PORTLAND — Bernstein Shur, one of northern New England’s largest law firms, recently announced that in 2011 it contributed more than 2,400 hours of pro bono legal services, valued at more than $600,000.

According to a news release, the total represents a 33 percent increase in pro bono hours from 2010.

Attorney Jim Keenan, a member of the firm’s board of directors and chairman of its Pro Bono Committee, said, “Providing pro bono legal services is an obligation we take seriously — it is one of our core values. And we are seeing more organizations in need. This is time and expertise provided directly to our communities — the figures do not even include the ongoing efforts of many of our attorneys who take on civic leadership and volunteer roles.”

“It amazes me that so many of our attorneys find a way to dedicate significant time and energy serving those in need. It’s inspiring,” said Charlie Miller, Bernstein Shur’s CEO. “We take pride in our longstanding reputation for providing leadership in the community through our volunteer work and pro bono legal services. It is a commitment we intend to continue in 2012 and beyond.”

As part of its ongoing commitment, Bernstein Shur annually recognizes two attorneys for their pro bono and volunteer work. In 2011, Linda McGill received the Sumner T. Bernstein Pro Bono Service Award and Roy Tilsley Jr. received the Barnett I. Shur Community Service Award for his work with New Horizons for New Hampshire.