Bernstein Shur

The Maine Department of Labor has proposed important changes to the Paid Family Medical Leave program that could significantly impact employers and employees alike. Carolyn Liegner and Pawel Binczyk outline five key updates, a timeline for the proposed rules and public comment period, and what employers should do in the coming weeks to comply. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3ADKDbs.

The Federal Trade Commission published a final rule in May prohibiting virtually all employee non-compete agreements, set to go into effect this September. But last week the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas set aside the final rule, ordering that it not be enforced or take effect on a nationwide basis. Read more from Shiloh Theberge, Chair of our Labor and Employment Practice Group, on what this means for the rule and how employers should take action: https://bit.ly/3yNaNIq

After more than 20 years working with clients in commercial real estate, James Kerouac knows a thing or two about the industry. Recently he shared a Q&A on opportunities, trends, and challenges in the commercial real estate market in New Hampshire with New Hampshire Business Review. Read more: https://bit.ly/3XfW40X

We are proud to share that 53 Bernstein Shur attorneys are recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®! Nine attorneys were named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America category, which recognizes newer attorneys for outstanding professional excellence in their field. Congratulations to Pawel Binczyk, Eviana Englert, Rachael Becker McEntee, James Monteleone, John Moran, Hilary Rheaume, Conor Shankman, Tara Walker, and Andrew Wells! Five attorneys earned the additional Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" designation, an honor exclusive to their legal specialty and location. Congratulations to Rick Gagliuso, Bob Keach, Kenneth W. Lehman, Gregory Michael, and Phil Saucier! See the full list here: https://bit.ly/3WUr6LE

We're excited to welcome associates Joshua Burger, Lucas Fortier, and Alexander Read to the firm's growing Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group! 🔸 Josh is a commercial litigator joining us from a New York firm, where he worked on numerous bet-the-company matters and gained experience working on all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation and discovery to trial and appeals. 🔸 Lucas is a commercial litigator joining from Boston, where he represented companies in a broad array of legal areas and industries, including litigation and government investigations with millions or billions of dollars at stake. 🔸 Alex is a real estate litigator joining from a Boston and Portland firm, where he worked in the trial practice group on real estate and construction matters, among others. He also serves as a Judge Advocate in the Maine Army National Guard, and spent seven years in the United States Marine Corps. “Josh, Lucas, and Alex each possess stellar credentials and have had significant experience in sophisticated litigation matters,” said Shareholder and Litigation Practice Group Co-Chair Paul McDonald. “This terrific trio adds great depth and quality to our litigation practice group.” Read more: https://bit.ly/4dDxVb9

Does your company need a lawyer for technology transactions? Shareholder Josh Silver would say yes, and here’s why. In the fast-paced world of technology, organizations are kept on their toes deciding the right strategic investments in technology to serve their customers, manage internal business functions, and achieve strategic growth. This might include: 🔹 a new software as a service (SaaS) platform 🔹 a new website vendor 🔹 an artificial intelligence product 🔹 outsourced cloud services, or 🔹 consultants for technology-related services Law firms are increasingly called upon to navigate transactions involving cutting-edge technology. Why? Because each investment comes with unique risks that must be balanced against the efficiencies and other benefits that the technology provides. Our experienced Technology Transactions Team is well-versed in this dynamic field, helping clients navigate the risks and opportunities with technology investments—both large and small—without losing sight of the big picture. Swipe below or click the link to learn more: https://bit.ly/46vceYt

Last week we said farewell to our excellent 2024 Class of Summer Associates, Tana Tufts, Emery Younger, Shraddha Khirwadkar and Son N.. For Tana and Son, the final stretch of the program includes a pro bono rotation—Tana at the New Hampshire Public Defender and Son at the ACLU of Maine (thank you to these great organizations for your partnership!). Between dipping their toes in various areas of law, trainings, and social events these past few weeks, we’ve had many highlights, including: ✔ One-on-one opportunities with a dedicated mentor. ✔ Four to five practice group rotations per student, including real estate, energy and environment, and litigation. ✔ Six social events, including a walking tour of the Portland Museum of Art with firm founding partner, Lenny Nelson, Shareholder-hosted dinners, and a Maine BayCycle Cruise. ✔ Seven trainings and panel discussions with topics including business development, career path planning, and pro bono work. To the 2024 Class, thanks for choosing to spend your summer with us! We’ll be cheering you on as you continue your law school journeys! 🎉

Come see Shareholders Matt Tarasevich and Ann M. Freeman present on Thursday, August 15, at the Maine Town and City Managers Association’s 78th New England Management Institute. The event’s sessions are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of municipal professionals and include: 🔹 "Deep Dive: Employee Discipline and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)” with Ann and Betsy Oulton, AIC, SHRM-CP, IPMA-SCP, President of HR Maine Consulting. 🔹 “How to Successfully (and Lawfully) Navigate a First Amendment Audit” with Matt, Kendra Amaral, Town Manager, Town of Kittery, Maine, and William Post, Assistant City Manager, City of Augusta. Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/4fAAwV4

We are excited to partner with CALIBRATE in the search for our next Chief Executive Officer. The CEO will oversee the strategy, performance, profitability, and operations of the firm and play a critical role in implementing a longer-term firmwide strategy. Learn more about the role and how to apply here: https://bit.ly/3WvbnU2