Atty. David A. Soley
David Soley leads Bernstein Shur’s Real Estate Litigation Group, is the author of the American Bar Association’s nationally acclaimed Real Estate Litigation Handbook and is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for his work in Real Estate Litigation. Mr.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Portland, ME
Profile Summary
About David A. Soley at a Glance
David A. Soley is a business, real estate, estate litigation, and litigation attorney based in Portland, Maine, practicing at Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson PA. Admitted to practice in Maine, State of Maine, Georgia, State of Georgia, Maryland, State of Maryland, and District of Columbia, District of Columbia. Educated at Emory University (JD, 1984) and Bates College (BA, 1980). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Serves clients in Portland, ME and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David A. Soley
- David Soley leads Bernstein Shur’s Real Estate Litigation Group, is the author of the American Bar Association’s nationally acclaimed Real Estate Litigation Handbook and is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for his work in Real Estate Litigation
- Mr. Soley concentrates his practice in the areas of business, real estate and constitutional litigation
- He regularly represents entrepreneurs and property owners in disputes over boundaries, titles, easements, mortgage priorities, partitions, purchase and sale agreements and other real estate issues
- Mr. Soley spent four years as a trial lawyer in Washington D.C. before returning to Maine
- Over the course of more than thirty-six years as a trial lawyer, Mr. Soley has specialized in complex litigation involving some of the largest companies in the United States and Europe
- He routinely handles trials in federal and state courts, and has litigated high profile constitutional cases involving drug testing, pregnancy testing, mandatory jury fees, congressional term limits, prison headgear policies, ebola quarantines, no-contact policies applied to suspected victims of domestic violence, and the right of jail inmates to receive prescribed medications
- He has also co-authored the ABA’s “The Trial Lawyer’s Guide to Success and Happiness. ”Every case is different and comes with distinct challenges in problem solving and achieving success
- Mr. Soley thrives on mastering the facts, understanding and appreciating the needs of his clients and vigorously delivering successful and innovative results
- David is also very experienced in: The acquisition, financing and rehabilitation of real estate and, in his spare time, is active in acquiring and improving commercial buildings and properties in the Greater Portland area
Practice Areas Explained
David A. Soley's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David A. Soley handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Portland.
Business & Corporate Law in Portland
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
David A. Soley is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Maine →
Real Estate Law in Portland
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
David A. Soley is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Maine →
Estate & Trust Litigation in Portland
David A. Soley is one of 19,876 estate litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate litigation attorneys in Maine →
Civil Litigation in Portland
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
David A. Soley is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation 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 David A. Soley
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 David A. Soley's practice in the field of business, real estate, estate litigation, and litigation.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Maine, State of Maine, Georgia, State of Georgia, and Maryland, State of Maryland, David A. Soley can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, real estate, and estate litigation, David A. Soley can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Portland
A Portland-based practice means David A. Soley attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David A. Soley Handles in Portland
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David A. Soley has experience with under Maine law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David A. Soley directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find David A. Soley Online
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David A. Soley's Practice Areas & Specializations
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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