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Paul McDonald, Bankruptcy Attorney in Portland, Maine

focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation

Portland, ME

Trusted bankruptcy attorney serving Portland.

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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 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.

Main office

100 Middle Street

Portland, Maine 04104-5029

Open in Google Maps

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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Hiring 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

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.