Michael D. Traister

Michael D. Traister, ADR Attorney in Portland, Maine

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Construction · 4.5/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews

PartneratMurray, Plumb & Murray

Portland, ME

Practicing adr in Portland since 1995.

31+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
13 client reviews
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael D. Traister is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Murray, Plumb & Murray. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.

Based in
Portland, ME
Experience
over 31 years
Known for
ADR · Business · Construction
  • Handles ADR, Business, and Construction matters from Portland, ME.
  • Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael D. Traister: Michael D. Traister is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Murray, Plumb & Murray. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Portland

Michael concentrates on adr, business, construction, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Portland, Maine

Michael takes adr 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Portland, Maine

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Portland, Maine

Michael takes construction 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Portland, Maine

Michael takes government 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Portland, Maine

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Michael D. Traister, adr attorney serving Portland

Michael D. Traister is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Murray, Plumb & Murray. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 13 client reviews. Michael works from Portland, Maine and takes on adr matters across the region.

Michael D. Traister is a lawyer practicing business litigation, construction litigation, commercial litigation and 7 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Brandeis University in 1990, and has been licensed for 31 years. Michael practices at Murray, Plumb & Murray in Portland, ME.

Working with Michael on a adr matter

Michael D. Traister is a lawyer practicing business litigation, construction litigation, commercial litigation and 7 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Brandeis University in 1990, and has been licensed for 31 years. Michael practices at Murray, Plumb & Murray in Portland, ME.

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and construction matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

  • University of Maine

    J.D. · 1995

  • Brandeis University

    B.A. · 1990

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • Massachusetts

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • Maine

    1995 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Maine and B.A. in Brandeis University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Maine and B.A. in Brandeis University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Cumberland, Maine State and American Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Michael D. Traister's office in Portland

Michael's primary office is at 75 Pearl Street, Portland, ME, 04104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Murray, Plumb & Murray

75 Pearl Street

Portland, ME 04104

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael D. Traister — 4.5/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Portland.

4.5

13 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael D. Traister claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael D. Traister — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Portland, Maine

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael D. Traister

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in Maine typically take?

    Simple adr 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Portland?

    Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

    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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new adr clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine

Michael handles adr matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.