5 Ways Maine Law Firms Are Giving Back to Local Communities

When we think of personal injury law firms, we usually picture courtroom battles and insurance negotiations.

However, many of Maine’s leading legal teams are deeply embedded in the communities they serve.

From promoting road safety to sponsoring education and funding civil legal aid, these firms frequently organize and support events designed to bring Mainers together.

If you are looking to get involved, explore the state, or support a good cause, here are five specific community initiatives organized by Maine law firms that you can participate in this year.

1. The 3rd Annual Joe Bornstein Rider Challenge

Locations: Statewide across all 16 Maine counties.

Best For: Motorcyclists, local exploration, and supporting charity.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has been working for Maine people for over 50 years, and their Rider Challenge is the ultimate summer community initiative.

Motorcyclists pick up a free passport at any Maine Visitor Center and explore the state’s landscape by riding to designated historical landmarks, from the Wedding Cake House in York County to the Double Eagle II Balloon Site in Aroostook County.

Each location visited counts as an entry into a raffle drawn at the historic United Bikers of Maine (UBM) Annual Toy Run at the Windsor Fairgrounds.

You can track locations and request a passport directly via the 3rd Annual Joe Bornstein Rider Challenge Page.

2. Groundbreaking Pro Bono and Legal Aid Partnership

Locations: Lewiston and surrounding communities.

Best For: Civil justice, community relief, and low-income legal assistance.

Hardy Wolf & Downing takes a direct approach to community care by tackling the statewide shortage of affordable civil legal representation.

The firm funds a unique pro bono initiative where they cover the full-time salary of a lawyer who splits their hours evenly between the firm’s practice and working directly out of Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s Lewiston office.

This program provides completely free civil legal aid to vulnerable Mainers dealing with housing, safety, and basic security issues.

You can read more about this community contribution on the Hardy Wolf & Downing Community News Hub.

3. The MSBA Access to Justice Campaign & Gala

Organized/Supported By: The Maine State Bar Association and Participating Regional Firms

Locations: Portland, Bangor, and legal communities statewide.

Best For: Supporting civil legal aid, community charity auctions, and volunteer legal services.

Maine’s legal community rallies together every year for the Campaign for Justice, capped off by major events like the MSBA Anniversary Gala and Silent Auction.

Powerhouse local law firms buy out tables and donate high-value packages to the auction, with 100% of the proceeds directly funding six local non-profit civil legal aid providers.

These funds ensure that low-income Mainers, domestic violence survivors, and vulnerable families can secure representation for housing and safety emergencies.

You can track current firm standings and fundraising milestones directly on the Maine Campaign for Justice Updates Page.

4. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine Partnership

Organized/Supported By: Mann Law

Locations: Portland and Bangor houses.

Best For: Supporting families of hospitalized children, community charity drives, and local volunteer work.

Mann Law is an official “Home Away From Home” partner for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Maine.

Instead of just writing a check, the firm actively rallies the community and provides corporate backing to ensure both the Portland and Bangor houses can offer free lodging, home-cooked meals, and emotional support to families traveling to access medical care for their sick children.

You can view family stories, donate to the cause, or check out current volunteer projects on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine Partner Page.

5. The United Way Giving Campaign

Organized/Supported By: Drummond Woodsum

Locations: Portland, Lewiston, and community centers statewide.

Best For: Grassroots charity funding, regional food security, and community health services.

Drummond Woodsum is consistently recognized as the most generous supporter of the United Way among Maine law firms, regularly ranking in the top 50 for total giving to the United Way of Greater Portland.

The firm runs an intensive annual fundraising drive where attorneys and staff pool resources to fund regional health initiatives, educational programs, crisis intervention, and clothing and food banks.

You can track their civic projects, pro bono milestones, and local nonprofit grants through the Drummond Woodsum Community Service Hub.

How to Get Involved with Law Firm Community Events

If you want to take part in these local campaigns or maximize your involvement, keep these tips in mind:

• Follow Firm Social Media Pages: Events like the Rider Challenge or holiday safety giveaways are updated in real-time on Facebook and Instagram.
• Pick Up Event Materials Early: Passports, registration forms, and entry details are usually distributed at local visitor centers, firm offices, or online portals starting in the spring.
• Support the Linked Charities: Many of these events tie into broader community needs, such as local food banks, toy drives, or regional historical societies.
• Stay Safety-Conscious: Participating in these community-driven campaigns is a fantastic way to meet neighbors, discover hidden gems across Maine’s 16 counties, and actively contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
• Act Quickly: Taking these proactive measures right away ensures that you don’t miss out on important submission deadlines, limited registration spots, or seasonal event windows.

Taking part in these programs not only connects you with your local community but also helps support the broader efforts Maine law firms and partner organizations make to promote safety, access to justice, and public service across the state.

More Than Lawyers: Community Partners Across Maine

Maine’s personal injury lawyers do far more than handle legal claims.

They also play an active role in supporting local communities through education, charity, and public service initiatives.

Taking part in these events helps strengthen that broader effort, connecting residents with programs that promote safety, access to justice, and meaningful community impact across the Pine Tree State.