Shiloh Theberge | Partner | Portland, ME
I’ve worked at firms of every size and this combination stood out.
I began my career as a litigator in Philadelphia, handling general litigation and later federal securities and corporate governance work. When I moved to Maine in 2009, several people I trusted encouraged me to consider labor and employment – “people-person law,” as one described it. They were right. It was a natural fit and allowed me to build the long-term client relationships I value.
I like building teams. I like being a leader.
Over time, I worked at firms of all sizes – boutique, midsize, and national – and took on leadership roles, including chairing a labor and employment practice group. I also began working extensively with higher education clients, which I fell in love with. I enjoyed the clients, the students, the employees, and the opportunity to be a true partner across all aspects of their work.
I was looking for a national platform to help my clients.
When the opportunity arose to help open Fisher Phillips’ Portland, Maine office, the timing was right. Many of my clients – even those based in New England – were hiring employees to perform remote work all over the country. I wanted a platform that would let me say, I’ve got a great colleague in Texas or Georgia or California and still maintain that trusted client relationship. Since COVID especially, that national reach has become essential.
It's a large firm with a small-firm feel – and that’s real.
Despite being a large national firm, Fisher Phillips is warm and collaborative. People are welcoming, responsive, and invested in helping one another. I’ve always made career decisions based not only on the work, but on who I want to work with. You spend a lot of time at work; it matters that the people are smart, genuine, and team oriented.
From the beginning, it was: “Whatever you need, we can help.”
My integration here was structured and fully supported. Everything moved fast and towards building my practice. Writing opportunities, conferences, and marketing support have all been great. I became Chair of the Higher Education Industry Group quickly; once I said I was ready, leadership’s answer was, “Let’s do this.”
The credit system really fosters collaboration.
The way client credit works here encourages growing business together rather than hoarding work. It rewards collaboration in a way that actually matches how firms say they want to operate. It truly is “a rising tide lifts all ships.” That mattered to me and was a big part of why I chose FP.
