Law Offices of Joe Bornstein: A Legacy of Standing Up for What's Right for Mainers

After earning a degree in electrical engineering and later graduating from law school, Joe decided to build something of his own. In 1974, he opened his law practice in a small one-room office on Moulton Street in Portland’s Old Port where he lived and worked alongside his black cat, determined to help injured Mainers.

Joe made a bold decision that would help make his firm the best-known law office in the state of Maine, launching television advertisements featuring actor Robert Vaughn. These ads introduced Mainers to the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein and the firm’s commitment to helping people injured through no fault of their own.

From the beginning, the firm has operated on a contingency fee basis—meaning clients pay no legal fees unless the firm successfully recovers compensation for them. Today, the firm includes a team of experienced attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and legal professionals dedicated to helping injured clients throughout Maine’s 16 counties.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has always believed in giving back to the communities it serves.

The firm started its annual Arrive Alive Creative Contest, a statewide competition for Maine high school seniors. Students can enter a creative project of their choice that raises awareness about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving.

Over the past two decades, more than 1,500 students from 125 high schools have participated, and the firm has awarded more than $200,000 in prizes to students promoting safe driving.

The firm has since expanded the contest’s outreach by creating a traveling exhibit to showcase the winning artwork from over the years. Professionally framed and curated, the firm has gathered over 75 of the top paintings and drawings to showcase at schools, libraries, malls, and other venues for the public to view.

The firm began leasing the iconic sign atop the historic Time and Temperature building in downtown Portland. In addition to flashing the well-known “CALL JOE” message along with the local time and temperature high over the city, the firm has donated the sign to over 300 nonprofit organizations to help promote goodwill and community throughout Portland.

Joe’s son Ben graduated from the University of Maine Law School and passed the Maine State bar exam. Growing up watching his dad represent hard-working Mainers who were hurt by no fault of their own, Ben continues the family’s commitment to helping Mainers pursue justice.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein celebrated its 50th anniversary and today, the firm continues to fight on behalf of injured Mainers in all 16 counties. With over 25,000 victories and more than $750 million collected for Maine families, Joe Bornstein’s office remains committed to helping injured Mainers get the help they need and the justice they deserve.