Maine’s municipal governments are on the front-lines of democracy, consistently delivering services to citizens who often do not understand the complexity of local governance.  Shrinking budgets and exploding demands for services.  Shuttered mills and emerging industries.  An aging population and a steady influx of newcomers who have discovered the magic of Maine.  Day in and day out, Maine’s town and city managers partner with volunteer select boards and councils to ensure that the fabric of our communities remains strong.  Assisted by dedicated public employees, these managers and volunteers are first responders in every sense – stepping up to mend a tear when that fabric yields to pressure.

We are a unique and beautiful state because our people and our communities make it so.  We are a patchwork of towns and cities small and large, of rural blending into urban.  Untamed forests, rocky coastlines, mountain peaks that shred the skyline: that is our Maine.  Vacant store fronts, increasing pressure on emergency service providers, expanding populations of vulnerable citizens: that is our Maine.  And always the roads must be plowed, elections must be held, taxes collected and permits issued.

With such diverse needs, Maine’s municipalities require an attorney who has been there and done that.  Amanda has.  Partnering with Amanda ensures that you are working with an attorney who has “big firm” experience seasoned with the insight of a Maine Municipal Staff Attorney.  Amanda provides legal advisory services on diverse aspects of local governance, including:

• Constitutional law
• Contracts
• Elections
• Employment law
• Roads
• Taxation

She serves as town attorney on general municipal matters and special projects in areas including:

• Economic development
• Environmental law
• Land use
• Zoning

Amanda provides wise and frank counsel to select boards and councils, town and city managers, and fire and police chiefs on employee discipline and termination.  She also expertly negotiates and drafts a wide array of legal documents, including:

• Access and conservation easements­
• Charters
• Ordinances
• Interlocal agreements
• Personnel policies
• Tax increment financing development agreements
• Credit enhancement agreements
• Telecommunications leases

Amanda handles all aspects of real estate transactions for municipalities and utility districts, and advises on the application of tree growth, farm land and open space law.  She has also guided municipalities and utility districts through eminent domain proceedings.