Bernstein Shur Attorney Pat Peard Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from EqualityMaine

PORTLAND, Maine – EqualityMaine awarded Bernstein Shur attorney Pat Peard with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual banquet on Saturday, March 18.

Peard, a resident of Falmouth and an attorney with Bernstein Shur since 1988, received the award for “lifelong leadership in the fight for full equality.” It is the first time the organization has given a lifetime achievement award.
“Pat received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition for her tireless advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality during the 28-year fight to pass and uphold Maine's non-discrimination law,” said Betsy Smith, the organization’s Executive Director.

Peard was instrumental in getting legislation passed last year that protects the rights of gays and lesbians and also helped to uphold the law by defeating a November referendum, Smith said.

The EqualityMaine Foundation hosts the event each year to honor the leaders and volunteers who make a difference in supporting Maine’s non-discrimination laws. Other award recipients this year included Governor John Baldacci, who received the Great Pioneer Award, and Jensen Steel, who received the Cameron Duncan Award. For additional information, visit www.equalitymaine.org.

At Bernstein Shur, Peard is a co-chair of the Litigation Practice Group and chairs the firm's Education Practice Group. She practices in the area of general litigation with an emphasis in education law, employment and labor law, civil rights litigation, and disability insurance defense. Pat also handles personal planning matters for unmarried partners.

”We are extremely proud of Pat and know that her work has had a major impact on equality and fairness issues throughout the state of Maine,” said Charlie Miller, the firm’s Managing Shareholder.

Peard is recognized by Best Lawyers in America in the areas of business and employment law. She is a 1988 cum laude graduate of the University of Maine School of Law and received a Master of Arts from the University of Minnesota in 1970. She is a 1968 graduate of Wilson College.

Peard served on EqualityMaine’s Legislation ’05 Committee for EqualityMaine that helped pass the legislation. She is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, a board member of the Institute for Civil Leadership, and is a Past President and Director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union. She is President of the Center for Prevention of Hate Violence and serves on the Governor's Judicial Selection Committee

Bernstein Shur is one of northern New England’s largest multi-service law firms, with more than 80 attorneys in Portland and Augusta, Maine and Manchester, New Hampshire. Established in 1915, the firm provides practical legal counsel to a diverse group of public and private clients throughout the region and around the world. Bernstein Shur’s commercial, litigation, and municipal practices are complemented by the services of the firm’s affiliates, which include Bernstein Shur Government Solutions LLC, a government consulting firm; Stratex LLC, an environmental and engineering consultancy; and Monument Title Company. For more information, visit bernsteinshur.com.

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