Civil Litigation

Lawsuit over boundaries for beach house: Three days of trial before jury, included a successful cross-examination of opponent's expert surveyor. The jury returned a unanimous verdict for the client, awarding her the disputed property and enabling her to remove a fence that had obstructed her view of the ocean for 4 years.

Insurance company beaten in court: Client seriously injured in automobile during kidnap / car-jacking. Prevailed with judgment to confirm that injuries were covered under the client's “uninsured motorist” provision of automobile insurance policy. After court ruled in favor of insurance coverage, case was settled for client.

Individual injured by distracted driver: Client seriously injured in head-on collision where Defendant driver was distracted by cellphone. Favorable settlement reached with two insurance carriers.

Successful appeal of “de facto” parent claims: Trial judge ruled that the client's former boyfriend (who was not a biological or adoptive father) should have visitation rights for the child. Mother appealed to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, alleging violations of constitutional rights. The judgment was vacated, and mother prevailed after a re-trial of the case. The case established new standards for determining when a non-parent could achieve the status of a “de facto” parent.

Group representation of 18 upland lot owners seeking access to Sebago Lake: Obtained a partial “summary judgment” order for clients, which led to judge-brokered settlement. All clients obtained deeded access over right of way, and easement on beach.

Recovery of lost inheritance: Obtained judgment for fraud against the estate executor following trial in probate court. 

Municipal / administrative proceedings

Appeal to save liquor license: After restaurant's liquor license was denied at local level, a contested hearing was conducted before a hearing officer of the state's liquor licensing bureau. The appeal was successful and the license was granted.

Zone change: Permits obtained to construct a Walgreens pharmacy and credit union building at a busy downtown corner in the City of Sanford, requiring special zone change.

Waterfront permitting: Municipal and state approvals obtained for reconstruction of an oceanfront hotel building destroyed by fire. 

Transactional:

Franchise: Represented businesses in the purchase and development of multiple locations for franchised sandwich and coffee shops.

Financing / Commercial Title Work: Represented clients in the formation of company to build and operate nationally franchised hotel, together with title research and multimillion-dollar financing for construction. Represented client in purchase of oceanfront hotels, including negotiation of sales agreements, financing documents, title research and closings.  Represented lender in multimillion-dollar mortgage loan covering multiple properties with dozens of rental units.

Purchase and Sale of Businesses: Represented buyers and sellers of businesses, including, e.g., insurance agencies, medical/dental practices, restaurants, petroleum businesses, real estate sales/rentals, franchises, manufacturing facilities, machine shops, printing facilities, etc.