Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Maine Legal Partner Since 1917
Since 1917, Rudman Winchell has served Maine's individuals, businesses, and communities with trusted legal counsel rooted in regional expertise. Our attorneys combine over a century of experience with a deep understanding of local needs, offering personalized solutions across business law, civil litigation, criminal defense, family matters, estate planning, immigration, and more. We prioritize client relationships, delivering strategic guidance that aligns with Maine's values of dedication and fair play. With offices in Bangor and Ellsworth, our team of over two dozen attorneys provides nationally recognized legal services while maintaining a neighborly approach.We emphasize proactive planning, transparent communication, and holistic problem-solving to address both immediate challenges and long-term goals. Client testimonials highlight our ability to prevent costly mistakes, navigate complex disputes, and deliver tailored support during critical life events. Our commitment extends beyond individual cases, fostering statewide economic growth and community development through ethical, forward-thinking representation.
Services
Business & Corporate Law
Criminal Defense
Family Matters
Estate Planning
Immigration Law
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Law
Employment Law
Municipal Law
Fiduciary Services
Details
- Year established: 1917
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of combined legal experience tailored to Maine's unique needs
- Our attorneys provide personalized strategies for complex business and family matters
- We maintain a statewide commitment to serving Maine communities with local knowledge
- Our holistic legal approach combines technical expertise with practical business insight
- We foster collaborative partnerships across practice areas for comprehensive client solutions
What people say
Prevented major business mistake
Professional and attentive service
Trusted legal partner for years
Compassionate family law guidance
Exceptional attention to detail
Services
Business & Corporate Law
Our Business & Corporate Law practice helps Maine companies navigate legal complexities from formation to exit strategies. We provide tailored guidance on entity selection, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. Our attorneys work closely with entrepreneurs and established businesses to develop growth-oriented strategies while minimizing legal risks through proactive planning and tax-efficient structures.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans to protect assets and ensure legacy preservation for Maine families. Our services include wills, trusts, advance healthcare directives, and tax planning strategies. We help clients navigate complex Medicaid eligibility requirements while maintaining family financial security through both revocable and irrevocable trust arrangements tailored to individual circumstances.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense team represents clients facing charges across Maine's legal system. We handle OUI cases, drug offenses, violent crimes, and white-collar matters with a focus on protecting clients' rights throughout the process. Our approach combines aggressive courtroom advocacy with strategic negotiations to achieve favorable outcomes in both trial and plea bargain scenarios.
Family Matters
We provide compassionate representation for Maine families navigating divorce, child custody, and adoption matters. Our attorneys develop personalized solutions for parental rights, property division, and spousal support while prioritizing children's best interests. We also facilitate alternative dispute resolution to minimize conflict during emotionally challenging transitions.
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice resolves complex disputes through strategic courtroom representation and alternative dispute resolution. We handle business conflicts, real estate disputes, probate litigation, and construction law matters with a focus on efficient case management. Our attorneys combine trial readiness with settlement negotiation expertise to achieve cost-effective client outcomes.
People
Michael A. Hockenbury
Managing Partner
With extensive experience in business law and litigation, Michael Hockenbury leads Rudman Winchell's legal team. He specializes in corporate governance and complex dispute resolution while maintaining active involvement in Maine's legal community.
Candace T. Augustine
Senior Counsel
Estate planning specialist Candace Augustine provides strategic guidance on wills, trusts, and elder law matters. Her practice focuses on asset protection and intergenerational wealth transfer solutions for Maine families.
Anthony D. Pellegrini
Partner
Immigration and intellectual property attorney Anthony Pellegrini assists clients with visa applications, citizenship processes, and trademark protection. He combines technical expertise with practical business insights to support Maine's growing international community.
Kristy M. Hapworth
Partner
Kristy Hapworth focuses on estate planning and elder law, helping clients navigate Medicaid planning and long-term care arrangements. Her compassionate approach ensures families receive both legal and emotional support during critical decision-making periods.
Caitlyn S. Smith
Partner
Civil litigation and personal injury attorney Caitlyn Smith advocates for clients in complex legal disputes. Her practice emphasizes strategic case management and courtroom advocacy to protect client interests in business and tort matters.
Questions
What practice areas does Rudman Winchell specialize in?
We specialize in business law, civil litigation, criminal defense, family matters, estate planning, immigration, real estate, employment law, and fiduciary services across Maine.
How long has Rudman Winchell been practicing law in Maine?
Our firm has provided legal services in Maine since 1917, with current attorneys maintaining decades of combined regional experience.
What makes Rudman Winchell different from other law firms?
We combine century-long local expertise with national-level legal capabilities, offering personalized solutions through collaborative partnerships across practice areas.
Do you offer estate planning services for families?
Yes, we provide comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, advance directives, and special needs planning tailored to Maine residents.
Can you assist with business formation in Maine?
Our business law team guides clients through entity selection, formation, contracts, and ongoing compliance for Maine-based companies.
