Business Law Practice Group

The Business Law Practice Group advises and represents clients with respect to all aspects of enterprise formation, contracting and management. From the initial selection and formation of the business (or non-profit) entity through its growth and maturity, we emphasize the importance of planning and the identification and elimination of legal impediments to success. Our lawyers are familiar and work regularly with many forms of legal entities, including corporations, limited liability companies ("LLC"), limited partnerships, non-profit corporations, private foundations, franchises, trusts and tax exempt 501(c)(3) organizations that conduct business in and out of the state of Maine.

Skilled representation of clients in contractual and transactional matters depends on experience and understanding the practical business objectives of clients. We bring a collective body of expertise developed through scores of years of practice and dedication to advancing our client's interests in negotiations, contract evaluation and formation, and problem solving to get transactions completed.

Our lawyers are regularly involved in the negotiation of sophisticated contracts involving such diverse matters as software and IP licensing, non-solicitation and non-competition agreements, distributor and dealer agreements, private equity placements, commercial loan documentation (including service as local counsel), deposit account control agreements, third-party legal opinions in national financings, petroleum supply and throughput agreements, standby letters of credit and reimbursement agreements, documentary letters of credit, multi-lender intercreditor agreements, shareholder voting agreements, corporate management agreements, operating agreements for real estate investments, equipment purchase agreements, professional services agreements, construction and architect agreements, and physician and hospital contracts.

Counseling business clients with regard to complex regulatory systems is another critical component of our Business Law Practice Group's service. Extensive experience with State, Federal and international business regulations is used in formulating strategies for success, from designing compliance systems for avoiding liability pitfalls to exploiting the ever-changing regulatory climate to maximize opportunities.

Our involvement in regulatory matters involves such diverse areas as the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, Federal Truth-In-Lending laws, state and federal banking codes, corporate laws of all New England states, the Uniform Commercial Code, the Food Security Act, and the Stark healthcare regulations.

Attorneys in the Business Law Practice Group include Mark Snow (Chair), John S. Upton, Douglas S. Carr, Philip C. Hunt, Timothy P. Benoit, William J. Sheils, Julie C. Ray, Christopher M. Dargie and Peter McDonell. Mr. Upton was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2008 (copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc. of Aiken, S.C.) in the field of Corporate law, and is listed in New England Super Lawyers 2007 in the field of Business/Corporate law. He and other members of the Group are AV Peer Review Rated for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Benoit, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Snow are listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2008 (copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc. of Aiken, S.C.) in related fields.