Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the economy, driving efficiency, delivering transformative insights, and fueling innovation at a remarkable pace. These advancements, however, bring a host of legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations that require thoughtful, strategic guidance. At Verrill, we recognize that AI is not an isolated issue—it intersects with critical areas such as data privacy, intellectual property, health care, employment law, contracts, and compliance.

        Our Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies Group brings together accomplished attorneys from across the firm to deliver integrated legal solutions tailored to AI’s unique challenges. Whether assisting clients in managing the risks of automated decision-making, safeguarding intellectual property generated by machine learning models, or negotiating contracts for AI-powered technologies, our team is dedicated to helping clients remain compliant, competitive, and prepared for the evolving regulatory landscape.

        Core Services

        AI Risk Assessment & Governance

        We partner with organizations to develop robust AI governance frameworks and ethical use policies that promote responsible innovation. Our team is well-versed in designing risk management protocols and implementing internal audit processes aligned with emerging regulations, helping clients build systems that prioritize transparency and accountability.

        Regulatory & Compliance Counseling

        Navigating the complex web of AI regulations requires a knowledgeable approach. Our attorneys provide guidance on compliance with evolving laws such as the EU AI Act, FTC regulations, and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework. We also offer sector-specific advice for industries like health care, education, and financial services—areas where regulatory oversight of AI is rapidly expanding.

        Privacy & Data Use

        AI systems often rely on sensitive data. We counsel clients on managing privacy risks and complying with laws such as GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and HIPAA. Our team conducts legal reviews of profiling practices, biometric data use, and automated decision-making tools to ensure alignment with current privacy standards.

        Intellectual Property Strategy

        Protecting innovation is critical in the AI space. We assist clients in securing patents, copyrights, and trade secrets for AI-related inventions and outputs. Additionally, we advise on structuring IP ownership in collaborative agreements and provide strategies for licensing third-party datasets and models essential to AI development.

        Contracting & Commercial Transactions

        Our team drafts and negotiates contracts for various AI-related transactions—from AI-as-a-Service agreements to data-sharing arrangements. We ensure that contracts clearly define terms around ownership, liability, and indemnification to mitigate risks in deploying AI technologies.

        Employment, HR & DEI

        AI is transforming workplace practices—but not without challenges. We advise employers on the lawful use of AI in hiring processes, employee evaluations, and workforce management while ensuring compliance with EEOC guidelines and state-level laws addressing algorithmic bias. We aim to help organizations implement AI tools responsibly while fostering fairness and diversity.

        Litigation & Risk Mitigation

        Our attorneys provide skilled representation when disputes arise involving AI systems—whether related to product liability, bias claims, or system failures. We also offer proactive risk mitigation strategies to help clients reduce exposure using generative AI and other emerging technologies while assessing insurance coverage for AI-driven operations.

        AI in Regulated Industries

        We deliver tailored solutions for deploying AI responsibly for clients operating in heavily regulated sectors such as health care or financial services. From advising on FDA-regulated diagnostic tools to addressing compliance risks in AI-driven lending or underwriting systems, our team ensures that industry-specific requirements are met without stifling innovation.

        At Verrill, our commitment extends beyond solving today’s challenges—we aim to position our clients for long-term success in an ever-changing technological landscape.

        People
        
 Keefe B. Clemons
        (617) 357 3717
        
 Patrick D. Duplessis
        (203) 222 3116
        
 Michael K. Fee
        (617) 292 2866
        
 Andrew Ferrer
        (617) 357 3733
        
 Rebecca Lessard
        (207) 253 4424
        
 Adam Nyhan

        Adam Nyhan

        Partner
        (207) 253 4416
        
 Abby Plummer

        Abby Plummer

        Associate
        (207) 253 4486
        
 Andrew Walsh
        (203) 222 3127
        Events
        When: June 5, 2026 at 8:00am - 4:30pm
        Location: University of Maine School of Law
        People: Adam Nyhan
        When: Thursday, April 30 at 11:30am - 1:30pm ET
        Location: Westborough, MA
        People: Adam Nyhan
        When: April 8, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
        Location: Webinar
        People: Adam Nyhan
        When: December 5, 2025 at 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
        Location: LinkedIn Live
        People: Adam Nyhan
        When: October 20-23, 2025
        Location: Portland, Maine
        People: Adam Nyhan
        When: June 6, 2025 at 8:45am – 4:45pm (EDT)
        Location: University of Maine School of Law
        People: Adam Nyhan

        Firm Highlights

        Published Works

        Four Verrill Attorneys Co-Author Massachusetts Trends and Developments Chapter for Chambers and Partners Child Relocation 2026 Guide

        Verrill attorneys Mary H. Schmidt, Rachel A. Deering, Hannah R. Zukoff, and Mariah G. Tappan co-authored the “Trends and Developments” chapter...
        Blog

        A New Protected Class in Maine: Holders of Final Protection Orders

        In the lead-up to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, employers may be taking a closer look at how their policies and practices respond to...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        Verrill Secures SJC Victory for Boston Legacy FC in White Stadium Litigation

        Verrill has secured a significant appellate victory for Boston Legacy FC in the litigation challenging the redevelopment of White Stadium in...
        Blog

        Hurry Up and Wait

        This is the third in a series of Verrill blog posts on Maine’s packaging extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) law[1]. In July we reported...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses First Brands Chapter 11 Case in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article examining the rejection of First Brands Group's Chapter 11 plan and the...
        Media Mentions

        Cybersecurity and AI Governance: Scott Anderson Featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

        Verrill Managing Partner Scott Anderson was recently featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly discussing how law firms can build attorney buy-in for...
        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

        U.S. Courts Highlights Annabel Rodriguez’s Journey from Fellow to Mentor

        Verrill attorney Annabel Rodriguez was featured in a recent U.S. Courts article titled “From Fellows to Mentors: Alumni Share Lasting Lessons from...
        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...