case currently pending in the Boston Immigration Court. That case has spanned several years and involved foreign investigations by special agents of the Department of Homeland Security.

Phil Gleason

Philip H. Gleason, shareholder and member of the firm’s Business Law, Energy Law and Real Estate practice groups, received the Barnett I. Shur Civic Award for a career of volunteerism including his recent work with Bangor Theological Seminary. Gleason is the chairman of the BTS board and is currently leading the transition to the BTS Center, which will operate as a non-profit charitable organization to support clergy and laity.