Best Lawyers in Maine, United States for Commercial Litigation
Sara Murphy focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and class action defense, representing clients from a number of different industries, including financial services, energy, pulp and paper, insurance, and professional services. Sara’s litigation practice includes disputes related to breach of contract, unfair trade practices, claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and other business-related torts. She also handles cases involving claims for ...
With nearly 20 years of experience, Jack Woodcock is a seasoned trial attorney who brings a strategic, disciplined approach to complex, high-stakes litigation. His practice spans commercial disputes, environmental litigation, and mass torts, where he regularly guides clients through multifaceted legal and factual challenges. Known for his clear judgment and steady advocacy, Jack is a trusted advisor to clients facing significant legal and business risk. Drawing on his 20 years of experience m...
Erica M. Johanson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Erica M., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erica M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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...
Dave Barry is a partner in Pierce Atwood’s Litigation Practice Group. Dave served as the firm’s managing partner from 2016 through 2025. Previously, Dave was chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and chaired the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice. Dave has managed complex business litigation in federal and state courts and has extensive experience assisting clients with government enforcement and compliance matters invol...
Brendan Rielly has experience in a broad range of civil matters in both state and federal courts (including the First Circuit Court of Appeals) as well as before the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Brendan's practice area focuses on commercial litigation, real estate litigation (including easements and rights of way), school law, probate litigation, public utilities law, environmental compliance and personal injury. Brendan has also served as local counsel for major law firms in both state...
Seth W. Brewster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Antitrust. Seth W., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Seth W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Robert P. Hayes is the leader of the firm’s Medical Malpractice & Professional Liability practice. Rob is an experienced trial attorney who specializes in both civil and criminal defense work. Prior to joining the firm, Rob clerked for the Honorable Joseph M. Jabar of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Rob graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maine in 2009. Thereafter, he attended the University of Maine School of Law, graduating magna cum laude in 20...
As a former award-winning journalist covering government and politics, James has a knack for tracking down facts and distilling complex information into clear, concise prose. Today, he applies those skills in his litigation practice, where has quickly established his reputation as an aggressive, skilled advocate throughout the course of his work for the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting. While lead attorney, he represented the Committee for Ranked Choice voting in primary arguments, dealing ...
Oliver Walton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Oliver, 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 Oliver is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Lucas L. Fortier is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Lucas L., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lucas L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Scott Dolan is a former award-winning newspaper reporter who spent years covering Maine’s state and federal courts before becoming a lawyer himself. He is a partner at the law firm Petruccelli, Martin & Haddow in Portland and represents individuals and small business clients in civil and appellate litigation, successful business building and problem solving, and intellectual property. Scott graduated from the University of Maine School of Law in 2019. During law school, he served as...
Nicholas J. Bernate is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Real Estate. Nicholas J., who practices law in Portland, Maine, has been recognized since 2021. 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.
Cameron Goodwin is an associate in Pierce Atwood’s Litigation Group. He represents clients in a wide variety of litigation matters, with particular experience in class action defense, corporate governance disputes, and complex commercial litigation. Cameron has been successful in efficiently procuring results for his clients and ensuring that they have all the tools they need to navigate the legal system. Cameron has also provided significant pro bono legal services in a wide variety of...
Susan Weidner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Susan, 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 Susan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.