Bernstein Shur

📢 Please join us in welcoming Melanie Gordon as Of Counsel in our Government and Public Affairs practice group! Melanie most recently served as the firm’s Director of Business Development for more than three years. In her new role, she will guide clients through legislative and regulatory processes, build effective communication strategies, and pursue opportunities with state and federal governments. “Melanie’s unique blend of legal experience, strategic insight, and business acumen is a tremendous asset to our team,” said Kate Knox, co-chair of the GPA practice group. “Her ability to navigate complex government processes while fostering strong client relationships reflects the innovative and client-focused approach that defines our practice. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients.” Welcome, Melanie! Read more here: https://bit.ly/4fNxrj8

🚨Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement Blocked Again 🚨 On December 26, 2024, a federal appeals court blocked the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) once again. As a result, reporting companies are currently not required to meet the CTA filing deadlines. Shareholder Bryce Morrison outlines what happened and how we can help: https://bit.ly/41LzIrU

❗Important Corporate Transparency Act update for businesses❗ On December 23, a federal appeals court reinstated the reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), lifting a previous nationwide injunction issued on December 3 that had blocked enforcement of the CTA. All reporting companies must now comply with the CTA’s reporting requirements. Shareholder Bryce Morrison outlines what happened, reporting deadlines, and how we can help: https://bit.ly/3ZUT37t

🎉 We are proud to announce that Shareholder Hilary Rheaume has been named to NH Business Review’s 2025 New Hampshire 200 Leaders! This exclusive list honors influential leaders shaping the state’s economy, business landscape, and communities. Hilary, a Shareholder in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Auto & Equipment Dealer Practice Groups, has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to excellence in law and her meaningful contributions to the community. Congratulations, Hilary! Click to read more: https://bit.ly/3BMgVlB

❗ Important Update for Businesses ❗ On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, a federal court in Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), temporarily halting its implementation across the United States. To learn more from Bernstein Shur Shareholder Bryce Morrison, visit: https://bit.ly/4g43Tif

📢 Today, we celebrate a historic settlement with Children's Rights and Maine Equal Justice that brings essential oversight to the administration of powerful psychotropic drugs and protections for children in Maine’s foster system. Approximately 500 children currently in Maine’s foster system are prescribed powerful psychotropic medications—often without adequate oversight. While these medications can help children with diagnosed mental health conditions, they also pose serious risks when prescribed without proper protections in place.  This agreement brings accountability and crucial reforms, including: ✅ Accurate, up-to-date portable health records for continuity of care. ✅ An informed consent process for all psychotropic medications, which involves youth & legal parents in decisions. ✅ Secondary review evaluations to help reduce the risk of over-prescription or outlier prescription practices. We are proud of and grateful to Jack Woodcock, who has worked on this case pro bono for more than four years. We applaud Maine’s commitment to accountability and look forward to seeing these protections support the well-being and safety of Maine’s children in foster care. Read more about this case and what it means for kids: https://bit.ly/3ONZdkN

Last week we had the privilege of hosting Debbie Epstein Henry—lawyer turned international speaker, two-time best-selling author, consultant, and communication coach—for a virtual session about “Leaders who Communicate Effectively, Build Meaningful Relationships, and Get and Give Honest Feedback.” Moderated by CEO Joan Fortin, Debbie provided wisdom and guidance with actionable takeaways to support the professional growth of attorneys and staff in the room. Thank you for your time, Debbie!

📢 On December 12, see Shareholder and property taxation Chair N. Joel Moser and attorney Spencer Shagoury in action at the 2024 International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Legal Seminar in Chicago. This two-day conference encompasses topics of recent legal developments in property assessment and taxation, with a focus this year in “Navigating Change.” Joel and Spencer will present a compelling and timely session, "The Impact of Climate Change on Assessing Real Estate," which offers a unique perspective on how climate change is dramatically affecting property assessments, and the strategies assessors and legal professionals should deploy to ensure property is fairly and equitably assessed. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Vee5fF

Meet Dhivya Singaram—strategic thinker with a pulse on the fast-changing landscape of labor and employment law. Dhivya joins the firm’s Labor and Employment practice, where she will focus on a breadth of areas including litigation, regulatory compliance, and workplace disputes. Before coming to Bernstein Shur, Dhivya: 🔸 Earned her JD from the University of Maine School of Law, where she served as a Vincent L. McKusick Fellow, an editor on the Maine Law Review, and Student Trustee of the University of Maine System. 🔸 Received her BA from Bowdoin College, where she earned the Award for Distinguished Public Sociology and traveled to India as a Bowdoin Global Citizens Fellow. 🔸 Completed Summer Associate internships in Alaska through AmeriCorps and here at Bernstein Shur. 🔸 Worked as the engagement coordinator at the ACLU of Maine and a paralegal at a small Portland firm. Welcome, Dhivya! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZhixN6