How much does it cost to hire William for a civil rights case?

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

Does William offer a free consultation?

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

How long do civil rights cases in Maine typically take?

Simple civil rights 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can William take my case if I'm outside Portland?

William 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 — William 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 William?

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

Is William accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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

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William C. Knowles, Civil Rights Attorney in Portland, Maine

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Estate Litigation, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratVerrill Dana LLP

Portland, ME

Practicing civil rights in Portland since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Civil Rights Estate Litigation Family Law General Health Care Litigation +2 more →

Are you William C. Knowles?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

William C. Knowles is a partner based in Portland, ME. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Estate Litigation, and Family Law. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Verrill Dana LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Portland, ME
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Estate Litigation · Family Law

Handles Civil Rights, Estate Litigation, and Family Law matters from Portland, ME.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

William's practice areas in Portland

William concentrates on civil rights, estate litigation, family law, general, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Portland, Maine

William takes civil rights 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 William agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Portland, Maine

William takes estate 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 William agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Portland, Maine

William takes family law 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 William agrees to represent you.

General cases in Portland, Maine

William 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 William agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Portland, Maine

William takes health care 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 William agrees to represent you.

Biography

William C. Knowles, civil rights attorney serving Portland

Mr. William C. Knowles is a lawyer practicing litigation & trial, probate litigation, real estate litigation and 5 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from Indiana University in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. William practices at Verrill Dana LLP in Portland, ME.

How William handles civil rights matters

Who William represents

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, estate litigation, and family law matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.

Credentials

Credentials — where William studied and practices

University of Warwick
LL.B. · 1978
Indiana University
B.A. · 1975

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
1994 · ACTIVE
Maine U.S. District
1982 · ACTIVE
Idaho
1981 · ACTIVE

William studied at LL.B. in University of Warwick and B.A. in Indiana University.

Law school and academic background

William completed LL.B. in University of Warwick and B.A. in Indiana University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

William's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

William's professional memberships and bar associations

Memberships Maine State Bar Association Past Member, Gignoux Inn of Courts Maine Trial Lawyers Association fellow, Maine Justice Foundation Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
membership
Maine Bar Foundation Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
bar_fellowship

Locations

William C. Knowles's office in Portland

William's primary office is at One Portland Square, Portland, ME, 04101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Verrill Dana LLP

One Portland Square

Portland, ME 04101

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William C. Knowles — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights 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 William C. Knowles claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire William C. Knowles — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Portland, Maine

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 William

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William C. Knowles

How much does it cost to hire William for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Maine typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Portland?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new civil rights clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Maine residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like William C. Knowles. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii
What can I do if a police officer used excessive force in California?
In Los Angeles, CA, I was recently arrested, and the police officer used excessive force during the encounter. I have visible bruises and witnesses who saw everything. I believe my
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · California

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine

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

More counsel

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

William C. Knowles, Civil Rights Attorney in Portland, Maine

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