Paul McDonald, Bankruptcy Attorney in Portland, Maine
focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation
Portland, ME
Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Portland.
Practices in
Are you Paul McDonald?
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Quick answer
Paul McDonald is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation.
- Based in
- Portland, MAINE
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Portland, MAINE.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
About Paul McDonald: Paul McDonald is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Paul's practice areas in Portland
Paul concentrates on bankruptcy, business, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases in Portland, Maine
Paul takes bankruptcy 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Portland, Maine
Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Portland, Maine
Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Paul McDonald, bankruptcy attorney serving Portland
Paul McDonald is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. Paul works from Portland, Maine and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Paul is one of Maine’s go-to trial lawyers for difficult and bet-the-company litigation. Paul provides a unique and effective one-two punch for clients facing the prospect of litigation: combining a deep understanding of how the business world functions with ability to more clearly see the litigation playing field and, therefore, devise and implement winning strategies. As Chambers USA put it in its 2017 Edition of America’s Leading Business Lawyers, “Clients describe him as ‘an excellent trial lawyer’ and peers praise his thoroughness: ‘He leaves no stone unturned and takes pride in his work product.’” Paul serves as General Counsel to Bernstein Shur. For many years, Paul was the Chair of Bernstein Shur’s Litigation Practice Group.
Paul is known for being able to quickly master the nuances of complex subject areas and handle any type of litigation.
Paul is also very experienced in:
- Corporate and Partnership Litigation, including claims involving corporate governance, corporate dissolution, shareholder/partner oppression and freeze out, and fiduciary duty issues.
- Securities Litigation under the anti-fraud provisions of state and federal securities laws.
- Appeals of state and federal procurement contract awards.
- IP Litigation, including preliminary injunctions and accompanying litigation involving claims of trademark, trade dress, copyright infringement, trade secrets, as well as patent infringement.
- Wireless Telecommunications Facility Siting Litigation, representing telecommunications facility providers as well as municipalities in cell tower siting litigation under the Federal Telecommunications Act.
- “Top Hat” Deferred Compensation Plan Litigation in Chapter 11 Proceedings, representing plan participants in recovering their account balances from their employers’ bankruptcy estate and claims of the company’s bankruptcy creditors.
Paul's approach to bankruptcy cases
Paul is one of Maine’s go-to trial lawyers for difficult and bet-the-company litigation. Paul provides a unique and effective one-two punch for clients facing the prospect of litigation: combining a deep understanding of how the business world functions with ability to more clearly see the litigation playing field and, therefore, devise and implement winning strategies. As Chambers USA put it in…
Who Paul represents
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Paul studied and practices
Rutgers University–Newark
JD · 1998
Paul studied at JD in Rutgers University–Newark.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed JD in Rutgers University–Newark. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Paul's legal honors and published work
Paul has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Government Contracts
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mediation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Government Contracts (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance (2026).
Locations
Paul McDonald's office in Portland
Paul's primary office is at 100 Middle Street, Portland, Maine, 04104-5029. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Paul McDonald
Paul has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Paul McDonald — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Portland, Maine
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Paul
Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul McDonald
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Maine typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine
Paul handles bankruptcy matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Maine
If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





