Christopher E. "Chris" Howard, M&A Attorney in Portland, Maine
Portland, ME
Trusted m&a attorney serving Portland.
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Quick answer
Christopher E. "Chris" Howard is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on M&A.
- Based in
- Portland, MAINE
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- M&A
- Handles M&A matters from Portland, MAINE.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland (ME) (2022).
About Christopher E. "Chris" Howard: Christopher E. "Chris" Howard is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on M&A.
Areas of practice
Christopher's practice areas in Portland
Christopher concentrates on m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
M&A cases in Portland, Maine
Christopher takes m&a matters in Portland, Maine. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Biography
Christopher E. "Chris" Howard, m&a attorney serving Portland
Christopher E. "Chris" Howard is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on M&A. Christopher works from Portland, Maine and takes on m&a matters across the region.
Christopher E. Howard, partner in the Business Group, serves on the firm's Management Committee and is the former head of its Business Practice Group. Chris has a unique combination of technical legal skills and hands-on business and finance experience, which enables him to integrate these disciplines into strategies that match client objectives and provide clients with a competitive advantage. Chris's practice has three main areas of focus:
- Corporate finance and transactional representation: Chris' work involves all aspects of corporate, securities, and commercial law, focusing on representing entrepreneurs and middle-market companies in a wide variety of transactional settings.
- Resort and hospitality industry: Chris continues to be active in the hospitality sector with projects ranging from resort acquisition and disposition to numerous hotel developments to representation of Maine's first gaming development.
- General counsel representation: In addition to his work as American Skiing Company's general counsel, Chris's experience includes acting as "external" general counsel for several large to midsize companies including two of Maine's largest insurance companies. Chris's forte is in managing complex commercial transactions and development projects in time-sensitive environments, and in accessing all sectors of the capital markets.
Christopher's approach to m&a cases
Christopher E. Howard, partner in the Business Group, serves on the firm's Management Committee and is the former head of its Business Practice Group. Chris has a unique combination of technical legal skills and hands-on business and finance experience, which enables him to integrate these disciplines into strategies that match client objectives and provide clients with a competitive advantage.…
Clients Christopher works with
Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for m&a matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Christopher studied and practices
Cornell University
J.D. · 1982
Bates College
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Christopher's state bar admissions
United States, Maine
ACTIVE
Christopher studied at J.D. in Cornell University and B.A. in Bates College.
Law school and academic background
Christopher completed J.D. in Cornell University and B.A. in Bates College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Christopher's legal honors and published work
Christopher has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland (ME)
2022
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland (ME)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Included in The Best Lawyers in America for Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2007-present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Named a Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” for Mergers & Acquisitions Law in Maine (2015 & 2022)
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland (ME) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Portland (ME) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Included in The Best Lawyers in America for Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2007-present) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Named a Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” for Mergers & Acquisitions Law in Maine (2015 & 2022) (2026).
Locations
Christopher E. "Chris" Howard's office in Portland
Christopher's primary office is at 254 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine, 04101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Christopher E. "Chris" Howard
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Christopher E. "Chris" Howard — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new m&a attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a m&a attorney in Portland, Maine
A short list to run through before you commit: How many m&a matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christopher
Christopher discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in m&a practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every m&a matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christopher's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many m&a practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Christopher E. "Chris" Howard
How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a m&a case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some m&a attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.
How long do m&a cases in Maine typically take?
Simple m&a matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Christopher is licensed in Maine. Matters governed by Maine law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new m&a clients right now?
Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
M&A attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine
Christopher handles m&a matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified m&a attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated m&a attorneys in Maine
If Christopher's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these m&a attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





