Business Details
45 Years
experience
Commercial Law Services in Portland, ME
Pearce & Dow is a commercial law firm located in Portland, Maine, with a legacy of providing high-quality legal counsel since the early 1980s. Our practice focuses on serving clients in corporate and business law, commercial real estate, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and lending transactions. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys prioritize practical solutions grounded in legal expertise and real-world understanding.We represent a diverse clientele, including banks, municipalities, developers, and businesses across New England and the Eastern U.S. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and client-centric service has earned us a reputation as a trusted legal partner for complex commercial matters.
Services
Corporate Law
Real Estate Law
Bankruptcy Representation
Commercial Litigation
Lending Transactions
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Decades of experience in commercial law and bankruptcy representation
- Proven track record with banks, developers, and businesses of all sizes
- Deep local knowledge of Maine's legal and regulatory landscape
- AV-rated attorneys recognized for ethical standards and legal excellence
- Client-focused approach balancing technical expertise with practical solutions
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
What people say
Outstanding attorney
Top flight bankruptcy expertise
Highly regarded workout firm
Consummate professional
Excellent results
Services
Corporate Law
We provide comprehensive corporate legal services including business formation, mergers and acquisitions, and shareholder agreements. Our attorneys guide clients through complex transactions while prioritizing practical business outcomes. With decades of experience, we serve companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations.
Bankruptcy Representation
Our bankruptcy practice covers Chapter 11 reorganizations, creditor rights, and asset liquidations. We represent debtors, creditors, and trustees in complex bankruptcy cases. Our team's deep understanding of commercial lending ensures effective solutions for distressed businesses and financial institutions.
Commercial Real Estate
We handle real estate transactions, zoning disputes, and development projects requiring multi-agency approvals. Our attorneys have particular expertise in condominium conversions and complex land use matters, with direct experience before Maine's zoning boards and planning commissions.
Commercial Litigation
Our litigation team resolves commercial disputes including contract breaches, shareholder conflicts, and real estate disputes. We combine courtroom advocacy with alternative dispute resolution strategies to achieve cost-effective outcomes for clients in state and federal courts.
Lending Transactions
We represent lenders and borrowers in secured and unsecured financing arrangements. Our experience includes complex collateral structures, SBA loans, and commercial mortgage transactions. The firm's bankruptcy expertise helps identify and mitigate lending risks for financial institutions.
People
Michael J. Pearce
Managing Partner
With over 40 years of experience, Mike Pearce specializes in banking law, real estate, and corporate matters. He has guided clients through complex transactions involving multiple regulatory agencies and has particular expertise in golf course developments and commercial lending.
Joshua R. Dow
Partner
Joshua Dow is a recognized bankruptcy expert with extensive experience in Chapter 11 cases and creditor rights. He has developed a reputation for meticulous case management and achieving favorable outcomes in complex bankruptcy proceedings across Maine's bankruptcy courts.
Aaron P. Burns
Partner
Aaron Burns focuses on real estate law and land use matters, currently serving as chairman of his city's zoning board. He represents clients in zoning disputes, development projects, and environmental permitting before state and local agencies.
Questions
What areas of law does Pearce, Dow & Burns specialize in?
We focus on corporate law, commercial real estate, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and lending transactions.
How long has the firm been in practice?
Our attorneys have served clients since 1981, with combined experience exceeding 50 years in commercial law.
What types of clients do you represent?
We work with banks, municipalities, developers, businesses, and individuals across Maine and the Eastern U.S.
Are your attorneys recognized for legal excellence?
Yes, our team includes Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated attorneys with top peer and client reviews.
Do you handle cases outside Maine?
While based in Maine, we represent clients throughout New England and Eastern states from Florida to Texas.
