Maine's largest law firm hires first full-time attorney recruiter

Courtesy / Bernstein Shur From left, Bernstein Shur CEO Joan Fortin and Rebecca Asen, the firm's new director of attorney recruiting and professional development.

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By Renee Cordes

Bernstein Shur, the Portland-based law firm that is Maine's largest, has hired Rebecca Asen as the firm's first full-time director of attorney recruiting and professional development.

"I am thrilled to be joining Bernstein's incredible team of lawyers and staff and continuing the firm's tradition of attracting talented attorneys," Asen told Mainebiz. "I am also leading the firm's professional development and retention efforts, to ensure we develop and promote our attorneys to best serve our clients."

Asen started her new role on March 31. Previously, she served for more than two years as associate general counsel at IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (Nasdaq: IDXX), a Westbrook- based provider of veterinary diagnostics and software.

Besides Portland, Bernstein Shur has offices in Augusta and Manchester, N.H., where the law firm is currently lists a partner-shareholder opening on the careers section of its website.

"Now that I have my feet under me," Asen said, "we will be soon pursuing a number of positions in several groups in Maine and New Hampshire. We are always looking out for new talent and I am excited to get to work."

While Bernstein Shur has hired 18 attorneys in the past two years, this is the first time the firm will have a full-time recruiter as part of its professional staff.

Bernstein Shur CEO Joan Fortin, recognized as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2018, previously headed up the law firm's attorney recruiting efforts while also practicing law as a shareholder. Fortin succeeded Patrick Scully as CEO of Bernstein Shur in early 2020.

“As the firm and our practice groups continue to grow and serve clients across the globe, this is a key hire for us,” Fortin said. “Becca has a deep commitment to the legal profession and our communities. She also has a sharp understanding of what it takes to attract top attorney talent. I’m confident she will have a huge impact on the future of the firm.”

Prior to IDEXX, Asen worked as a corporate and securities attorney at the law firm Sidley Austin in New York City and later in Portland.

Originally from Casco, Asen earned her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. She also serves as a director of the Finance Authority of Maine and a director of Preble Street.