Benjamin I. "Ben" Bornstein

Lee practices in the area of Real Estate Law. He has represented clients in all aspects of real estate and land use planning, including securing municipal, State and Federal regulatory approvals; acquisition and financing transactions; leasing; and title and conveyancing matters. He has worked on projects including the Bangor Mall, The Maine Mall, a large variety of other retail and residential developments. Lee has been selected for inclusion in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in Amer...

Charles M. Katz-Leavy is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Community Association Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Charles M. practices law in Portland, Maine Best Lawyers has recognized Charles M. Katz-Leavy since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Charles M. Katz-Leavy is held by other lawyers.

Sara Murphy focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and class action defense, representing clients from a number of different industries, including financial services, energy, pulp and paper, insurance, and professional services. Sara’s litigation practice includes disputes related to breach of contract, unfair trade practices, claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and other business-related torts. She also handles cases involving claims for ...

Having represented businesses in hundreds of commercial real estate and loan transactions for nearly 20 years, Tom really knows the interests and concerns of real estate developers and investors and banks. That expertise comes from a wealth of experience in all phases of real estate development—from pre-development planning, land acquisition, and permitting and approvals, to construction, financing, leasing, and eventual sale. Tom’s insight and frank, detail-oriented approach make...

Steve is a tax attorney who specializes in employee benefits, executive compensation, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). He works with employers of all stripes—including health care entities, businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and individuals—on ERISA requirements and liabilities, Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MEPERS) compliance and controversies, as well as the tax and ERISA implications of mergers and acquisitions. In addition, Steve repres...

David Soley leads Bernstein Shur’s Real Estate Litigation Group, is the author of the American Bar Association’s nationally acclaimed Real Estate Litigation Handbook and is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for his work in Real Estate Litigation. Mr. Soley concentrates his practice in the areas of business, real estate and constitutional litigation. He regularly represents entrepreneurs and property owners in disputes over boundaries, titles, easements, mortgage priorities, pa...

Alexander Spadinger is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Alexander practices law in Portland, Maine Best Lawyers has recognized Alexander Spadinger since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Alexander Spadinger is held by other lawyers.

Corey Hinton, Leader of the firm’s Tribal Nations Practice Group, advises Tribal Nations, Tribe-owned entities, and entities that interface with Tribes on federal Indian law and policy, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, employment matters, economic development, environmental and natural resource issues, and the fee-to-trust process. A citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe (Sipayik), Corey draws from a uniquely deep well of experience to deliver significant value to his clients. Corey has s...

Edward J. Kelleher is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Real Estate Law and Tax Law. Edward J. practices law in Portland, Maine Best Lawyers has recognized Edward J. Kelleher since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Edward J. Kelleher is held by other lawyers.

As a shareholder in Bernstein Shur’s Real Estate Practice Group, Eliza represents timberland investment companies and wind energy developers on real estate-based projects in Maine and around the country. Her acute knowledge of all aspects of real estate transactions and financings, robust organizational and drafting skills, and calm demeanor under pressure are a boon to companies whose complex projects often involve multiple parties and many moving parts. Eliza’s previous experien...