Ryan Schmitz

With a past as a securities regulator in the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation, Joel has deep expertise in the federal and state securities laws—and the practical insight it takes to navigate today’s financial markets successfully. Whether you’re an operating company seeking early stage or later round financing, Joel will help you structure capital-raising transactions and prepare disclosure documents that have every “i” dotted and every “t&rdqu...

Andrea J. Shaw is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Banking and Finance Law. Andrea J. practices law in Portland, Maine Best Lawyers has recognized Andrea J. Shaw since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Andrea J. Shaw is held by other lawyers.

Barbara Wheaton concentrates her legal practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, and related disciplines. Barbara's clients include high net worth individuals, business owners, family offices, charities and fiduciaries. She represents her clients' interests in probate proceedings involving trustee or executor duties, guardianships, trust administration and reformation, and contested estate administrations. Barbara also works extensively with nonprofit or...

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...

While experienced in general commercial litigation, Maureen Sturtevant focuses her litigation practice on the representation of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals, as well as hospitals and private health care organizations against professional malpractice claims. Using her experience and expertise gained in litigation, Maureen also provides counsel to health care organizations in a variety of health-law related issues, including risk management, policy development, and co...

Having worked as an urban planner, as chair of the Portland Zoning Board, and inside state government, Phil is well acquainted with municipal and land use law. That experience, combined with his legal expertise, makes him extremely adept at counseling municipal officials and boards and obtaining land use approvals at local, state, and federal levels for real estate developers and property owners. And he’s just as equipped to help clients with legislative issues: he helped draft and pass...

Neal Pratt is widely-regarded as a “go to” trial attorney for high-stakes litigation. With an extraordinary record of success over 30 years, Neal has unique experience handling “bet-the-company” litigation and other thorny legal disputes. He is renowned for his strategic planning skills and meticulous preparation, and often succeeds in achieving client goals without the need for protracted litigation. When a trial is necessary, however, Neal’s extensive track rec...

Nolan Reichl is a partner in Pierce Atwood’s Litigation Practice Group, where he focuses his practice on civil litigation and appellate matters, including commercial disputes and challenges to administrative actions. Nolan represents institutional clients in a range of industries, and has represented some of the largest institutions in the United States and Maine, including Central Maine Power Company, J.P. Morgan, Verso Corporation, Bank of America, and Eli Lilly and Company. As part o...

Tara practices in all areas of labor and employment law, providing counsel and representation to employers throughout northern New England. Tara has a strong litigation background with experience in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies involving: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The Rehabilitation Act Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (A...

Sarah Tracy advises energy generation facilities, large commercial energy users, and utilities with respect to state and federal energy regulatory issues throughout New England. Sarah assists owners of utility scale and distributed energy generation facilities and off-takers negotiate key energy agreements, including power purchase agreements, net energy billing agreements, renewable energy credit purchase and sale agreements, natural gas supply agreements and firm gas transportation agreemen...