Bernstein Shur Spotlighted for Commitment to Overturn Wrongful Convictions

Oct. 22, 2021 – To recognize unparalleled commitment and courage to free those who are wrongfully convicted, the New England Innocence Project (NEIP) is featuring Bernstein Shur in this month’s Pro Bono Partner Spotlight.

The New England Innocence Project fights to correct and prevent wrongful convictions and ensure justice within the criminal legal system for innocent people throughout New England who are imprisoned for a crime they did not commit.

Bernstein Shur Shareholder Chad Higgins was part of the legal team that secured the release of Keyon Sprinkle who spent 20 years behind bars. Sprinkle’s wrongful murder conviction was thrown out in 2020 after prosecution witnesses recanted their testimony.

Higgins pursued the case alongside the New England Innocence Project for more than a decade. Based on his work with NEIP, Bernstein Shur sought to partner with NEIP to assist in other matters.

“The teams of lawyers from Bernstein Shur are methodical, thoughtful, and hard-working. They are very open to new ideas and ways of looking at cases,” said Cynthia Mousseau, Staff Attorney at the New England Innocence Project.

“NEIP’s work is a necessity in America’s criminal justice system, which is proven by the unbelievably long list of exonerees who have benefited from NEIP’s dedication to its cause,” said Higgins, Co-chair of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group. “Bernstein Shur’s partnership with NEIP aligns with our firm’s commitment to empowering our attorneys to utilize their talents, experience, and position in society to serve others and justice. We are immensely proud to partner with NEIP and look forward to continuing to assist NEIP in its mission.”

About Chad Higgins
Higgins is a Shareholder and serves as Co-chair of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group. He is a seasoned litigator with deep experience in a broad range of industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, consumer products, and higher education. Prior to joining Bernstein Shur, Higgins was Counsel at Goodwin in Boston, and an associate at Arnold & Porter in Washington, DC. He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and resides in Yarmouth with his family.

About New England Innocence Project
Founded in 2000, the New England Innocence Project (NEIP) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that fights to correct and prevent wrongful convictions and ensure justice within the criminal legal system for innocent people throughout New England who are imprisoned for a crime they did not commit. They provide free forensic testing, investigation, experts, and an experienced legal team to exonerate the innocent and bring them home to their loved ones.  They also use their expertise about wrongful convictions to provide education and advocate for legislative and judicial reforms to prevent future tragedies.

Bernstein Shur
Founded in 1915, Bernstein Shur is a New England-based law firm advising clients across the U.S. and around the world. The firm’s 125+ award-winning attorneys and professionals provide practical and innovative counsel, and practice in more than 20 key areas across a variety of industries. Bernstein Shur is known for simplifying complex issues and winning through steadfast persistence. The firm is ME’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms. Find out more at www.bernsteinshur.com.