Bernstein Shur

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.

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