Overview

Pierce Atwood LLP is a highly-regarded full-service law firm with 150 attorneys providing legal and business counsel and advocacy services to its clients, which range from regional and local enterprises, utilities, financiers, middle-market companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals, to Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, and state and foreign governments.

With six East Coast offices in Portland and Augusta, Maine; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Boston, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island, and Washington, DC., Pierce Atwood is dedicated to providing efficient, top-quality service to meet its clients' legal and business needs in practices including Antitrust; Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning; Banking & Financial Services; Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights; Business; Commercial Real Estate, Cannabis; Class Action Defense; Construction; Education, Employment; Energy; Environmental; Immigration; Intellectual Property; Land Use; Litigation & Appellate; Maritime; Mergers & Acquisition; Renewable Energy; Patent; Privacy; Tax; Technology Transactions; Trademark; Trusts & Estates.

Pierce Atwood’s success is built on three core strengths: attracting and retaining superb legal talent, achieving superior client satisfaction, and delivering exceptional value. We understand that clients want creative and timely legal solutions from attorneys who understand their businesses, and we understand that clients want responsiveness and efficiency in the delivery of legal services. Our goal is to deliver all of these.

From discussing an initial scope of work to developing a mutually beneficial fee arrangement, Pierce Atwood prides itself on tailoring solutions to the particular needs of a client. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to innovative pricing, and the best ideas are the result of a candid dialogue between Pierce Atwood and its clients.

Pierce Atwood is also committed to reaching out to the underserved members of the many communities in which we live and practice. That is why the firm expects each of its attorneys to provide 50 hours of pro bono service every year, and why so many of them continually meet and exceed that expectation.

Founded:
1891
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Practice Areas:
65
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Best Lawyers Recognized:
60

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Real Estate Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Energy Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Environmental Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
3
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Regional

Augusta-ME

Tier
1
Augusta-ME
Government Relations Practice
Tier
2
Augusta-ME
Administrative / Regulatory Law

Boston

Tier
1
Boston
Energy Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Boston
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Boston
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
1
Boston
Real Estate Law

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Pierce Atwood handles a variety of corporate, trademark, energy and employment matters for our company. They are excellent lawyers with solid knowledge and experience in their respective areas. They are also generally friendly and easy to work with. I find they bring the sophistication of big firm practice to smaller, mid-sized cities, and their rates reflect that. I think I get more value per dollar of legal spend with the firm than I would with most of the big city firms with whom they compete. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for good quality lawyers who are a pleasure to work with.
Paul Nightingale
HP Hood LLC
Commercial Litigation
Eric Wycoff and Sara Murphy have been handling my case and in my personal opinion are outstanding in what they do. I have had a great relationship with them throughout the process. I can recommend them very, very highly.
James Julia
FFO Antiques

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
2
National Ranking
Real Estate Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Energy Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Environmental Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
3
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
3
National Ranking
Oil and Gas Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Patent Law

Regional

Augusta-ME

Tier
1
Augusta-ME
Government Relations Practice
Tier
2
Augusta-ME
Administrative / Regulatory Law

Boston

Tier
1
Boston
Energy Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Boston
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Boston
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
1
Boston
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
Boston
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
Boston
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
2
Boston
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
2
Boston
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
2
Boston
Patent Law
Tier
3
Boston
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
3
Boston
Energy Law
Tier
3
Boston
Labor Law - Management

Concord

Tier
1
Concord
Elder Law
Tier
3
Concord
Trusts and Estates

Manchester

Tier
1
Manchester
Corporate Law
Tier
1
Manchester
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier
2
Manchester
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
2
Manchester
Real Estate Law

Portland-ME

Tier
1
Portland-ME
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Construction Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Copyright Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Corporate Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Employment Law - Management
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Energy Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Energy Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Environmental Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Litigation - Banking and Finance
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Real Estate Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Tax Law
Tier
1
Portland-ME
Trusts and Estates
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Elder Law
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Employment Law - Individuals
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Financial Services Regulation Law
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Insurance Law
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Labor Law - Management
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Litigation - Environmental
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier
2
Portland-ME
Public Finance Law

Rhode Island

Tier
1
Rhode Island
Arbitration
Tier
1
Rhode Island
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Rhode Island
Construction Law
Tier
1
Rhode Island
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Rhode Island
Mediation
Tier
2
Rhode Island
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Tier
2
Rhode Island
Corporate Law
Tier
2
Rhode Island
Employment Law - Individuals
Tier
2
Rhode Island
Employment Law - Management
Tier
2
Rhode Island
Labor Law - Union
Tier
2
Rhode Island
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
2
Rhode Island
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Tier
3
Rhode Island
Health Care Law
Tier
3
Rhode Island
Labor Law - Management

Washington, D.C.

Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Energy Regulatory Law
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Utilities Law
Tier
2
Washington, D.C.
Energy Law
Tier
3
Washington, D.C.
Oil and Gas Law

Practice Areas

Pierce Atwood LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 45 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
  • Advertising Law
  • Antitrust Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Arbitration and Mediation
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Business Transactions
  • Cannabis Law
  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Commercial Finance Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Law
  • Copyright Law
  • Corporate Compliance Law
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Energy Law
  • Energy Regulatory Law
  • Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television
  • Environmental Law
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
  • Financial Services Regulation Law
  • Government Relations Practice
  • Health Care Law
  • Immigration Law
  • Information Technology Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Internal Investigations
  • IT Outsourcing Law
  • Labor Law - Management
  • Land Use and Zoning
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Litigation - Antitrust
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Health Care
  • Litigation - Insurance
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Litigation - Municipal
  • Litigation - Patent
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Mediation
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Tax Law
  • Trade Secrets Law
  • Trademark Law
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Utilities Law
  • Water Rights
  • Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Pierce Atwood LLP proudly has 60 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Awards

Pierce Atwood LLP is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Pierce Atwood LLP has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Pierce Atwood LLP continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
NLJ Midsize Hot List Recipient for 4 Consecutive Years
2022 Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business: 37 attorneys firmwide have been recognized.

Offices & Contacts

Portland, ME
Merrill's Wharf
254 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101
United States
Providence, RI
Portsmouth, NH
Pease International Tradeport, Suite 350
One New Hampshire Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
United States
Augusta, ME
Washington, DC
Concord, NH
Meredith Seller
Marketing Communications Director
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