Clients frequently cite clear communication, responsiveness, and compassionate handling of complex personal injury cases, including medical malpractice and trauma, as key positives in their 4.7-star rating. However, several low-rated reviews indicate that the firm sometimes declines cases without detailed consultation or fails to return intake inquiries promptly, leading to frustration for potential clients who feel dismissed or ignored.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 152 reviews (90% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 152 Google reviews (133 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 13, 2026.
Service: Paralegal serving Lewiston, Maine.
Data from Google, last updated November 10, 2026.
Star ratings
152 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars13790%
4 stars21%
3 stars00%
2 stars21%
1 star117%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 133 written reviews
96%praise
Praise20296%
Complaints94%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude6832%
Would recommend5225%
Communication3215%
Quality & results2612%
Speed & response157%
Honesty & trust157%
Price & value31%
What customers talk about
We read 133 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“iews rightfully set Berman and Simmons apart for their legal finesse, expertise, brilliance, and their ability to navigate these complexities within t…”
“I would recommend your services to anyone who has been knocked down but wants to fight back, and I stand in solidarity with you and all others who wor…”
“I waited a week to hear back from a rep named Susan and i would not recommend receiving any legal help from any attorney that refuses your case before…”
“I found him firm on and about the law, yet soft with me in explaining it.”
“I will never be the healthy person I was before the accident, a little sad with the settlement, but very grateful for attorney Christopher Boots.”
“I never imagined I would need legal representation, but no one expects life’s worst events.”
“They are responsive, detailed, caring, compassionate and truly work to their client's benefit and only have their client's best interest at heart.”
“This genuinely speaks to the type of man he is in my book!”
“No one likes to go through this process but it was well worth it in the end.”
People customers mention
Sacks11 reviews
Dan10 reviews
Boots9 reviews
Kagan9 reviews
Brennan8 reviews
Kenlan8 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
If your case involves sexual abuse, incest, sexual assault, or any other traumatic event, this is the firm you want!
Other reviews rightfully set Berman and Simmons apart for their legal finesse, expertise, brilliance, and their ability to navigate these complexities within the system in these emotionally laden cases. Yes, I attest that it's all true, and wish to set them further apart.
Many other firms and attorneys advertise or describe themselves as trauma-informed. However, there is a difference between being trauma-informed and being informed by trauma. I initiated my case originally with an attorney who touted themselves as being trauma-informed because they took some workshops. In that relationship, I ended up deeply wounded by the approaches and the way questions were asked, simply because I, the client, have been informed by trauma. I, like many clients who've had similar experiences, require a different type of interacting, especially as the case begins to go deeper into the tender topic of why I was looking for an attorney to begin with.
Berman and Simmons has a dedicated group that specializes in representing survivors of sexual abuse. They carry out all of the same duties that any other high-caliber firm does, except they do it all while simultaneously navigating the minefield of trauma, emotion, and upheaval.
Kristin Murray-James, my lead attorney, was insanely fierce and powerful, yet weathered some of my most volatile and raw emotional responses with steadiness and grace. She removed barriers and overcame obstacles. She maintained boundaries as my attorney, not a therapist. Her empathetic and compassionate nature made her a safe person, who consistently created a safe space. After a lifetime of being silenced, I would not have been able to express my desires for a direction for my case if it were not for her having these qualities.
Joe Gousee, her legal partner, was more of a behind-the-scenes legal brilliance, working hand in hand with Kristin to navigate the law and all its complexities. Even though I was violated by men, I was able to express myself to and around him. I found him firm on and about the law, yet soft with me in explaining it. I could still engage in scary or private conversations with him. This genuinely speaks to the type of man he is in my book!
Amy Rioux, legal assistant, and Cindy MacDonald, paralegal, each interacted with me directly, mostly to gather information or pass it along. Though they were involved in all of the many other cases at once, every exchange I ever had with either of them was warm, understanding, and steady. They met me with a rare blend of professional neutrality and genuine support, without exception.
Generally speaking, the amount of shame I carried as a victim through my life, and had to process around my case topic, was enormous. The fact that I was capable of telling them my story and what I wanted or needed from my case is a direct reflection of the degree of safety created by my legal team. If you are a survivor, you will undoubtedly understand the depth of the importance of this statement.
Now that my case has successfully come to a close, I look back on my decision to choose Kristin Murray-James and her Berman and Simmons team and can say I could not have made a better choice.
In my opinion, Kristin Murray-James, Joe Gousee, Amy Rioux, and Cindy MacDonald are THE ONLY legal team you would want to work with in cases such as these. Could never thank them enough!
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Lisa, thank you for tWe know how much trust it takes to share your story, and we're grateful you placed that trust in Kristin, Joe, Amy, and Cindy. Thank you for allowing our team to stand beside you.
Tammy Brown10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tammy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Chris Boots and his team are AMAZING!! They keep you informed every step of the way. They do NOT drag their feet like most law offices and work around the clock. I seriously can’t say enough great things. Rest assured, they SEE you and will fight for YOU and treat you like family not just another client.
Thank you Chris, Katie and Sue so helping me through something so hard and life changing. You are simply the BEST!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you, Tammy, for your wonderful review. We’re so glad to hear that Chris, Katie, and Sue provided the support, communication, and guidance you needed during such a difficult time. It was truly our privilege to be there for you, and we greatly appreciate your trust in our team.
Alex Emmons6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alex has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you Kristin and team for your life changing support! Your partnership made me feel invincible when I most needed help. I would recommend your services to anyone who has been knocked down but wants to fight back, and I stand in solidarity with you and all others who work so tirelessly to defend the innocent.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Dear Alex,
Thank you for your heartfelt review and kind words. We're honored that Kristin and our team could provide the support and guidance you needed during such an important time.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and wish you all the best moving forward.
Barbie Merriam5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Barbie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I'm very happy and pleased with the services. I received with Berman and Simmons. Everybody was wonderful, friendly and kept me updated. I would definitely go through you guys again in the future if needed. Thank you so much for everything!
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you, Barbie. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and are so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team. Providing compassionate service, clear communication, and dedicated support to our clients is always our goal. Thank you for trusting Berman & Simmons with your case, and for taking the time to share your experience.
Linda Millikan5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Linda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I contacted Berman & Simmons following an accident I had at a B&B in Bar Harbor, Maine on May 1, 2023. It has been a long journey and I’m glad it’s over. I will never be the healthy person I was before the accident, a little sad with the settlement, but very grateful for attorney Christopher Boots. He along with his staff at Berman & Simmons have been a blessing during these past three years. I’m thankful every day that I’m alive and can walk. Thank-you very much Chris. I wish you a long and healthy life.
Linda Millikan
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words, Linda. We’re grateful you trusted Chris and the team to help guide you through this difficult journey. Wishing you continued healing, health, and all the best moving forward.
Holly English11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Holly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Working with the professionals at this firm was great! From start to finish, their communication was incredibly clear and transparent, making even the most complex parts of the process feel effortless and easy to understand. I felt completely supported every step of the way—I truly couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you, Holly! We’re so glad to hear that. Providing clear, transparent communication is very important to us, and we’re happy we could make everything feel easy and stress-free for you. We appreciate your trust in our team!
Jim Gillen1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was involved in a MVA 3 1/2 years ago sustaining a neck injury that required further procedures and therapies. Attorney Ridge and her dedicated team at Berman & Simmons helped me navigate the legal process from start to my final settlement. I have the utmost confidence and respect in this firm in helping others that have been injured and in need of legal help during the overwhelming process. I feel that this office is truly the best at what they do!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Dear Jim,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re pleased to hear that Attorney Ridge and her team were able to support you through the legal process and help you reach a resolution. Your trust and recommendation mean a great deal to us.
Karen SalterLocal Guide · 13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Karen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I highly recommend utilizing this firm to represent you, particularly Mike Bigos and his team are excellent. They represented my son w a disability who had been a passenger in a car accident so well. I highly recommend and are so grateful for the thoughtfulness and care in how they represented our son. It's difficult navigating life who has challenges, tho their expertise in this field also speaks of the excellence in the representation and claim they achieved for our son. This will greatly benefit his life!
Response from the owner · Edited a year ago
Chris and Karen, We appreciate your thoughtful note of thanks. We’re grateful that our paths met and we were able to help you and your family. Though the work we do is often difficult because of the tragic circumstances our clients face, we meet so many wonderful people in the process. It’s so satisfying to us when we can bring resolution, peace, and financial stability to help make our clients' lives better.
Linda Bowe1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Linda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
After numerous other firms wouldn’t even return my inquiries, I was blessed to be referred to Berman & Simmons. They were extremely empathetic and professional in the handling of my personal injury / unsafe product liability case. My primary interest was in drawing the appropriate attention to an unsafe product that poses a significant threat to its users. Their representation in this matter undoubtedly served as a catalyst for change in hopefully preventing further injuries and loss to others in the future.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Jonathan, we're so glad you were referred to Berman & Simmons to help you shine a light on an unsafe product. Our work together will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for change and protect others in the future. We appreciate you leaving this review!
