Joel Heap

Kirsten Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Kirsten, who practices law in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kirsten is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Karen A. Whitley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Karen A., who practices law in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Karen A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill concentrates his practice on tax-exempt financing transactions, land use and zoning, and commercial real estate transactions. He has served as counsel to borrowers, purchasers, and issuers in connection with the issuance of over a billion dollars in tax-exempt bond financings. In addition to serving as general counsel to the New Hampshire Health and Education Facilities Authority, Bill has represented a wide range of borrowers, including schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and nu...

From the beginning, Rick’s career has focused on business law and litigation, and he brings the same intense focus and forethought to every interaction with his clients. An expert on construction law, Rick has represented contractors and other participants in the construction process in virtually all areas where construction and the law intersect, from contract negotiation and formation through the issues that arise during construction to performance and payment disputes and constructio...

Jon Sparkman is a shareholder of the firm counseling privately-held businesses and non-profit organizations. Jon's business law practice involves representing small- to medium-size businesses from start-up to eventual sale, providing advice with respect to formation and financing, growth and expansion as well as mergers and acquisitions. Jon's representation of non-profit organizations focuses on formation , obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status, governance issues and mergers. Specific ...

With four decades in employment law, Debra “Deb” Weiss Ford stands as a steadfast advocate for her clients. In both state and federal venues, Deb combines strategic insight with her extensive knowledge to achieve optimal legal results. No New Hampshire employment law challenge is unfamiliar to her. Her litigation experience ensures effective solutions for both common and novel issues. She’s adeptly represented employers before key institutions, including the New Hampshire Co...

Jared P. O'Connor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Jared P., who practices law in Nashua, New Hampshire, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jared P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

I chair our firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Team of 15 transactional attorneys and tax specialists and assist our firm clients with regard to achieving their estate planning objectives. Having more than 30 years’ experience as an M&A attorney and corporate advisor, combined with being a CPA and having a master’s degree in taxation, provides me with a unique background and perspective to advise the firm’s business clients in achieving their goals in the most timel...

Jennifer R. Rivett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Jennifer R., who practices law in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jim is a senior member of the litigation department and serves as the firm’s general counsel. He has successfully handled litigated cases in state and federal court in New Hampshire and in neighboring jurisdictions for over 35 years. Over time, he has focused on matters involving commercial disputes, professional negligence, product liability, toxic torts, real estate and insurance coverage. In addition, Jim has been active throughout his career in promoting lawyer continuing legal educ...