The people of Berman & Simmons

Berman & Simmons, the leading personal injury law firm in Maine, celebrates its 100th anniversary this fall. Only a handful of firms in the state have achieved this milestone. Established in Lewiston in 1914, the firm is recognized nationally for its record of success in trials, a fearless approach to litigation, and for standing up for working people against powerful defendants.

Berman & Simmons lawyers represent plaintiffs in personal injury, medical malpractice and other civil cases throughout the state, and sometimes beyond. They have won many of the largest jury verdicts obtained in Maine courts.

“This anniversary is an opportunity for us to reflect on the important work that we do and the relationships we have built over the years,” said partner Steve Silin. “People come to us, often at difficult times in their lives, in need of an advocate. This is a tremendous responsibility, and it’s one we never take lightly.”

Although Berman & Simmons has grown into a statewide firm, its headquarters have always been on Lisbon Street in Lewiston. That’s where Benjamin Berman, fresh out of law school, hung a shingle in 1914. Berman and his brother David became known as strong defenders of the men and women who worked at the city’s bustling textile mills and shoe factories.

“Their commitment to blue-collar Mainers, and the willingness to take on the most complex and controversial cases, remain hallmarks of the firm today,” said managing director Craig Bramley.

Drawing on their creativity, research and advocacy skills, the lawyers at Berman & Simmons have won jury verdicts and court decisions that have helped shape modern tort law in Maine and expanded the rights of injured people. Organizations including Chambers and Partners USA, Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell consistently rank Berman & Simmons and its individual lawyers as the top lawyers in Maine for plaintiff’s cases.

In addition to its reputation as the dominant plaintiff’s side law firm in Maine, Berman & Simmons is also known for its tradition of community service. Continuing in that tradition – and in honor of the 100th anniversary – the firm will donate a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service this year, primarily to three community organizations: the Tree Street Youth Center, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, and Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing.

“A law firm does not endure for 100 years without the support of the broader community,” said Craig Bramley, managing director. “Anytime we can provide a boost to the charitable organizations of Maine, and highlight the amazing work being done in our communities, it’s a good thing.”

The growing firm employs 18 lawyers and more than 50 staff members in offices in Lewiston, Portland, and Bangor. Its two newest lawyers were hired just last month. Travis Brennan is a healthcare privacy expert and experienced litigator from Portland. Dov Sacks, who has spent the past seven years representing low-income people in Philadelphia.

“We don’t think about our legacy. That is for others to decide,” said senior firm counsel Jack Simmons, who joined the firm in 1964. “We focus on our clients and their needs. People deserve access to justice and the highest quality representation, no matter their wealth, background or circumstances. This is the philosophy that has sustained us for the past century, and hopefully will continue to do so for the next 100 years.”

For more information about Berman & Simmons, see www.bermansimmons.com.