Sarah H. Beard, General Attorney in Portland, Maine
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on General, Tax, and Zoning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratPierce Atwood LLP
Portland, ME
Practicing general in Portland since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Sarah H. Beard?
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Quick answer
Sarah H. Beard is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on General, Tax, and Zoning. Sarah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pierce Atwood LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Portland, ME
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- General · Tax · Zoning
- Handles General, Tax, and Zoning matters from Portland, ME.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Sarah H. Beard: Sarah H. Beard is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on General, Tax, and Zoning. Sarah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pierce Atwood LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Sarah H. Beard
Sarah concentrates on general, tax, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sarah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Portland, Maine
Sarah takes general 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Portland, Maine
Sarah takes tax 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Portland, Maine
Sarah takes zoning 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Sarah H. Beard — Over 40 years of Maine general experience
Sarah H. Beard is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on General, Tax, and Zoning. Sarah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pierce Atwood LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Sarah H. Beard is a lawyer practicing state and local taxes, land use & zoning, antitrust & trade law. Sarah received a B.A. degree from Bowdoin College in 1981, and has been licensed for 40 years. Sarah practices at Pierce Atwood LLP in Portland, ME.
Sarah's approach to general cases
Sarah H. Beard is a lawyer practicing state and local taxes, land use & zoning, antitrust & trade law. Sarah received a B.A. degree from Bowdoin College in 1981, and has been licensed for 40 years. Sarah practices at Pierce Atwood LLP in Portland, ME.
The kind of cases Sarah takes
Sarah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, tax, and zoning matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.
Credentials
Sarah H. Beard's legal education and bar admissions
New York University
J.D. · 1986
Bowdoin College
B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Sarah's state bar admissions
Commonwealth of Mass
2010 · ACTIVE
Maine U.S. Supreme C
1986 · ACTIVE
Sarah studied at J.D. in New York University and B.A. in Bowdoin College.
Law school and academic background
Sarah completed J.D. in New York University and B.A. in Bowdoin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sarah runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Sarah H. Beard
Sarah has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Sarah's professional memberships and bar associations
Cumberland County, Maine State (Former Co-chair, State and Federal Taxation Section) and American (Member, Committee on State and Local Taxes) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Sarah H. Beard's office in Portland
Sarah's primary office is at Merrill's Wharf, 254 Commercial St., Portland, ME, 04101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pierce Atwood LLP
Merrill's Wharf, 254 Commercial St.
Portland, ME 04101
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Sarah H. Beard — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Sarah. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Portland.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sarah H. Beard claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Sarah H. Beard — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sarah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sarah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah'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; Sarah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Portland, Maine
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Sarah
Sarah discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Sarah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sarah's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sarah H. Beard
How much does it cost to hire Sarah for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sarah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sarah offer a free consultation?
Sarah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Sarah's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Maine typically take?
Simple general 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. Sarah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sarah take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Sarah 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 — Sarah 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 Sarah?
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. Sarah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sarah accepting new general clients right now?
Sarah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine
Sarah handles general matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in Maine
If Sarah's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
