Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus, who took the helm earlier this year, shares her take on Maine’s legal landscape and growth plans for the firm.
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Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus took the helm of Bernstein Shur earlier this year, succeeding Joan Fortin as CEO of the Portland-based law firm. Mainebiz sat down with the former Pittsburgh-based attorney to find out more about her take on Maine’s legal landscape and growth plans for the firm.
Mainebiz: What’s it like running a law firm much smaller than your previous employer, and in a much smaller market?
Kaveri Subbarao Nauhaus: Leading a firm with such a long and proud history [founded in 1915] and helping it reach its next level of growth is incredibly energizing. What makes it especially rewarding is that we have a culture of performance and embody a feeling of pride and ownership — an esprit de corps, as my colleagues hear me say — that makes this a great place to work. We are equally committed to our clients’ success and to one another. We already do so many things exceptionally well, and now we are building on that foundation and taking it even further. I’m thrilled to be part of our evolution.
MB: What’s your take on Maine’s legal landscape?
KSN: Maine has an extraordinary pool of talent. Our lawyers bring high-level experience from major markets and apply that background to the work we do for our clients, many of which are operating on a national or global scale. Maine offers the best of both worlds: the chance to do complex, challenging work and build a meaningful career while having an exceptional quality of life.
MB: You’ve mentioned a goal of geographic expansion. What markets are on your radar?
KSN: Our offices in Portland and Manchester, N.H., are launching pads — portals to bigger markets. We already bring world-class talent to solving regional and national challenges for our clients. Our goal is to broaden that impact and respond to our clients’ needs in areas beyond northern New England where they are eager to continue working with our team.
MB: What does that growth path look like?
KSN: Our goal is to build strategically and intentionally, in this region and beyond, in ways that strengthen our capabilities and expand our relationships with clients. We’re also extremely agile and nimble, and we plan to seize opportunities as they arise.
MB: What practice areas at Bernstein Shur are growing the fastest and why?
KSN: We’re seeing significant growth in our business law, real estate, energy and environmental, government and public affairs, and construction practices in particular. These areas reflect the strength of our regional economy and the trust clients place in us to handle complex, high-stakes matters. Our lawyers in these groups are deeply connected to the industries they serve, which allows us to anticipate client needs and deliver practical, forward-looking solutions.
MB: What are your biggest challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining lawyers?
KSN: We’ve had great success attracting top talent, from within Maine and beyond. The key to retention is our investment in them — not just in their legal skills, but in their business development and leadership growth. We’re focused on empowering our people to think bigger and boldly pursue their professional goals.
MB: Any new recruiting initiatives?
KSN: As we pursue our next phase of growth, we’re focused on attracting lawyers, consultants and business operations professionals with deep experience across key industry sectors. We want to enhance the services we already provide our existing clients, while also positioning the firm to serve new clients in this region and in new markets.
MB: In a shifting market where we’re seeing a lot of lawyers start independent practices, how can established firms like Bernstein Shur compete?
KSN: Our Maine roots give us a strong understanding of the regional landscape and clients here, many of which have been with the firm for generations. That history, combined with the ability to collaborate across multiple practice areas, allows us to provide a full array of legal services. The firm model creates a space where lawyers can collaborate and serve as thought partners to one another, which helps us to provide more meaningful, long-term value to clients.
MB: What’s on your to-do list for 2026?
KSN: On the business front, I’m focused on continuing to coach, develop and support our people in achieving next-level success. From a personal perspective, I am excited to explore the beauty of Maine, do some hiking and cross-country skiing and conduct my own survey of all the best places for lobster rolls. I’ve also just applied to volunteer at a local animal shelter — I’m a huge dog lover.