Leonard M. Nelson

Leonard M. Nelson is a senior shareholder and founding partner of Bernstein Shur in Portland, Maine. He has more than five decades of experience in corporate, commercial, and fiduciary law. Nelson advises clients on complex business transactions, public-private joint ventures, governance matters, and fiduciary relationships involving trustees, beneficiaries, and money managers. His practice focuses on helping clients structure important arrangements and pursue long-term business and financial objectives.

Nelson earned an LL.B. from Harvard Law School in 1960 after receiving an A.B. magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1957. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa during his undergraduate studies. His Harvard education provided a foundation in legal analysis, business planning, and problem solving that has supported a long career advising companies, families, trustees, and other clients on sophisticated corporate and fiduciary matters.

Nelson’s experience includes advising on major acquisitions and serving as special counsel in significant business transactions. His representative work includes involvement in Georgia Pacific’s hostile takeover of Great Northern Paper. He has also acted as a professional trustee for families across the United States and has served as a director of public and private companies, including financial and mercantile institutions. This varied experience supports his work across commercial, governance, and fiduciary matters.

Leonard M. Nelson has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law and has maintained an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for decades. His leadership extends beyond legal practice through service with the Portland Museum of Art, Portland Symphony Orchestra, Maine Arts Commission, and Falmouth Town Council. Nelson combines extensive transactional experience with fiduciary judgment and a practical understanding of organizational leadership and long-term client objectives.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Shareholder, Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P. A .
• Member, Maine State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Maine

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Harvard College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)