Four Verrill Attorneys Recognized by Chambers & Partners for Energy and Environmental Law in Maine

Verrill attorneys Juliet T. Browne, James I. Cohen, Gordon R. Smith, and Mathew J. Todaro were recently recognized for energy and environmental law in Maine in the 2022 Chambers & Partners Guide. Chambers & Partners is one of the world's most respected legal research and publishing firms. Each year, Chambers conducts thousands of in-depth interviews with clients in order to assess the reputations and experience of business lawyers across the United States in various practice areas.

Juliet T. Browne, Partner at Verrill, brings a holistic approach to problem solving and partnering with clients to develop and implement solutions to environmental challenges. Juliet's practice focuses on all aspects of environmental law, including public hearings, project permitting, and compliance under federal, state, and local laws. Juliet is especially known for her ability to manage large-scale, complex permitting and development matters involving areas with high natural resource values, a field that is becoming increasingly contentious with well-funded and organized opponents, with creative problem-solving. Juliet has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as “Lawyer of the Year” in Portland, Maine for Administrative and Regulatory Law, as well as Land Use and Zoning Law. She was also selected as one of the “Top 50 Women” by New England Super Lawyers©. The 2022 Chambers USA guide says Juliet “is the best the New England region has to offer. I cannot imagine going into any of our business-related matters without her at our side.”

James I. Cohen, Partner at Verrill, practices at the intersection of law and politics. Based on decades of experience as a regulatory lawyer, mediator, and elected official — including as Mayor of Portland, Jim helps clients in heavily regulated industries achieve their legal and policy goals before state and local regulatory agencies and legislative bodies. Jim is AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell, listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice, Energy Regulatory Law in Portland, Maine, recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2020 Portland, Maine Energy Law Lawyer of the Year, and received the Public Service for the Environment Award by the Sierra Club, Maine Chapter. Jim is a former board chair of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and he currently serves as board chair of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

Gordon R. Smith, Counsel at Verrill, brings together legal experience and a results-oriented, commonsense approach to provide clients with regulatory solutions, court victories, and strategic advice on a range of environmental and land use issues. Gordon heads up the firm’s Coastal and Shoreland Group and co-chairs the firm’s Appellate Practice Group. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© under Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Environmental and selected by his peers for inclusion in New England Rising Stars© under Environmental and Land Use/Zoning. Within the guide, "Gordon Smith comes recommended for his work with renewables clients on development and permitting matters, as well as handling environmental litigation. Clients are impressed with his ability to 'think deeply and not superficially.'”

Mathew J. Todaro, Partner at Verrill, works closely with clients to solve complex environmental issues. Mat's experience and passion for his work have translated into a strong record of success in defending clients in enforcement proceedings specifically concerning federal regulatory matters. Mat defends and negotiates on behalf of his clients under statutes such as the Clean Water Act, EPCRA, and FIFRA, and with a particular focus on Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. He also represents clients in complex, multi-party CERCLA matters for sites listed on EPA's National Priorities List. Mat has been selected by his peers for inclusion in New England Super Lawyers© under Environmental and received the Katahdin Counsel Recognition for pro bono efforts. As quoted in this year’s guide, “He’s outstanding! Mat has been instrumental in many successes of our recent environmental matters.”