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Bernstein Shur Welcomes Energy and Environmental Attorney Richard Qualey


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Bernstein Shur Welcomes Energy and Environmental Attorney Richard Qualey

Bernstein Shur is pleased to announce that Richard Qualey recently joined its Energy and Environmental Practice Groups as an associate. A dynamic attorney and formally trained chemical engineer, Richard seamlessly blends technical expertise with legal acumen to provide strategic counsel to clients navigating energy, environmental, and land-use transactions, and complex regulatory compliance matters.

Prior to Bernstein Shur, Richard gained legal experience as an associate focused on land use, environmental, and real estate law at another Portland firm, following a year-long experience as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Joseph M. Jabar of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.  A trained chemical engineer, Richard explored a variety of industries before turning to law—from a chemical engineer and project manager in Maine’s paper industry, to a brewer, packaging technician, and tasting room manager in Maine’s growing brewery industry. These diverse experiences, combining technical know-how with hands-on work, sharpened his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, equipping him with the unique perspective and practical approach to problem-solving that make him a trusted advisor to clients.

“Richard has the ability to make even the most complex regulatory challenges feel approachable,” said David Littell, Shareholder in the firm’s Energy & Environmental Practice Groups. “His technical background, combined with his welcoming and assured demeanor, makes him an invaluable resource for our clients. He listens attentively, communicates with clarity, and provides practical solutions that makes practical sense.”

Richard earned his JD from the University of Maine School of Law, cum laude, and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Maine. He is admitted to practice in the State of Maine and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. Richard is an active member of the legal community, serving as Treasurer of the Maine State Bar Association’s New Lawyers Sections, and he is commitment to community service, providing pro bono legal services in his community and having participated in the 2023 Volunteer Lawyers Project Justice Andrew M. Mead Fellowship for Pro Bono Service.

Bernstein Shur’s Energy Practice Group provides strategic counsel on regulatory compliance, project development, and complex energy transactions, helping developers, utilities, and businesses navigate the evolving energy landscape. Our Environmental Practice Group guides clients through permitting, compliance, and risk management, ensuring they meet state and federal regulations while addressing land use and conservation challenges. The team also has deep environmental litigation experience, handling complex and high-stakes environmental tort and regulatory cases locally and nationwide.