David E. "Dave" Barry, Criminal Defense Attorney in Portland, Maine
focused on Criminal Defense, Energy, and Litigation
Portland, ME
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Portland.
- 3
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
David E. "Dave" Barry is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Energy, and Litigation.
- Based in
- Portland, MAINE
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Energy · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Energy, and Litigation matters from Portland, MAINE.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland (ME) (2026).
About David E. "Dave" Barry: David E. "Dave" Barry is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Energy, and Litigation.
Areas of practice
David's practice areas in Portland
David concentrates on criminal defense, energy, litigation, white collar, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Energy
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Business
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Criminal Defense cases in Portland, Maine
David takes criminal defense 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 David agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Portland, Maine
David takes energy 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 David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Portland, Maine
David takes litigation 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 David agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Portland, Maine
David takes white collar 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 David agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Portland, Maine
David takes business 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 David agrees to represent you.
Biography
David E. "Dave" Barry, criminal defense attorney serving Portland
David E. "Dave" Barry is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Energy, and Litigation. David works from Portland, Maine and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Dave Barry is a partner in Pierce Atwood’s Litigation Practice Group. Dave served as the firm’s managing partner from 2016 through 2025. Previously, Dave was chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and chaired the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice.
Dave has managed complex business litigation in federal and state courts and has extensive experience assisting clients with government enforcement and compliance matters involving potential criminal penalties.
His practice has included representing corporate and individual clients (directors, officers, and other employees) in connection with internal investigations and federal and state criminal and regulatory investigations and enforcement matters, including U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations, banking and financial crimes, environmental crimes and health care fraud.
David's approach to criminal defense cases
Dave Barry is a partner in Pierce Atwood’s Litigation Practice Group. Dave served as the firm’s managing partner from 2016 through 2025. Previously, Dave was chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and chaired the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice. Dave has managed complex business litigation in federal and state courts and has extensive experience…
Clients David works with
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, energy, and litigation matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.
Credentials
Credentials — where David studied and practices
Williams College
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
United States, Illin
ACTIVE
United States, Maine
ACTIVE
United States, Massa
ACTIVE
David studied at B.A. in Williams College.
Law school and academic background
David completed B.A. in Williams College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
David's legal honors and published work
David has received 27 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland (ME)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland (ME)
2026
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland (ME)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland (ME)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland (ME)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland (ME)
2020
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland (ME)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland (ME)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland (ME)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland (ME)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business Disputes
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Complex Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Crimes
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Federal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fraud
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Government Investigations
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Internal Investigations
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Qui Tam/False Claims Act
2026
Best Lawyers in America — White-Collar Criminal Defense
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell and as a Top Rated New England Lawyer by ALM.
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland (ME) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland (ME) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland (ME) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland (ME) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland (ME) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland (ME) (2020).
Locations
David E. "Dave" Barry's office in Portland
David'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 David E. "Dave" Barry
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David E. "Dave" Barry — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Portland, Maine
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David E. "Dave" Barry
How much does it cost to hire David for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Maine typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Portland?
David 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 — David 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 David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine
David handles criminal defense matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





