Mark K. Googins

James M. Saffian practices principally in the areas of public finance, economic development and tax increment financing. Jim has represented issuers, borrowers, underwriters and trustees in a variety of structured public financings. In addition to regularly representing various municipalities and special purpose districts in Maine with respect to general obligation bond and revenue bond financings, Jim has also had substantial experience with complex private activity bond financings including...

Nicholas J. Morrill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Nicholas J., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jessica Scherb represents individuals and businesses in a wide variety of estate planning and corporate transactions matters. Jessica was recognized as a “Rising Star” by New England Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate, Mergers & Acquisitions each year from 2011 to 2019. In 2020, she authored a chapter in A Practical Guide to Probate in Maine. Drawing on a deep well of professional experience, Jessica regularly speaks on estate planning and trust and estate administra...

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...

Ryan Kelley provides legal counsel to public and private companies regarding debt and equity financings, commercial transactions and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights matters. Ryan represents both lenders and borrowers in construction, acquisition, new markets tax credits, term and working capital financing transactions. His transactional experience also includes commercial matters such as the representation of franchisors and franchisees with respect to franchise matters, of manufacture...

Maybe it started with his knack for math, but Kelly has always loved solving problems. And he’s good at it. He is a powerful analytical thinker and revels in solving highly technical challenges. As a lawyer, Kelly puts those skills to work on behalf of his clients to help resolve a wide range of disputes. Kelly’s practice focuses on litigation involving commercial, bankruptcy, boundary and construction issues. He works directly with clients and in-house counsel and has represented...

Growing up working for his family’s flag and banner company, Arnie’s business education started at a young age. Today, he is a member of Bernstein Shur’s Succession Planning practice group, and provides counsel to small and mid-sized companies in business matters of all types, from formation issues and real estate deals to mergers and acquisitions. He’s particularly well-versed in financing, and works with both profit and nonprofit clients on a range of complex transac...

Pete’s employment practice is guided by the adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Pete uses his common sense business approach to help his clients make legally sound decisions regarding their employees while advancing the needs and mission of his clients’ businesses. Pete practices in all areas of employment law, providing counsel and representation to employers throughout East Coast on issues regarding federal and state leave laws, wrongful termina...

Whether it’s international, federal, or state tax planning, business succession planning, or estate planning, Nelson is ready with thoughtful, practical, and effective guidance. He is eager to provide clear explanations of tax policies and help his clients swiftly and confidently navigate the tax consequences of even the most complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, tax-free exchanges, reorganizations, and municipal and private activity bond financing. Nelson advises ed...

As a shareholder in Bernstein Shur’s Real Estate Practice Group, Eliza represents timberland investment companies and wind energy developers on real estate-based projects in Maine and around the country. Her acute knowledge of all aspects of real estate transactions and financings, robust organizational and drafting skills, and calm demeanor under pressure are a boon to companies whose complex projects often involve multiple parties and many moving parts. Eliza’s previous experien...