Major Law Firm Introduces Fixed-Fee Human Resources Services

Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson has introduced a new way for employers to stay in compliance with the changing legal landscape by appointing Susan B. Collins, a human resources professional with more than 20 years of experience, as director of Bernstein Shur HR Solutions, a new service introduced this week.

As part of the service, Collins, a resident of Freeport, will offer fixed-fee human resources consulting packages to clients, covering issues such as training on sexual harassment, employment practices audits and reviewing or writing employee handbooks.

"We're offering these important employment-related services in a way that is affordable for businesses and organizations," said Joseph Hahn, attorney and co-chair of the employment law practice group at BSSN, one of Maine's leading law firms. "Too often employers try to solve complex human resources matters themselves, simply because of the cost, and then they get into trouble. We want to change that."

Collins will provide professional human resources assistance and consultation as part of the new program at the firm. Each service is offered at a fixed fee and is backed by the resources and expertise of the attorneys in the employment law practice at Bernstein, Shur.

"The program is intended to give employers a cost-effective way of obtaining reliable professional guidance on human resource management and employment issues, from compliance audits to restructuring," said Collins. "The myriad of tasks associated with human resources management can be a serious distraction to the small business owner or the human resources manager of a major corporation. So it only makes sense to lessen that burden, and at the same time make it easier for companies to be in compliance. Bernstein Shur HR Solutions provides a unique and effective approach to these important issues."

Collins, who has consulted with a local Portland HR consulting firm, also has held human resources management positions with two hospitals, a bank and a large health care system. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, the American Society for Healthcare Human Resource Administration and the Human Resource Association of Southern Maine. A member of the Freeport Recreation Committee, Collins also is active in the Cub Scouts and the Freeport elementary schools. She also is a member and volunteer at the Freeport Historical Society.

She is a 1972 graduate of the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, and earned a master's degree in labor and industrial relations in 1986 from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson is one of the state's largest law firms with 60 attorneys in offices in Portland and Augusta. The firm provides legal services in all major subject areas, including employment law, corporate and commercial law, litigation and trials, municipal and governmental affairs, and tax and estate planning. BSSN also has an active practice in health law, environmental law, technology and commerce, legislative law, intellectual property, public utilities and other regulated industries.
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