Christopher E. "Chris" Howard

Christopher E. "Chris" Howard


Pierce Atwood LLP

Recognized since 2007

Portland, Maine

Practice Areas

Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Mergers and Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Mergers and Acquisitions Law
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Christopher E. Howard, partner in the Business Group, serves on the firm's Management Committee and is the former head of its Business Practice Group. Chris has a unique combination of technical legal skills and hands-on business and finance experience, which enables him to integrate these disciplines into strategies that match client objectives and provide clients with a competitive advantage. Chris's practice has three main areas of focus:

  • Corporate finance and transactional representation: Chris' work involves all aspects of corporate, securities, and commercial law, focusing on representing entrepreneurs and middle-market companies in a wide variety of transactional settings.
  • Resort and hospitality industry: Chris continues to be active in the hospitality sector with projects ranging from resort acquisition and disposition to numerous hotel developments to representation of Maine's first gaming development.
  • General counsel representation: In addition to his work as American Skiing Company's general counsel, Chris's experience includes acting as "external" general counsel for several large to midsize companies including two of Maine's largest insurance companies. Chris's forte is in managing complex commercial transactions and development projects in time-sensitive environments, and in accessing all sectors of the capital markets.

Contact & Links
Location
  • Merrill's Wharf
    254 Commercial Street
    Portland, ME 04101
Education
  • Cornell University, J.D., magna cum laude, graduated 1982
  • Bates College, B.A., magna cum laude, graduated 1979
Bar Admissions
  • United States, Maine
Affiliations
  • Maine Governmental Facilities Authority - Immediate Past Chairman
  • Maine North Atlantic Development Office - Board Member
  • Maine State Bar Association - Member
  • Mercy Hospital - Board Member
  • The Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness - Founding Board Member

Pierce Atwood LLP
Headquarters: Portland, Maine

58 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

14 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Mergers and Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland, ME (2022)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland, ME (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in:
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Awards:
  • Included in The Best Lawyers in America® for Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2007-present)
  • Named a Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” for Mergers & Acquisitions Law in Maine (2015 & 2022)
  • Recognized in Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A law.

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Publications

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