Business Details
45 Years
experience
Commercial Law Services in Portland, ME
Established in 1981, our firm specializes in commercial law with a focus on corporate, real estate, bankruptcy, and litigation matters. With decades of combined experience, we serve clients across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and beyond, handling complex cases in banking, real estate development, energy, and construction industries. Our team provides strategic legal solutions grounded in practical business insights, maintaining a strong reputation for excellence in debtor-creditor law and commercial transactions. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized service to a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, local municipalities, and family-owned businesses. Services
Corporate Law
Commercial Real Estate
Bankruptcy Representation
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Lending
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in commercial law and bankruptcy representation
- Our team handles complex transactions and litigation for regional and national clients
- Recognized AV Preeminent rated firm for legal excellence and ethics
- Proven track record in high-stakes Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases
- Deep understanding of Maine's business landscape and regulatory environment
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
What people say
Tireless advocate
Outstanding attorney
Top flight bankruptcy attorney
Consummate professional
Highly regarded workout firm
Services
Corporate Law
We provide comprehensive corporate legal services including business formation, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and corporate governance. Our attorneys advise clients on regulatory compliance, shareholder agreements, and business restructuring. With decades of experience, we help companies navigate complex commercial transactions while maintaining ethical standards and practical business considerations.
Commercial Real Estate
Our real estate practice covers property acquisitions, zoning approvals, environmental compliance, and construction financing. We represent developers, lenders, and property owners in complex transactions involving commercial properties. The team handles title issues, lease agreements, and land use permits with particular expertise in resolving multi-agency regulatory challenges for large-scale projects.
Bankruptcy Representation
We offer strategic bankruptcy counsel for debtors, creditors, and trustees in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 proceedings. Our services include asset protection, debt reorganization, and creditor negotiations. The firm has successfully represented lenders in recovering secured assets and helped businesses restructure through complex Chapter 11 cases with measurable success rates.
Commercial Litigation
Our litigation team handles commercial disputes involving contracts, shareholder conflicts, and business torts. We represent clients in state and federal courts across New England, focusing on efficient resolution through negotiation, mediation, or trial when necessary. The practice includes appellate representation and enforcement of judgment claims.
Commercial Lending
We provide full-service legal support for commercial lending transactions including loan documentation, collateral agreements, and regulatory compliance. Our attorneys work with banks and financial institutions on secured transactions, debt financing, and loan workouts. The firm has particular expertise in complex lending arrangements for real estate developments and business acquisitions.
People
Michael J. Pearce
Managing Partner
With over 40 years of experience, Mike Pearce specializes in commercial law, real estate, and bankruptcy matters. He has guided numerous businesses through complex transactions and litigation, maintaining an AV Preeminent rating for legal excellence. His practice includes representing banks, developers, and corporate clients in high-stakes commercial cases.
Joshua R. Dow
Partner
Joshua Dow focuses on bankruptcy and commercial litigation, recognized as a top attorney in Maine's bankruptcy bar. He brings extensive experience in debtor-creditor law and complex financial restructurings, known for meticulous case management and successful client outcomes in Chapter 11 proceedings.
Aaron P. Burns
Partner
Aaron Burns specializes in commercial real estate and land use law, handling complex property transactions and development projects. His practice includes resolving zoning disputes, environmental compliance issues, and construction financing arrangements for major real estate developments across northern New England.
Questions
What areas of law does Pearce, Dow & Burns specialize in?
We focus on corporate and business law, commercial real estate, bankruptcy/insolvency, commercial litigation, and commercial lending matters.
Do you handle cases outside of Maine?
While based in Portland, we represent clients throughout New England and have handled cases as far south as Florida and west as Texas.
What experience do you have with bankruptcy cases?
Our firm has extensive Chapter 11 bankruptcy experience, including representing secured lenders and debtors in complex reorganization cases.
How do you approach commercial real estate transactions?
We handle all aspects of commercial real estate including zoning, environmental compliance, construction permits, and financing arrangements.
What types of clients do you typically represent?
Our client base includes banks, real estate developers, energy companies, municipalities, and businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
How can I schedule a consultation?
Call our Portland office at 207-822-9900 or complete our online contact form to arrange a consultation with one of our attorneys.
