Maine

Lawyer’s Encounter with a Denver Boot Results in Criminal Mischief Charge

Police say a Maine lawyer damaged a Denver boot worth $480 when he tried to drive his truck away while the device was still attached to his wheel. Lawyer Michael Harman of Millinocket was charged with criminal mischief after the device lodged under his wheel well, damaging both his truck…

May 8, 2009 6:30 PM CDT

Same-Sex Couples Now Allowed to Marry in Maine, Maybe N.H. Soon, Too

Abandoning his earlier opposition, the governor of Maine today immediately signed new legislation allowing same-sex couples there the legal right to marry. “It’s not the way I was raised and it’s not the way that I am,” Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, tells the New York Times in a phone…

May 7, 2009 12:51 AM CDT

Fleetwood Mac Drummer Sues Firm Over Attorney Fees

The drummer for Fleetwood Mac, Michael “Mick” Fleetwood, is among a group suing its onetime attorney in Maine, claiming the lawyer and his firm left them on the hook for $4.5 million in attorney fees. The Fleetwood group hired Paul McDonald and Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson in Portland to…

Apr 9, 2009 3:10 PM CDT

Husson U Hires Dean, 2 Profs for Planned New Maine Law School

News yesterday that Husson University is reviving an earlier attempt to establish a new law school in Bangor, Maine, was followed today by news of three hires for the fledgling facility. They are: law professor Michael Mullane of the University of Maine School of Law; founding partner Peter Murray of…

Mar 18, 2009 7:41 PM CDT

Husson Univ. to Revive Plan for New Maine Law School

Husson University is reportedly about to launch another attempt to create a new law school in Maine. An earlier effort to do so was blocked by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, but the university plans to detail its latest plans at a press conference tomorrow, reports Mainebiz. Earlier coverage: ABAJournal.com:…

Mar 17, 2009 6:22 PM CDT

Economy & Politics Threaten State Courts, ABA House Told

Massive state budget shortfalls threaten the ability of courts to continue to operate, Massachusetts Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall, who is president of the Conference of Chief Justices, told the ABA House of Delegates today. At least 46 states face revenue shortfalls totaling $350 billion from this year through 2001,…

Feb 16, 2009 5:13 PM CST

Major Maine Firm, Pierce Atwood, Lays Off Some, Hires Others

For economic reasons, the largest law firm in Maine laid off seven lawyers and 14 staff members last week in its Portland, Augusta and Portsmouth, N.H., offices, but is looking to hire five more lawyers in Boston and Providence, R.I. The laid-off lawyers worked in the Portland and Portsmouth offices…

Feb 2, 2009 7:15 PM CST

Ex-Chair of Prominent Maine Firm Gets 2 Years in Tax Case

“There was no extortion. No lavish vacations. No gambling debts. No drug addiction. Instead, a former partner in a major Maine law firm stole more than $300,000 simply because he felt he needed greater savings, his lawyer said.” That’s how an Associated Press article leads into yesterday’s sentencing of once-prominent…

Sep 5, 2008 10:33 PM CDT

Murder Tragedy Shines Spotlight on Advocacy Program for Mentally Ill

William Bruce was able to gain release from a mental hospital with the help of patient advocates funded by the federal government, despite his doctor’s recommendations that he remain at the facility. “Very dangerous indeed for release to the community,” one doctor wrote in Bruce’s record. Two months later, in…

Aug 18, 2008 3:10 PM CDT

Towns Abuzz Over Backyard Bees

Add honeybees to the list of pets with a purpose that a growing number of residents are now keeping in urban areas. But, as with backyard chickens, not everyone is happy about the trend. In South Portland, Maine, for instance, the town adopted an ordinance in May requiring beekeepers to…

Jul 11, 2008 9:31 PM CDT

Partner Accused of Stealing from Firm to Plead Guilty Today

A former partner at a Maine law firm who was accused of stealing more than $300,000 from his law firm and clients is expected to plead guilty to felony theft. John Duncan, who had worked at Verrill Dana in Portland for 29 years, is expected to enter a plea today,…

Jun 10, 2008 1:26 PM CDT

Judge to Ex-Lawyer: Snow Job Could Help Repay Clients

A Maine judge has ordered an ex-lawyer to get a job, any job, so he can repay the money he stole from client escrows and his grandfather’s estate. John Frankenfield of Skowhegan has repaid only $50 of $219,000 in court-ordered restitution, the Sun Journal reports. He was convicted of skimming…

Mar 6, 2008 3:17 PM CST

More Verrill Dana Fallout re Former Partner’s Alleged $400K Theft

The managing partner at one of Maine’s biggest and best-known law firms has resigned his post in the wake of a former partner’s alleged theft of just over $400,000 from the firm and some clients. David Warren, who is credited with leading a successful turnaround at Verrill Dana after it…

Jan 15, 2008 6:32 PM CST

Secretary to Axed Partner Plans Whistle-Blower Suit

A legal secretary who warned a major Maine law firm that the senior partner for whom she worked was apparently mishandling funds now plans to file a whistle-blower suit, contending that she was wrongfully fired as a result. Ellie Rommel’s attorney also expects to file a claim with the Maine…

Dec 14, 2007 9:32 PM CST

Maine Law Firm Axes Former Chair, Alleges Theft

A major law firm in Maine has reportedly sent a 29-year attorney packing and mailed a letter to 1,000 clients alleging that he misappropriated funds. Verrill Dana “severed its relationship” with longtime partner John Duncan, a former chairman of the law firm’s executive board, after he “misappropriated” firm funds and…

Dec 12, 2007 9:29 PM CST