Robert C. Brooks

        Partner

        Rob provides advice and representation to management on all aspects of the employment relationship. He works with clients engaged in construction, health care, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and other industries throughout the country. Rob has successfully handled matters related to union organizing campaigns, collective bargaining, unfair labor practice charges, strikes, and arbitration.

        Rob routinely handles claims for wrongful discharge, discrimination, unpaid wages, breach of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, and other disputes before judges, juries, and administrative agencies, and has successfully represented clients at all levels of the state and federal court systems. Rob also regularly provides advice and assistance to clients on proper termination procedures, Family Medical Leave Act issues, labor relations, disability issues, stock option and employee benefit disputes, and other matters.

        Rob has a particular focus on negotiating project labor agreements for large-scale construction projects. Rob has also advised public and private entities concerning the lawful use of project labor agreements in the context of a state’s competitive bidding laws.

        Relevant Experience

        • Provided management counseling and litigation representation to employers throughout the country
        • Drafted and negotiated project labor agreements for construction projects throughout the country, including pipelines, bridges, tunnels, highways, manufacturing facilities, marine terminals, water treatment facilities, nuclear waste treatment facilities, and environmental remediation sites
        • Successfully represented employers before state administrative boards, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and courts on issues involving sex discrimination, race, disability, and age-related cases
        • Successfully represented employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on issues related to unfair labor practices, collective bargaining, and organizing campaigns
        • Frequent lecturer on issues of labor and employment law

        Services/Industries

        Education

        • University of Maine School of Law (J.D.)
        • Harvard University (A.B.)

        Bar Admissions

        • Maine
        • Massachusetts
        • Connecticut

        Court and Other Admissions

        • U.S. District Court for the District of Maine
        • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
        • U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
        • U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
        • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

        Memberships

        • Maine State Bar Association

        Honors

        • Recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business under Labor & Employment
        • Named the Best Lawyers® 2017 Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year” in Portland, Maine
        • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® under Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Management, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers, and Employment Law – Management in Portland, Maine
        • Selected by peers for inclusion in New England Super Lawyers under Employment & Labor, Employment Litigation: Defense and Workers’ Compensation in Portland, Maine

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

        Verrill's RIF/WARN Act Team

        The attorneys in Verrill’s RIF/WARN Act Team have extensive experience helping employers across many industries successfully plan for and implement employee reductions in force (RIFs).

        Events
        When: April 30 - May 1, 2026
        Location: Washington, DC
        When: February 3, 2026 at 8:00am - 5:00pm ET
        Location: Portland, ME
        When: January 16, 2025 at 8:00am – 5:00pm(EDT)
        Location: Holiday Inn By the Bay
        When: February 13, 2024 at 8:00am – 5:00pm
        Location: The Holiday Inn By the Bay

        Firm Highlights

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        Alerts and Newsletters

        DOJ Announces Faster Review and Enhanced Enforcement for Benefits-Fraud FCA Matters

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        Media Mentions

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        Blog

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        Blog

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        Press Releases

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        Published Works

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        Verrill Partner Frank De Vito authored an article featured in the Spring 2026 issue of The Abstract, the journal of the American College of Mortgage...
        Alerts and Newsletters

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        As the federal government intensifies its “whole of government” approach to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, particularly in Federal Health Care...
        Press Releases

        Two Verrill Attorneys Featured in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers List

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        Published Works

        Verrill Attorney Mark Googins Co-Authors Maine Commercial Lending Handbook

        Verrill attorney Mark Googins has co-authored the Maine Commercial Lending Handbook (Second Edition), published March 2026.  A trusted, practical...