Fortin to Lead Bernstein Shur

Bernstein Shur, with offices in Manchester and Portland and Augusta, Maine will have it first female CEO in the firm’s 104-year history Beginning January 1, 2020, Joan Fortin, NH shareholder and director of attorney recruiting and retention, will take over upon the retirement of current CEO Pat Scully.

“I’m deeply honored to be selected as the future steward of this firm and I look forward to building on our firm’s long legacy of service,” says Fortin. “Our focus will continue to be on service to our clients, our communities, and to each other – our attorneys and staff and their families.”

A member of the Maine State Bar since 1996, Fortin specializes in land use, municipal law and tax increment financing. She joined the firm’s board of directors in 2008; and as Director of Attorney Recruiting and Retention, she has hired nearly half of the firm’s 120 attorneys. The firm’s equity shareholders elected Fortin as CEO.

“Joan was the most qualified candidate for the position,” says Scully. “The fact that she is our first woman CEO is a bonus. It’s an exciting development for our firm.”

Scully and Fortin have worked together in strategic roles on the firm’s board of directors for more than ten years. They will continue to work in their current positions through the end of 2019 to ensure a smooth transition and continuity for clients, attorneys and the community.

“Under his leadership, the firm has enacted industry-leading policies like our parental leave policy, which provides 16 weeks of paid leave for all of our attorneys and staff regardless of gender,” say Fortin. “Additionally, under Pat’s leadership, we’ve grown our client demand and revenue, and as a result, our number of attorneys. We are deeply grateful to Pat for his leadership, kindness and humility during his six years as CEO and his 36 years with the firm.”

“It’s been a tremendous honor to lead such a talented group of attorneys. I’m very proud of the work we’ve accomplished, but I know there is still more to be done, and I know that Joan will be a wonderful leader of the firm we both care about so much,” said Scully.