Bob Hirshon is an internationally known lawyer, writer, and speaker. He practiced law for 30 years in Portland, Maine, and is presently counsel to the northeast regional law firm, Verrill Dana LLP. He served as president of the Maine State Bar Association, the Maine Bar Foundation, and the American Bar Association. As president of the American Bar Association, Prof. Hirshon was the spokesperson for the world's largest professional association and determined how and when the Association should speak on important national and international issues such as the profession's response to the September 11th tragedy and various corporate scandals. Under his leadership the ABA focused upon the issues surrounding law student debt and the professional ramifications of increasing billable hour requirements. During his three years as an officer of the ABA, he traveled to 17 countries, meeting with judges, members of the bar, and political and corporate leaders.
Prof. Hirshon served as the CEO of Tonkon Torp LLP, an Oregon law firm of 75 lawyers. At Tonkon, he facilitated the adoption and implementation of the firm's strategic plan, created a speaker's bureau focusing on professionalism, and helped to design and implement a system of partner peer review. Under his leadership, Tonkon Torp launched an ambitious diversity program and embraced a new pro bono policy based upon Model Rule 6.1.
Prof. Hirshon also served as the COO of Stoel Rives LLP, a 370-lawyer Western regional law firm with offices in 12 cities and eight states. At Stoel, his responsibilities included supervising the senior administrative directors, providing support to the firm's departments and committees, operational oversight of the firm's offices, and participation in the firm's executive, retirement, and investment committees.
In addition, Prof. Hirshon is the CEO of The Wein Hirshon Charitable Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on medical and legal issues. He has complete management responsibility for the foundation and is directly involved in the administration of grants. He oversees the investment strategies of the endowment.
Prof. Hirshon is the recipient of several honorary degrees and numerous state and national awards for his pro bono work and his efforts in the profession. He has substantial litigation and legislative experience and has represented business entities and associations. He has testified in countless legislative hearings in both state legislatures and Congress and has worked closely with the members and staff of both major political parties. He also sits on the advisory board of AVVO. He received his BA and JD degrees from the University of Michigan in 1970 and 1973, respectively.