William J. "Bill" Sheils
About William J. Sheils
William J. Sheils is a lawyer based in Portland, ME and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2013. William J. Sheils is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Portland, Maine
- Corporate Law
- Employment Law - Management
Current Firm: Perkins Thompson
Education: Suffolk University, J.D., graduated 1991 and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, B.A., graduated 1985
Location: Portland, ME
Nearby Lawyers
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...
Asha’s specialty is dispute resolution involving construction, energy, insurance, and banking claims. In addition to being an attorney, Asha is a licensed professional engineer, with LEED accreditation and years of experience designing and coordinating multi-million dollar projects as a civil engineer with Parsons Brinckerhoff. Her firsthand experience with the ins and outs of construction, and energy projects makes her an especially effective advocate in litigation matters and contract...
Melinda (Mindy) J. Caterine represents management in employment disputes before federal and states courts and agencies throughout New England. Her practice includes defending employers in matters involving: Sexual harassment Employment discrimination Retaliation Wrongful discharge Employment contract dispute cases Mindy also conducts training on numerous employment issues, such as: Harassment Wage and hour compliance Reductions-in-force Leaves of absence Discipline and discharge In addition t...
Bob Mittel is the senior member of the firm. Following two years of service in the Army during the late 1960’s, he practiced with Pine Tree Legal Assistance until 1976, devoting the majority of his efforts to welfare and civil rights litigation in both state and federal courts. Since 1977, the majority of his work has been in the fields of intellectual property, compliance & defense work for debt collectors, and business and probate litigation. Bob has argued cases in a variety of s...
Edward J. Kelleher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Edward J., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edward J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John Kaminski’s practice is centered on business transactions and tax law with an emphasis on community and project development. He leverages a combination of tax and transactional expertise to help clients achieve their objectives. John regularly advises developers and lenders involved in real estate development, affordable housing projects, and historic rehabilitation projects. He has worked with for-profit and non-profit developers on mixed commercial and residential developments, fe...
Paul is one of Maine’s go-to trial lawyers for difficult and bet-the-company litigation. Paul provides a unique and effective one-two punch for clients facing the prospect of litigation: combining a deep understanding of how the business world functions with ability to more clearly see the litigation playing field and, therefore, devise and implement winning strategies. As Chambers USA put it in its 2017 Edition of America’s Leading Business Lawyers, “Clients describe him as...
Brian Rayback focuses his practice on environmental and land use law, with expertise in all aspects of water, air, natural resources, solid waste, and zoning regulation. Brian provides cost-effective, strategic advice on project permitting, enforcement matters, appeals of agency decisions, regulatory compliance, and legislative issues for property developers and owners, trade associations, utilities, construction companies, and industrial and manufacturing facilities. He regularly appears bef...
Lee practices in the area of Real Estate Law. He has represented clients in all aspects of real estate and land use planning, including securing municipal, State and Federal regulatory approvals; acquisition and financing transactions; leasing; and title and conveyancing matters. He has worked on projects including the Bangor Mall, The Maine Mall, a large variety of other retail and residential developments. Lee has been selected for inclusion in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in Amer...
For more than thirty-five years, Chuck Hehmeyer has maintained a national practice representing both children and adults in a broad array of medical malpractice and wrongful death cases, including primary care, emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, surgery, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, genetics, hematology, neurology, and ophthalmology. He is the only lawyer in the country who regularly represents families of children...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.