RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Peter Bennett, PHONE: 207-773-4775
DATE: January 21, 1999

PORTLAND LAW FIRM, THE BENNETT LAW FIRM, JOINS PRIMERUS NETWORK

The Bennett Law Firm has been accepted in to the International Society of Primerus Law Firms, according to Peter Bennett, a principal of the firm. The firm is the first firm in Maine to be accepted into the Society.

Primerus is a non-profit, nation-wide network of small and medium sized law firms founded by John C. Buchanan, a Michigan trial attorney, as a response to a declining public perception of the legal profession. Law firms must be invited to apply to Primerus and undergo a strict screening process which includes clients and the judiciary before they are accepted for membership.

Primerus accepts only those members who have committed themselves and their firms to six principles of professional service, according to Buchanan. Those principles are:

Irreproachable integrity guiding decisions large and small
Civility in dealings with the bench and bar
Excellence of work
Reasonable fees
Continuous pursuit of legal education
Community involvement

Primerus members believe that a livable, just society depends on the rule of law, and that lawyers have a duty to protect and defend the role of aw in society. "We feel that as lawyers, we are public servants, "Buchanan said. "It's an honor to be a lawyer, and I think some people have forgotten that."

The Bennett Law Firm focuses on the practice of employment and labor law, representing management since 1962. "We have felt for a long time there needed to be a way for legal consumers to find qualified lawyers," said Peter Bennett. "We were attracted to the Primerus network because of their firm commitment to excellence, integrity, and educating the public as to the role of law in protecting the freedoms we too often take for granted."

The Bennett Law Firm is based in Portland, Maine and serves clients throughout New England and New York.