Bernstein Shur, one of northern New England’s largest law firms, announced its annual pro bono and volunteer service results. In addition to three attorneys who were individually honored, the firm also is recognizing its staff group, the Sunshine Committee.

Sumner T. Bernstein Pro Bono Award
Attorney David Soley, member of the firm’s Real Estate and Litigation Practice Groups, was recognized for his pro bono work with the Sumner T. Bernstein Pro Bono Award. Soley provided support to many organizations in the community, including:

• His organization and advocacy setting up the Maine Homeless Legal Clinic

• Defending the rights of Kaci Hickox, a nurse who treated Ebola patients in Sierra Leone

• Challenging the Maine Department of Corrections policy which precludes loved ones from contacting prisoners suspected of domestic infractions

Barnett I. Shur Civic Award
Attorney Caleb DuBois, member of the firm’s Business Law Practice Group and Financial Services and Securities Law Group, was recognized for his volunteer work with the Barnett I. Shur Civic Award. DuBois received the award for his continued work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine. Having been involved in the organization since 2008, DuBois has served on many boards and committees within BBBS including on the board of directors since 2010. He works with staff and other board members to organize and run multiple fundraising events to support BBBS’s year-round commitment to at risk youth in communities across southern Maine.

Maine Supreme Court’s Katahdin Counsel
Attorney Jack Montgomery, member of the Energy and Environmental Practice Group, was honored for his continued service to Maine’s asylum seekers through the Immigrant Legal Aid Project. To be recognized by the Maine Supreme Court’s Katahdin Counsel, an attorney must provide more than 50 hours of pro bono service a year, placing them in the top tier of those donating legal services. Jack recently helped his client obtain asylum from the Immigration Court in Boston following a hearing in February. As a result of this decision the client will be permitted to remain in Maine where he is working hard to build a new life, rather than be returned to his home country where he faced torture and death.

Bernstein Shur’s Sunshine Committee
The firm’s Sunshine Committee, a staff-managed program, provides year-round efforts within the firm to raise funds, goods, and raise awareness to a myriad of causes in our community. The committee has been able to collect warm clothing, blankets, food and monies from within the firm to support its efforts to assist those in need. During 2014, the Sunshine Committee provided services to a variety of organizations, including:

• The Salvation Army by sponsoring a single parent with children for the holiday season

• Preble Street with both food and funds

• Secret Santa Project

• Purchased winter outdoor clothing for boys from Long Creek Youth Center

• Donated city bus passes

• Purchased educational toys for an organization’s younger clients and back to school supplies for less fortunate children

• Gorham House with Thanksgiving dinner and a monetary donation

• Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance with flashlights, socks, coats and blankets

Widely regarded as one of New England’s most entrepreneurial law firms, Bernstein Shur has more than 100 attorneys in offices in Maine and New Hampshire. Founded in 1915, the firm provides practical and innovative counsel in the areas of business law, litigation, and municipal law to clients throughout the region and around the world. Bernstein Shur is Maine’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms.