Written by: Berman & Simmons

Whether online, in print, or on TV, we’re proud our important work is routinely featured in the region’s top news forums and shared nationally. This recap of media coverage during the third quarter of 2024 spotlights the many ways in which we’re helping our clients find justice and recover fair compensation after experiencing a serious personal injury due to the negligence of others.

Notable Client Work

Berman & Simmons Attorneys Persist in Their Pursuit of Answers for Survivors and Bereaved Families of Mass Shooting in Lewiston

Over the course of the quarter there were multiple milestones in Berman & Simmons’ quest for answers to how the mass shooting in Lewiston could have been prevented.

US Army Publishes Report

When the tragedy occurred, Berman & Simmons attorneys representing families and survivors demanded that the U.S. Army investigate how the shooter, an Army Reservist with a record of concerning reports for violence from peers, colleagues, family and others, was unhindered in his access to weapons. The Army released its investigation in July that highlighted multiple instances where the shooter’s behavior and mental state indicated the potential for violence that should not have been ignored by Army Reserve commanders. Following the final report Attorney Travis Brennan said: “Wanting to understand how this could have occurred is of critical, critical importance. It’s also really difficult because, as you can imagine, as more and more information comes out that highlights all the warning signs that existed and the things that could have been done to prevent this, that’s really painful to reconcile.”

Read about the Army Reserves Report in the Boston Globe: Maine mass shooter told civilian mental health hospital last summer he had ‘hit list,’ Army Reserve report says

Independent Investigation Commission Report

The Maine State Independent Commission tasked by Governor Mills with investigating what led to the mass shooting released its final 215-page report, detailing further failures in the system that allowed this tragedy to occur. Berman & Simmons attorney Travis Brennan accompanied some of his clients to the emotional reading of the report in Lewiston. Following the details presented in the report attorney Brennan said, “People lost their husbands, people lost friends, people lost their fathers, and that can never be changed. What we’ve heard repeatedly from our clients from the beginning is a desire to get all the facts and information about how this occurred…The warning signs were there. This could have, and should have, been prevented.”

Read about the Independent Investigation Commission’s Report on CNN: ‘Several opportunities’ to prevent Maine mass shooting were missed, commission finds

Attorney Brennan (left) spoke on the steps of Lewiston City Hall after the reading of The Independent Commission Report investigating the facts of the Oct. 25 mass shooting.

Berman & Simmons Advises Patience for Survivors of Childhood Abuse While Awaiting High Court Ruling

The Maine Supreme Court has yet to decide the constitutionality of the removal of the statute of limitations on cases involving childhood sexual abuse. In November 2023 Berman & Simmons attorney Michael Bigos defended the constitutionality of the law that lets survivors of childhood sexual abuse come forward on their terms when they are ready, and regardless of how much time has passed. Many of the survivors of abuse by Catholic clergy in Maine are now elderly or have health complications that compound their sense of urgency for a decision to be made. As the firm awaits a decision from the state’s High Court, attorney Michael Bigos continues to advocate for his clients and asks them to stay patient while waiting.

Read about the delayed decision in the Press Herald: Maine victims, Catholic Church wait nearly a year for high court ruling on childhood abuse cases

Attorney Michael Bigos appeared before Maine’s Supreme Court in November 2023 delivering oral arguments supporting the constitutionality of a law that removed the statute of limitations for adults who survived childhood sexual abuse.

Firm news and legal expertise

Berman & Simmons Lawyers Again Recognized for Legal Excellence by Best Lawyers^® in America

Ten Berman & Simmons attorneys were named to the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^® list, including three attorneys recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America^®. This recognition is reserved for legal professionals that display outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. They are

Additionally, the following attorneys were named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America^® list: