Biography

David has a unique skillset that allows him to combine work on complex and high net worth domestic relations matters and work as an adviser and agent for amateur and professional athletes. For more than 30 years he has successfully represented and counseled clients in state and federal courts. In the family law area, David has litigated contested custody cases, including international child abduction under the Hague Convention in the U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Other family law matters that he has handled involve:

  • Equitable distribution of real estate and personal property interests
  • Retirement and pension assets
  • Valuation of business interests, including the valuation of professional sports franchises, campgrounds, construction companies, software companies, and other business entities

In the sports law arena, David has represented dozens of athletes in contract negotiations and endorsements. He is the Chair of Verrill’s Sports Law Industry Team. David is a certified Player Agent with the MLB Players Association.

His service as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and as a founding member of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators demonstrates the respect David has earned from his peers in domestic law. His network of trusted professional relationships translates into better negotiations and courtroom results for his clients.

Services/Industries

Education

  • Pace University School of Law  (J.D.)
  • University of Maine  (B.A., High Distinction)

Public Service

  • Campaign for Justice, Co-Chair (2023)
  • Corporator, Saco and Biddeford Savings Institution
  • Board of Directors, Kids First
  • Advisory Committee to Consider Spousal Support Guidelines
  • Varisting Hitting Coach, Falmouth High School
  • Advisory Committee, Family Division of the Maine District Court
  • Overseers of the Bar, Grievance Commission Panel Member (2003-2020), Chair, Panel E
  • Selection Committee for Appointment of Family Law Magistrates, Family Division of the Maine District Court (2016)
  • Selection Committee for Appointment of Case Management Officers, Family Division of the Maine District Court (1998) and Family Law Magistrates (2016)
  • Maine Justice Foundation (2003-2010)
  • Adjunct Professor, Sports Law: A Managerial Approach, University of Southern Maine (2009)
  • Advisory Committee to Maine Supreme Judicial Court on the Rules of Professional Responsibility (2001-2003)
  • Domestic Relations Advisory Committee, Family Division of the Maine District Court (2002)
  • Maine Bar Association, Fee Arbitration Commission (2001-2002)
  • City of South Portland Board of Education (1996-1999), Chair (1998-1999)
  • Board of Directors, American Red Cross, York County Chapter (1995-1997)

Bar Admissions

  • Maine
  • Massachusetts

Memberships

  • Maine State Bar Association, Family Law Section; Chair (2003-2004)
  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Maine Founding Member, American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators
  • Certified Player Agent, Major League Baseball Players Association

Honors

  • AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Named the Best Lawyers® 2014 Sports Law "Lawyer of the Year" in Portland, Maine
  • Named the Best Lawyers® 2022 Family Law "Lawyer of the Year" in Portland, Maine
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© under Family Law, Sports Law in Portland, Maine (since 2007)

To learn more about third-party ratings and rankings, and the selection processes used for inclusion, click here.

Court and Other Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maine
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Firm Highlights

Publication/Podcast

Whole Foods Win Shows Workplace Rules Can Shield Cos.

Verrill attorney Liz Johnston was recently published in Law360 for her article “Whole Foods Win Shows Workplace Rules Can Shield Cos.” In the article, Johnston discusses the recent decision in Kinzer v. Whole Foods...

Event

Maine HR Convention: Workshop A: Out of Sight, Out of Mind-Legal Implications of Proximity Bias

Join Verrill's Tawny L. Alvarez at the 2023 Maine HR Convention where she will be presenting Workshop A:Out of Sight, Out of Mind-Legal Implications of Proximity Bias. Proximity bias can raise discrimination issues for...

Publication/Podcast

Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say…Gorelick v. Star Markets: A Study in Indemnity

Indemnity clauses in contracts are a valuable tool for allocating risk among the contracting parties, most often risk attendant to personal injury and property damage, and their effect can be far-reaching. Despite their significance...

News

Verrill's Norman Belanger and Betts Gorsky Featured in Mainebiz Article

Event

Maine HR Convention: Workshop C: What Every Plan Sponsor Needs to Know-Your Fiduciary Duties in 2023

Join Verrill's Christopher S. Lockman at the 2023 Maine HR Convention where he will be presenting Workshop C: What Every Plan Sponsor Needs to Know-Your Fiduciary Duties in 2023 . This workshop will review...

Matter

Advised Fortune 500 Company on Group Health and Welfare Benefit Plans

We were engaged by a Fortune 500 manufacturing company to provide legal and compliance services regarding its group health and welfare benefit plans. During the course of our representation, we have advised the company...

Blog

HR Power Hour with Sabine Gedeon

Blog

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes National Drinking Water Standard for Six PFAS Compounds

On March 14, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”). PFAS are a category of manufactured chemicals that...

News

David Lazarus Quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Article Regarding Cryptocurrency Whistleblowing.

Matter

Elections and Constitutional Law: Successfully Challenged Certification of Initiative Petition

In a victory for consumers and the ride-hailing public, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently barred the Secretary of State from placing on the November ballot initiative petitions proposed by companies such as Uber...

Contact Verrill at (855) 307 0700