Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Real Estate, Civil, and Bankruptcy Law
Established in 1984, our law firm has built a reputation for excellence in real estate, civil, and bankruptcy law. With over 35 years of courtroom experience, we prioritize client needs through personalized legal strategies and proactive problem-solving. Our practice spans land development, title examinations, and complex litigation in Maine and New Hampshire courts. We emphasize early client consultation to protect rights during property transactions and financial crises. Our team combines business acumen with compassionate representation, offering free initial consultations to assess legal needs.As a mediator in Maine's Foreclosure Mediation Diversion Program, we help clients navigate disputes while maintaining strict adherence to ethical standards. Our courtroom readiness ensures favorable settlements, and our bankruptcy expertise safeguards client assets through proper exemption claims. We serve individuals and businesses with transparent communication and tailored legal solutions.
Services
Bankruptcy Law
Real Estate Law
Civil Law
Land Development
Personal Injury
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of courtroom experience in civil and bankruptcy law
- Our team provides free initial consultations to assess legal needs
- We combine business expertise with compassionate representation
- Our bankruptcy practice protects client assets through proper exemption claims
- We serve as mediators in Maine's Foreclosure Mediation Diversion Program
Associations and certifications
- Maine Attorneys Saving Homes (M.A.S.H.)
Services
Bankruptcy Law
Our bankruptcy practice represents debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 13, and 11 cases. We protect client assets through proper exemption claims and navigate complex bankruptcy codes. With business law background, we provide strategic debt solutions while ensuring compliance with jurisdictional rules and deadlines.
Real Estate Law
We handle residential and commercial real estate transactions, including land development approvals and title examinations. Our practice manages closings for buyers, sellers, and lenders while representing clients before zoning boards in Maine and New Hampshire. We advise on purchase agreements to protect client interests before signing contracts.
Civil Law
Our civil litigation practice covers district and superior court cases in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. With extensive courtroom experience, we handle personal injury cases and commercial disputes. We emphasize early evidence collection and prepare cases for trial while pursuing favorable out-of-court settlements when appropriate.
Land Development
We assist with land use and zoning matters before planning boards and conservation commissions. Our services include navigating approval processes for development projects in Maine and New Hampshire. We provide legal guidance on regulatory compliance and represent clients in hearings to secure necessary permits and variances.
Personal Injury
We represent clients in personal injury cases requiring prompt legal action. Our approach focuses on early evidence preservation and strategic case development. We provide free consultations to assess claim viability and work to secure fair compensation while preparing for potential courtroom proceedings if settlements prove inadequate.
People
Peter L. Hatem
Attorney
Practicing since 1984, Peter L. Hatem specializes in bankruptcy, real estate, and civil law. With business school background, he combines financial expertise with compassionate representation. He serves as mediator in Maine's Foreclosure Mediation Program and has extensive courtroom experience in three states.
Questions
Why hire a bankruptcy attorney instead of filing pro se?
Bankruptcy laws require proper exemption claims and deadline compliance. Our experience prevents costly mistakes that could lead to case dismissal or loss of protected assets.
What real estate services do you offer?
We handle residential/commercial transactions, land development approvals, title examinations, and zoning board representation across Maine and New Hampshire.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to assess your legal needs and determine if you require professional representation.
What civil litigation experience do you have?
With 35+ years of courtroom experience, we handle personal injury cases and commercial disputes in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire courts.
How do you help with foreclosure prevention?
As M.A.S.H. member and mediator in Maine's Foreclosure Mediation Program, we help homeowners explore alternatives to property loss through negotiated solutions.