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Cumberland selects Bernstein Shorr as town attorney after Jensen Baird ends municipal division
Summary
Following a review of proposals, the Town Council voted to appoint Bernstein Shorr as Cumberland's new town attorney; one councilor abstained. Councilors said the town will continue working with former Jensen Baird attorney Alyssa Tibbets on some matters during the transition.
The Cumberland Town Council on June 16 voted to appoint Bernstein Shorr as the town's legal counsel after Jensen Baird dissolved its municipal division. The motion carried with one abstention.
Council members and the town manager said the selection followed a request‑for‑proposals review. Town staff and councilors who evaluated submissions cited experience, team capacity and rate proposals in recommending Bernstein Shorr. Council discussion noted a desire for continuity: officials said Alyssa Tibbets, formerly of Jensen Baird, would continue to represent the town on certain matters, including tax‑increment financing (TIF) and human resources work where her experience is valuable.
Town Manager Sturgis told the council that some firms declined to respond to the RFP because of potential conflicts; he said Drummond and Woodsum (a firm referenced in the discussion) represents the school district and had opted to avoid bidding to reduce future conflicts. Sturgis also said the council would discuss whether to retain counsel on a retainer (monthly) or on an hourly basis after reviewing the town's historical legal spending and budget.
A motion to appoint Bernstein Shorr was made and seconded; the council voted to approve the appointment with one abstention. Councilors said staff would negotiate terms and return with details about fee structure and scope of services.
