Atty. Christopher E. "Chris" Howard
Christopher E. Howard, partner in the Business Group, serves on the firm's Management Committee and is the former head of its Business Practice Group.
Mergers And Acquisitions Law Attorney · Serving Portland, ME
Profile Summary
About Christopher E. "Chris" Howard at a Glance
Christopher E. "Chris" Howard is a m&a attorney based in Portland, Maine, practicing at Pierce Atwood LLP. Admitted to practice in United States, Maine. Educated at Cornell University (J.D., 1982) and Bates College (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Included in The Best Lawyers in America for Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2007-present) (2026). Serves clients in Portland, ME and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Christopher E. "Chris" Howard
Christopher E. Howard, partner in the Business Group, serves on the firm's Management Committee and is the former head of its Business Practice Group. Chris has a unique combination of technical legal skills and hands-on business and finance experience, which enables him to integrate these disciplines into strategies that match client objectives and provide clients with a competitive advantage. Chris's practice has three main areas of focus:
- Corporate finance and transactional representation: Chris' work involves all aspects of corporate, securities, and commercial law, focusing on representing entrepreneurs and middle-market companies in a wide variety of transactional settings.
- Resort and hospitality industry: Chris continues to be active in the hospitality sector with projects ranging from resort acquisition and disposition to numerous hotel developments to representation of Maine's first gaming development.
- General counsel representation: In addition to his work as American Skiing Company's general counsel, Chris's experience includes acting as "external" general counsel for several large to midsize companies including two of Maine's largest insurance companies. Chris's forte is in managing complex commercial transactions and development projects in time-sensitive environments, and in accessing all sectors of the capital markets.
Practice Areas Explained
Christopher E. "Chris" Howard's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher E. "Chris" Howard handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Portland.
Mergers & Acquisitions in Portland
Christopher E. "Chris" Howard is one of 49,430 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in Maine →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Portland
Practicing law in Maine. Legal matters in Maine are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Portland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Maine state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Maine brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Maine courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Portland Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Portland-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Maine attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Portland or all attorneys in Maine.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Portland Choose Christopher E. "Chris" Howard
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Christopher E. "Chris" Howard's practice in the field of m&a.
Focused M&A Practice
Concentrating on m&a means Christopher E. "Chris" Howard's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Portland
A Portland-based practice means Christopher E. "Chris" Howard attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Christopher E. "Chris" Howard's Practice Areas & Specializations
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