David M. Austin

        Partner

        David has nearly 30 years of experience acting as trusted legal counsel to a variety of businesses, from new ventures to some of Maine’s most well-known organizations, on a wide range of transactional and corporate governance matters.

        David works with clients in diverse industry sectors, with a particular focus on the timberland and energy industries, in connection with mergers and acquisitions, governance, commercial contracts, debt and equity financings, and stockholder relations.

        Clients look to David for guidance on strategic growth and business succession planning. David also provides counsel to shareholders and other business owners regarding a variety of business transition issues.

        David is an active member of the Maine business community. Prior to joining Verrill, David was a partner at a Maine-based law firm, including serving as President and Managing Partner of the firm for more than a decade.

        Services/Industries

        Education

        • University of Maine School of Law (J.D., cum laude)
        • University of Maine (B.A.)

        Bar Admissions

        • Maine

        Court and Other Admissions

        • United States District Court, District of Maine

        Memberships

        • American Bar Association
        • Penobscot County Bar Association
        • Maine State Bar Association, Business Law Section, Past Chair and Current Member
        • Maine Chamber of Commerce, Current Board Member
        • Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member
        • Maine and Company, Past Board Member
        • University of Maine Foundation, Board of Directors, Past Chair and current Member
        • Brewer School Committee, Past Member

        Honors

        • Recognized in the Legal 500 US City Elite Rankings – Corporate and M&A (New England)
        • Selected by peers for inclusion in New England Super Lawyers under Business and Corporate
        • Named the Best Lawyers® Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Portland, Maine (2026)
        • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® under Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
        • Recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business under Corporate/M&A in Maine

        Learn more about the third-party ratings, rankings, and selection processes used for inclusion.

        Firm Highlights

        Alerts and Newsletters

        Maine’s New Employer Surveillance Law, 26 M.R.S. § 620-A

        Effective July 14, 2026 Maine employers that electronically monitor employees must comply with a new disclosure law effective July 14, 2026. Under...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Recognized by U.S. News as One of the Best Law Firms to Work for in 2026

        BOSTON, Mass., BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine, GREENWICH and WESTPORT, Conn., – Verrill has been featured on U.S. News’ 2026 Best Companies to Work...
        Blog

        SECURE 2.0 Roth Catch-Up Rules and the 403(b) 15-Year Catch-Up: What Tax-Exempt Employers Need to Know

        Tax-exempt employers whose 403(b) plans offer catch-up contributions for participants age 50 and above should be well on their way to compliance with...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Quoted in Law360 on SIMAD Summer Camp Bankruptcy Sale

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article examining the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving SIMAD Holdings and...
        Media Mentions

        Chris Tsouros Featured in Law360’s Coverage of Sports Real Estate Deals

        Verrill Partner Chris Tsouros was recently recognized in a Law360 article highlighting law firms involved in significant sports real estate projects...
        Blog

        What Maine’s New Employer Surveillance Law Means for Maine Employers

        Maine employers who monitor their workforce, whether through productivity software, GPS, call recording, or cameras, have a new compliance obligation...
        Blog

        Run Don’t Walk: The Implication of “While Supplies Last” Prize Promotions

        This month a big-chain grocery store has been offering daily mystery boxes during specific timed drops on a first-come, first-served basis, to users...
        Blog

        Maine’s Noncompete Statute is Reshaped for Health Care Workers: What You Need to Know

        Employers of individuals who are licensed under state law to perform, or provide, health care services in the State of Maine should be prepared for...
        Media Mentions

        Steven Davis Featured in the Environmental Business Journal

        Steven Davis, President of Verrill Strategic Consulting, was recently interviewed and featured in the Environmental Business Journal, Volume 39...
        Blog

        What is a Bonus for Purposes of ERISA?

        An ongoing dispute about a Department of Labor advisory opinion published last September raises a basic but unanswered question under the ERISA: What...
        Media Mentions

        Verrill Recognized by WMTW for Partnership Supporting Hunger Relief in Maine

        Verrill was recently featured in coverage by WMTW News 8 for its role in a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity across southern...
        Press Releases

        33 Verrill Attorneys, Across Four Offices, Recognized in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide

        BOSTON, Massachusetts, PORTLAND, Maine, WESTPORT, Connecticut, and WASHINGTON, D.C. – Verrill has been recognized as a Leading Firm in 14...