Bernstein Shur

Shareholder Hilary Rheaume has kept a close pulse on the evolving FTC guidelines on customer reviews, recognizing that for automobile, equipment, and powersports dealerships, these reviews are far more than a marketing strategy—they're a cornerstone of trust. With the final rule now in effect, it’s crucial for businesses to recognize the stricter standards and potential penalties for noncompliance. Read on for Hilary’s insights into the new regulations and how dealerships can ensure they remain compliant: https://bit.ly/3Uq1V2S

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our own Teresa Rosenberger, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 111th Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration last night. Described as "a force of nature with boundless energy and brilliant insights, universally beloved by all who know her," Teresa stands as one of the most highly respected government affairs advisors in New Hampshire. Congratulations, Teresa, on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding contributions and lasting impact! 📷: (left to right) New Hampshire Managing Shareholder Jim Merrill, CEO Joan Fortin, Teresa, Ovide Lamontagne, Mark Dean, COO Julie Boehme, William Craig, and Christina Ferrari.

As we enter our next phase of growth, we're thrilled to announce our search for a Chief People Officer to join our leadership team! This important role will help shape the future of our firm by building a world-class HR function. The ideal candidate is an experienced HR leader ready to apply their expertise in cementing our people practices foundation and building a strategic talent planning and business partnering function. As part of our Administrative Leadership team, the Chief People Officer will collaborate with the CEO, leading initiatives to strengthen our people practices and guide us forward. Interested in making an impact at one of the region’s leading law firms? We’d love to hear from you! Apply today: https://bit.ly/4h8juhL

On Wednesday, October 9, Bernstein Shur’s Eviana (Englert) Woodlinn will be speaking at the University of Maine School of Law panel hosted by the LGBTQ+ Law and Policy Group. Joining Professor Jess Feinberg and Gia Drew from Equality Maine, Evi will discuss key family law issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Evi leads our Family Formation Practice and is committed to helping families navigate complex legal pathways like adoption, surrogacy, and more. Don’t miss this event from 5-7pm at The Maine Center in Portland! Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/4eMlTgg

⏰ Reminder: Corporate Transparency Act Deadline Approaching! ⏰ Most U.S. entities will need to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) by filing beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports with FinCEN by December 31, 2024. Non-compliance could lead to significant penalties. Our latest article provides a comprehensive overview of the CTA, including: 💠 What the CTA entails 💠 Steps to file BOI reports 💠 Exemptions and penalties 💠 How Bernstein Shur can assist you 💠 Helpful resources Stay informed and ensure your business is compliant. Read the full article for all the details: https://bit.ly/3BzDvxb

We’re thrilled to announce that Shareholder Hilary Rheaume has been named Director of Pro Bono and Community Service, a volunteer position that leads and progresses the firm’s civic service work. Hilary has made pro bono and community service work a top priority in her career: she has represented victims of domestic and sexual violence in the federal and state courts and has served on numerous non-profit boards (including the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and New Hampshire Legal Assistance). Personally, giving back is part of her family’s core values: between Hilary, her husband, and their children, they have collectively participated in more than eight service trips to El Salvador. At Bernstein Shur, pro bono and community service work has been part of our fabric since 1915. In 2023 alone, attorneys committed a total of 2,958 hours, valued at nearly $1M, to serving our communities. Congratulations, Hilary! Read more: https://bit.ly/3TBJ3xE

Thank you to Richard Fabrizio and the NH Business Review for spotlighting Teresa Rosenberger’s accomplished career (and sense of humor) as one of the most highly respected government affairs advisors in New Hampshire. To those who know her, it’s no question that Teresa is deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented to her next month at the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire’s Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration. From speech writing in the office of President Richard Nixon during Watergate to partnering with the New Hampshire Brain Injury Association to pass legislation requiring kids to wear helmets (after experiencing her own bike-related brain injury), Teresa's career exemplifies resilience and commitment to public service. “She is a force of nature with boundless energy and brilliant insights, universally beloved by all who know her,” said Jim Merrill, Managing Shareholder of Bernstein Shur's Manchester office and close colleague. “Teresa is an exceptionally accomplished professional. However, those who are fortunate enough to know Teresa know she is an even better human being.” Read the NH Business Review feature here: https://bit.ly/4dYD2mT

This week, Law360 published a midyear report on the top bankruptcy trends of 2024, highlighting key industry developments as Chapter 11 filings continue to rise. Shareholders Bob Keach and Lindsay Zahradka Milne were quoted in the article, offering their perspectives on the current bankruptcy landscape, including sector trends and how legislative efforts continue to shape the industry. Read more: https://bit.ly/3X5WMh9

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.