Bernstein, Shur Web Site Goes International; Award-Winning Site Now in Six Foreign Languages

Firm's International Law Practice Group Also Expands to 12 Attorneys

(PORTLAND, Maine)- The law firm of Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson has translated its award-winning web site, www. mainelaw.com, into six languages to make it easier for clients and others throughout the globe to read about the firm. In addition to English, the web site is now offered in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Russian. In addition, the firm has expanded its International Law and Trade Practice Group from eight to 12 members.

"It only makes sense to offer the site in different languages, given the global nature of the Internet and the expansion of our international law practice at the firm," said attorney George D. Hepner, III., who practices primarily in the areas of immigration and international law and serves as the co-chair of the international practice group.

This isn't the first time Bernstein, Shur has been ahead of the Internet curve in Maine. Five years ago, BSSN was the first major law firm in the state to launch a web site with its creation of www.mainelaw.com in early 1995. That same year, it also created a Technology and Commerce Practice Group which has developed into an active part of the firm's practice. In 1999, their web site won a statewide award given by the Electronic Commerce Forum of Maine for being the "Best Informational Web Site." Also last year, the firm announced the formation of TechVentures, a strategic consulting firm that assists start-ups and existing companies with Internet and e-commerce related issues and ventures.

"As a major law firm, we needed to communicate with people from throughout the globe," added Fred Lipp, also a co-chair of the group. "What better way than to start out with our web site available in other languages?"


Attorneys in the group advise Maine companies on doing business overseas, and are also active in assisting foreign nationals in the purchase and development of businesses in the U.S. The practice group also counsels clients on general business and family immigration law and other international issues. The firm's Energy Practice Group, for example, has recently been active in energy and contract law work in countries such as the Dominican Republic and India.

Bernstein Shur attorneys in the International Practice Group include: co-chairs George D. Hepner, III and Frederick L. Lipp, as well as Gordon F. Grimes, Philip H. Gleason, John H. Montgomery, James A. Houle, John L. Carpenter, David A. Soley, Scott E. Schul, Daniel P. Riley, Joel A. Wuesthoff and Kurt W. Adams.

At least one attorney in the practice group also speaks each of the six foreign languages offered on the site as well. For example, co-chair George Hepner speaks all six of the languages in which the web site is offered. Phil Gleason, Jack Montgomery and Jim Houle speak French and Fred Lipp also speaks Spanish.

Grimes, Montgomery and other members of the firm's Energy Practice Group have represented clients on a number of foreign electricity generating projects, providing advice on projects in India, Turkey, Italy, the Dominican Republic and Brazil. Schul and Carpenter also regularly assist international companies with intellectual property matters, including federal trademark registrations and the resolution of trademark disputes.

BSSN is also the only Maine law firm that is a member of Lex Mundi, an international association of 151 law firms that exchange resources, legal counsel, research, office space and libraries. Through its Lex Mundi affiliation, the firm regularly acts as local counsel for the clients of foreign law firms.

Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson is one of Northern New England's largest law firms with 63 attorneys in offices in Portland and Augusta. The firm provides legal services in all major subject areas, including corporate and commercial law, litigation and trials, municipal and governmental affairs, and tax and estate planning. In addition to international law, BSSN also has an active practice in health law, environmental law, technology and e-commerce, employment law, legislative law, intellectual property, electric utilities and other regulated industries. For more information, log on to the firm's web site at www.mainelaw.com.

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