Michael Welch

Neal Pratt is widely-regarded as a “go to” trial attorney for high-stakes litigation. With an extraordinary record of success over 30 years, Neal has unique experience handling “bet-the-company” litigation and other thorny legal disputes. He is renowned for his strategic planning skills and meticulous preparation, and often succeeds in achieving client goals without the need for protracted litigation. When a trial is necessary, however, Neal’s extensive track rec...

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...

Erica M. Johanson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Erica M. practices law in Portland, Maine Best Lawyers has recognized Erica M. Johanson since 2021. 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 Erica M. Johanson is held by other lawyers.

Paul is one of Maine’s go-to trial lawyers for difficult and bet-the-company litigation. Paul provides a unique and effective one-two punch for clients facing the prospect of litigation: combining a deep understanding of how the business world functions with ability to more clearly see the litigation playing field and, therefore, devise and implement winning strategies. As Chambers USA put it in its 2017 Edition of America’s Leading Business Lawyers, “Clients describe him as...

Newell Augur has more than 20 years of experience in Maine in the fields of government relations and administrative law, cultivating long-standing relationships with state government officials and other policy leaders. Newell’s experience includes designing and executing his clients’ legislative strategy, enlisting and organizing stakeholders, serving as spokesperson for press events, and monitoring initiatives that affect client operations. He has appeared before the Maine Commis...

Nicholas J. Morrill is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Nicholas J. practices law in Portland, Maine Best Lawyers has recognized Nicholas J. Morrill since 2016. 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 Nicholas J. Morrill is held by other lawyers.

Katherine A. Joyce is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law. Katherine A. practices law in Portland, Maine Best Lawyers has recognized Katherine A. Joyce since 2027. 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 Katherine A. Joyce is held by other lawyers.

Matt is a member of Bernstein Shur’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, assisting the firm’s public and private sector clients in a wide range of labor and personnel matters. Dedicated to his clients, Matt provides practical, effective counsel on all aspects of the employer-employee relationship. Matt is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience representing employers, and regularly acts as an outside investigator for companies facing discrimination, sexual harassment, an...

Chris Stevenson is a tax attorney and Co-Leader of the Business Services practice group, who advises clients on a wide range of federal and state tax compliance issues and tax controversies before taxing authorities. Also a Certified Public Accountant, Chris delivers exceptional value to his clients, who are looking for practical, comprehensible and efficient solutions to complex legal problems. In his transactional tax practice, Chris frequently advises businesses on the tax aspects of merge...

Andrea Suter represents entities and individuals in a broad range of industries, including energy, hospitality, real estate development, financial services, manufacturing, and software development, among others. Andrea enjoys advising clients that are startups, family-owned, and early stage, as well as established companies. She regularly gives advice to clients on growing and realizing value through strategic mergers and acquisitions; efficiently raising capital through private placements, v...