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 in America® Workers Compensation Law – Employers “Lawyer of the Year” in Portland, Maine (2025, 2027)
        • Named The Best Lawyers in America® Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year” in Portland, Maine (2017)
        • 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

        Blog

        Section 530A Account Update: ERISA Status of Trump Accounts

        The Department of Labor has issued important guidance addressing whether employer programs that permit contributions to Section 530A accounts (and...
        Press Releases

        97 Verrill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2027, Including Four Named Lawyers of the Year

        AUGUSTA, Maine, BANGOR, Maine, BOSTON, Mass., PORTLAND, Maine, and WESTPORT, Conn., (August 20, 2026) – Verrill is proud to announce that 97...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SEC’s Proposed “Reg Crypto”: What Founders Need to Know

        Startup founders and emerging-growth companies have a number of options for raising capital under the federal securities laws, including Regulation D...
        Blog

        After 45 Years, the IRS Speaks on DCAP Nondiscrimination Testing – And It’s Good News

        Employers that provide a Dependent Care Assistance Program will be pleased to learn that for the first time in 45 years, the IRS has issued guidance...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses Bankruptcy Auction Strategy in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach spoke with Law360 article examining the complex bankruptcy auction process that resulted in the sale of 23 summer...
        Media Mentions

        Martha Gaythwaite Featured in Portland Press Herald Coverage of Sig Sauer Trial Victory

        Verrill attorney Martha Gaythwaite was highlighted in media coverage of a federal trial in Bangor involving firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer. As...
        Media Mentions

        Law360 Quotes Robert Keach on Senate Bill Affecting Small Business Restructurings

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article discussing federal legislation that would permanently restore the $7.5 million...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SAFEs and Preferred Stock – Key Deal Terms Every Founder Should Know

        SAFEs Before negotiating a term sheet for preferred stock, many early-stage companies, particularly at the seed stage, first raise capital through...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Business Restructuring and Insolvency Attorney Nimra Tariq

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to announce that Nimra Tariq has joined the firm’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Group as an...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Provides Commentary on First Brands Restructuring in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was quoted in the Law360 article, "First Brands' Ch. 11 Plan Revives Angst Over Admin Claims," discussing First Brands...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Construction Attorney Cassie Dufon

        PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill is pleased to welcome Cassie Dufon to the firm’s Construction Group as an Associate, resident in the firm’s Portland...
        Press Releases

        Verrill’s Wide-Ranging Private Wealth Law Practice Recognized in 2026 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

        BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine and BOSTON, Mass. – Verrill attorneys Kenneth P. Brier, Anya F. Endsley, Kurt E. Klebe, Mary McQuillen, Nathaniel S....