Byrne J. Decker

Having represented businesses in hundreds of commercial real estate and loan transactions for nearly 20 years, Tom really knows the interests and concerns of real estate developers and investors and banks. That expertise comes from a wealth of experience in all phases of real estate development—from pre-development planning, land acquisition, and permitting and approvals, to construction, financing, leasing, and eventual sale. Tom’s insight and frank, detail-oriented approach make...

Technology firms, manufacturers, beverage companies, health care companies, nonprofits, and oil and gas companies have all benefited from John’s thoughtful, pragmatic strategic direction on corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances and agreements, and debt and equity financings. Whether you’re looking to raise capital, finance growth, or negotiate an acquisition agreement, John has the experience and acumen to help you meet your business goals. Joh...

Peg Smith handles all aspects of commercial acquisitions, dispositions, development, leasing, title review and analysis, with particular expertise in drafting and analyzing conservation easements. She represents timberland companies, commercial developers, nonprofit organizations, and individual clients with respect to their various real estate needs, and regularly assists energy companies with real estate matters related to solar development, hydroelectric facilities, and transmission corrid...

After clerking for Maine Supreme Court Justice Robert Clifford for a year after law school, Mike dove straight into construction law, defending architects and engineers in construction cases at a small Portland insurance defense firm. Since joining Bernstein Shur a decade and a half ago, Mike has had the pleasure of representing the full panoply of participants on a construction project: developers, owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, lenders, and sureties in everything fr...

Joseph G. Carleton, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Community Association Law and Real Estate Law. Joseph G., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth T. High is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Elizabeth T., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan is a partner in the firm's Maine office. Ryan assists clients with a wide variety of federal, Maine and Massachusetts regulatory compliance matters. Ryan's retail financial compliance experience includes prepaid access, consumer and commercial deposit products, electronic banking and payment services, consumer finance products (residential mortgages, home equity loans/lines, personal loans/lines, credit cards, student loans, auto loans and leases, and retail installment sales contracts),...

Eliza Nichols is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Eliza, who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eliza is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dave Barry is a partner in Pierce Atwood’s Litigation Practice Group. Dave served as the firm’s managing partner from 2016 through 2025. Previously, Dave was chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and chaired the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice. Dave has managed complex business litigation in federal and state courts and has extensive experience assisting clients with government enforcement and compliance matters invol...

As head of Pierce Atwood's Tax practice, Rob Ravenelle has extensive experience in the planning, negotiation and tax structuring for mergers and acquisitions. He works closely with members of our Business Practice Group to ensure that clients obtain the most economic and tax efficient transaction results possible. Rob's prior experience practicing as a Certified Public Accountant brings unique skills that enhance the value of our services in deal transactions, from mergers to renewable energy...