It is wise for business owners and decision-makers in a company to become familiar with the laws of Maine that relate to business topics. From the smallest to the largest business, there usually comes a time when a Maine lawyer is needed to offer advice or representation.

The subjects that might require the services of a Maine law firm include:

1. Writing and/or interpreting contracts
2. Protecting intellectual property under Maine law
3. Understanding employment laws
4. Deciphering state and federal tax laws
5. Incorporation or setting up a business
6. Product liability protection

Prior to hiring an attorney know the type of fees that they will charge. Here is a breakdown of the ways lawyers in Maine might charge for services:

1. Fixed or Flat Fee: There is a set fee associated with preparing legal documents. For instance, the preparation of a business contract might cost a fixed amount.

2. Hourly Rate: With an hourly rate, you might be required to pay a certain amount before work begins. This is known as a “retainer” and is usually based on an estimate of the total cost of the work.

3. A Contingent Fee: The Maine attorney can receive a percentage of the total amount won in the case. However, if the case is lost then the lawyer will not get a percentage but the business might still have to pay court costs, filing fees and office expenses.

Maine law firms can also assist businesses with real estate law. When purchasing land or a building, a Maine lawyer can execute the necessary documents to expedite the transaction. If a business is registering a trademark or applying for a patent, a Maine attorney can complete forms and protect the interest of the creator of the invention.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understanding the laws in Maine

All laws in Maine begin with its Constitution.

I recommend: Read the Constitution of the State of Maine to gain a general knowledge of the state's laws. This is a great place to read the Preamble and all of the Articles of the laws of Maine. Periodically, there will be changes to the Constitution and it will need to be updated by the Revisor of Statutes upon ratification of amendments to the constitution by the voters. If you want to do research a specific statute in Maine, you can easily see if there have been any updates to the original Constitution by visiting the Maine State Legislature website.

How to find the best lawyers in Maine

Word of mouth is a great way to find a good lawyer in Maine.

I recommend: you ask your business colleagues who they use as a lawyer in Maine and why. However, if you have a specific legal subject you need help with, it is best to find a Maine attorney who is an expert on those laws. A good place to begin a search is on the StateLawyers.com website. Here you will find Maine attorneys broken down by county, practice type, and city/town. Then check out the Lawyers.com website to get a Maine lawyer referral, learn about Maine laws and read Maine legal articles.

DIY legal help is available to interpret Maine law

There are avenues to pursue that might present the help you need without hiring an attorney.

I recommend: LegalZoom.com as an alternative to hiring an attorney for smaller legal business. For fixed fees, there are certain matters that a business can handle by themselves. For instance, if you want to register your trademark in Maine, you can pay between $100 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the package selected. The Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library website is an excellent resource which provides legal and governmental information services to the citizens and businesses of Maine. This website can help you find helpful links and organizations, provide information about mediation and arbitration and assist if you wish to represent yourself in court.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many laws in Maine that are similar to the laws of the other 49 states, but it is wiser to work with an attorney familiar with Maine state law. They will have the license to practice in the state and it is their business to stay on top of revisions and any new laws passed in Maine.
• •  Don't interview just one lawyer. At a minimum interview three lawyers to compare experience, expertise and then determine your confidence level in their ability to either win your case or help you resolve your legal problem.