Chambers USA 2015 has once again ranked Drummond Woodsum as one of the top law firms in the Maine in the fields of Corporate/M&A, Environment, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Corporate and Real Estate.
To arrive at these rankings, Chambers' staff of full-time researchers conducts in-depth interviews with attorneys and clients and makes selections based on satisfaction, professional ability and reputation. The USA Guide was first introduced in 2003. Based in London, Chambers and Partners began as general book publishers in 1969.
The Drummond Woodsum 2015 firm rankings are below. Click here for the complete 2015 results.
Band 2 Corporate/M&A – Maine
Broad-based corporate practice that is effective in bankruptcy matters and represents an impressive stable of clients including community development corporations, manufacturers and renewable energy consultants. Areas of proficiency include Chapter 11 proceedings, joint ventures, M&A transactions and contract negotiations.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They help manage assets in a dynamic way. They are precise and give 'market-aware' advice."
"They are strong and knowledgeable and they have lawyers familiar with all aspects of the law."
Notable practitioners
The "excellent" Michael High is recognized for his ability in representing secured lenders during loan transactions and has notable ability in venture capital fund matters. He is proficient in intellectual property disputes and complex commercial M&A proceedings. One source reports: "He is the top corporate lawyer in the state. He is bright, highly experienced, very practical and easy to work with."
Benjamin Marcus is recognized for his strength as a corporate transactional attorney and for his excellent bankruptcy practice with its strength in creditors' rights. He has notable experience in distressed asset purchase and one peer says: "I think highly of him. He is an easy attorney to work with and has smart and practical knowledge. I really respect him."
Jeffrey Piampiano is praised as "excellent" and "a strong negotiator" by commentators and is noted for his strength in bankruptcy proceedings. One source reports: "He is responsive, quick, tends to clients' needs and never lets you down on the level of service."
Aaron Pratt receives accolades from sources for his transactional practice and notable experience in representing private equity funds on investment matters. His other areas of strength include capital-raising and corporate restructuring.
Jeremy Fischer is highlighted as a rising talent for bankruptcy proceedings and has significant experience defending against preference claims. He has been active in the representation of Chapter 7 trustees and offers competence in the divestiture of distressed assets and debt restructuring.
Significant clients
Coastal Enterprises, LPL Financial, Stonewall Kitchen, 4Tell Solutions, Gorham Paper & Tissue.
Band 3 Environment – Maine
Highlighted for the representation of municipalities and for strength in litigation proceedings. Proficient in permitting for greenfields and has ability in brownfield remediation and environmental due diligence for real estate transactions.
Notable practitioners
James Kilbreth is a skilled litigator with a noted capability in environmental matters. One source says: "He has got a tremendous knowledge of environmental law, a wealth of experience, he knows the key regulatory people and how things work practically. He has a great ability to get permits in a practical and realistic way. One of the things about him is that he has such a broad scope of capability in environment."
William Plouffe is a respected land use lawyer who is recognized for his ability in representing municipalities on a variety of issues including ordinance violations. He also offers strength in permitting and enforcement matters.
Joanna Tourangeau is recognized for abilities in hazardous waste permitting and environmental due diligence related to asset acquisitions. She has significant experience representing clients before environmental regulatory bodies and has ability in Superfund matters and brownfield remediation.
Significant clients
Sensata Technologies, Brookfield Renewable Energy, DCP Midstream Partners, Central Maine Quebec Railway, Forest Society of Maine.
Band 2 Labor & Employment – Maine
Recognized as a leading practice for counseling education institutes on specialist employment matters. Experienced trial attorneys adept at defending employers against discrimination claims. Also offers ability in labor relations including union arbitrations.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"It is the ideal blend of in-house resources with deep specialty knowledge. They are hands on and manage the relationships tightly enough that the client doesn't just feel like a cog in the wheel."
"They have a deep expertise in education law."
Notable practitioners
The "very capable" Melissa Hewey is highlighted as a "terrific litigator" for employment matters, with sources reporting: "She is excellent. She is a sharp and skilled trial lawyer." She offers particular ability in the representation of higher education institutes in specialist areas.
The "very engaging and very talented" Daniel Rose is active in advising healthcare institutes and media enterprises on sensitive employment matters. He offers ability in wage and hour matters, employee termination and discrimination claims.
Significant clients
Stonewall Kitchen, MaineToday Media, Franklin Community Health Center, R.M. Davis, Portland Housing Authority.
Band 2 Litigation: General Commercial – Maine
Expanding practice that is active in complex commercial litigation matters including contract enforcement. Offers particular strength in securities fraud claims and additional ability in personal injury disputes.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Excellent litigators that are well known for work in school law and employment litigation."
"A litigation-focused firm."
Work highlights
Assisted a plaintiff in litigation against the Liberty Group concerning the enforcement of its contractual retirement obligations. Successfully defended an investor against claims of securities fraud.
Notable practitioners
Jerrol Crouter is noted for his expertise in school law litigation and is praised by sources as a "high-quality lawyer" and "excellent commercial litigator." His broad practice has ability in a number of areas including IP infringement claims, construction contract disputes and antitrust matters.
"Very capable attorney" George Dilworth is recognized for his strength in civil litigation and white-collar crime matters. He is held in high regard by peers and has notable experience in securities fraud claims.
The "top-notch" Melissa Hewey is highlighted for her focus on litigation related to education matters, including the defense of schools in employment disputes. She is held in high regard by peers, one of whom says: "I think highly of her. She is practical, smart and innovative."
James Kilbreth is highlighted by peers for his strength in a range of matters including environmental litigation, securities litigation and professional malpractice disputes. He also has experience in antitrust and insurance coverage matters.
Significant clients
Bank of America, Bowdoin College, Infinity Federal Credit Union, Maine Medical Center, Maine Water Company.
Band 2 Real Estate – Maine
What the team is known for Solid practice highlighted for its representation of financial institutions, with particular strength in document negotiations pertaining to real estate transactions. Also offers experience in permitting, easements and new market tax credit matters.
Notable practitioners
Richard Shinay is lauded as "the top title insurance lawyer in the state" and has particular ability in insurance underwriting for commercial real estate transactions. He represents the interests of a broad stable of clients including municipalities, developers and investors on matters related to easements, residential projects and large retail outlets.
Gary Vogel is experienced in the representation of banks and developers in transactional matters including site acquisitions and commercial mortgages. Sources attest that he is "very efficient, easy to work with and a problem solver."
Significant clients
The New England Expedition, Housing Initiatives of New England, Gorham Savings Bank, Northway Bank, TD Bank.
