Joanne I. Simonelli, Business Attorney in Portland, Maine
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and IP · 4.3/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Associate
Portland, ME
Practicing business in Portland since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joanne I. Simonelli?
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Quick answer
Joanne I. Simonelli is an associate based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and IP. Joanne has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Portland, ME
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · IP
- Handles Business, Employment, and IP matters from Portland, ME.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Joanne I. Simonelli: Joanne I. Simonelli is an associate based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and IP. Joanne has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joanne takes on
Joanne concentrates on business, employment, ip, ip licensing, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joanne handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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IP
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IP Licensing
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Litigation
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Business cases in Portland, Maine
Joanne 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 Joanne agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Portland, Maine
Joanne takes employment 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 Joanne agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Portland, Maine
Joanne takes ip 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 Joanne agrees to represent you.
IP Licensing cases in Portland, Maine
Joanne takes ip licensing 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 Joanne agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Portland, Maine
Joanne 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 Joanne agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joanne I. Simonelli — business lawyer in Portland
Joanne I. Simonelli is an associate based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and IP. Joanne has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Ms. Joanne I. Simonelli is a lawyer practicing labor and employment, business litigation, liquor licensing and 3 other areas of law. Joanne received a degree from Bowdoin College in 1981, and has been licensed for 40 years. Joanne practices in Portland, ME.
Joanne's approach to business cases
Ms. Joanne I. Simonelli is a lawyer practicing labor and employment, business litigation, liquor licensing and 3 other areas of law. Joanne received a degree from Bowdoin College in 1981, and has been licensed for 40 years. Joanne practices in Portland, ME.
The kind of cases Joanne takes
Joanne reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and ip matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Maine School of Law
JD · 1986
Bowdoin College
Bachelor · 1981
Jurisdictions
Joanne's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2014 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1987 · ACTIVE
Maine
1986 · ACTIVE
Joanne studied at JD in University of Maine School of Law and Bachelor in Bowdoin College.
Law school and academic background
Joanne completed JD in University of Maine School of Law and Bachelor in Bowdoin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joanne runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Joanne has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Joanne's professional memberships and bar associations
Maine State Bar Association
membership
Locations
Joanne I. Simonelli's office in Portland
Joanne's primary office is at 121 Middle St Ste 300, Portland, ME, 04101-7109. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joanne I. Simonelli — 4.3/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joanne. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Portland.
4.3
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joanne I. Simonelli claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joanne I. Simonelli — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joanne usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joanne charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joanne'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; Joanne will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Portland, Maine
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Joanne
Joanne discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Joanne confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joanne's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joanne I. Simonelli
How much does it cost to hire Joanne for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joanne walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joanne offer a free consultation?
Joanne charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joanne's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joanne's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Maine typically take?
Simple business 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. Joanne gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joanne take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Joanne 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 — Joanne 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 Joanne?
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. Joanne will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joanne accepting new business clients right now?
Joanne's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine
Joanne handles business matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Joanne's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





