Mainebiz

V O L . X X X N O. X X V I N OV E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 14 L AW / P O L I C Y Declaring independence Earlier this year, Kai McGintee and Amanda Norris Ames left Bernstein Shur's investigations and resolu- tions practice group, which they co-chaired, to start Aleta Law. ey were joined by eight attorneys and three staff members, all formerly with Bernstein Shur. "It really made sense to operate independently since we're not providing traditional legal services for our clients," McGintee told Mainebiz at the time. Aleta Law, whose name is derived from Aletheia, the Greek goddess of truth, is a boutique law firm in a specialized niche. It provides investi- gation and adjudication services for colleges and universities, K-12 schools, sports organizations, nonprofits and private companies around the coun- try into allegations involving sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, discrimination and harass- ment, hazing, bullying and other forms of misconduct. "Our clients were really thrilled that we were an independent boutique firm focused on investigations and hearings, and that we are neutral and not con- nected to a larger law firm that rep- resents clients in different capacities," McGintee says. "Without needing to do much marketing around Aleta, we've gotten a lot of new clients." She also says that the firm's rates are lower than many of its competitors at large law firms. In less than a year, the firm has grown to 16 staff members spread across six states; all receive paid sick leave cell phone reimbursement and other benefits. "Operating virtually has allowed us a lot more flexibility in terms of hiring and allowed us to get hires that maybe we would not otherwise if we were a regional firm," McGintee notes. "It gives us the ability to attract people who want to be working in remote environment." While everyone works from home, they will often use conferences to meet up with each other — including recently in Philadelphia and Burlington, Vt. — and gathered for a three-day summer retreat in Maine for strategic planning and team building. While building up her own business, McGintee gets regular calls from other lawyers interested in making a similar move from employee to entrepreneur. "I am seeing more lawyers leaving large firms to start their own firms in order to have the autonomy and flexibil- ity to better serve their clients," she says. "I also think that advances in technology and lawyers' experience of successfully working remotely during the pandemic has shown innovative lawyers that, in many industries, it's possible to break out of the traditional large law firm model," says Ames. "is shift provides benefits to both clients and lawyers." Krystal Williams, also formerly with Bernstein Shur, has also opted to go » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E C O U N S E L O R S A T L A W r u d m a n w i n c h e l l . c o m BANGOR 84 Harlow St. (207) 947.4501 ELLSWORTH 140 High St. (207) 374.5833 Discover a Legal Community with Integrity and Care Where legal excellence meets dedication and support We're a team that puts people first At Rudman Winchell, we're more than just attorneys — we're neighbors, trusted advisors, and community members deeply committed to supporting our clients and each other. Whether we're guiding individuals through complex business matters, employment challenges, or planning for their family's future, our collaborative and friendly team makes navigating these critical moments both rewarding and fulfilling. If you're looking for an environment where professional growth meets genuine connection, we welcome you to discover what makes Rudman Winchell unique. F O C U S P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Kai McGintee, who works out of her home in Yarmouth, launched Aleta Law with Amanda Norris Ames, of Charlottesville, Va., earlier this year. I am seeing more lawyers leaving large firms to start their own firms in order to have the autonomy and flexibility to better serve their clients. — Kai McGintee Aleta Law

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