Atty. Michael J. Donlan

Atty. Michael J. Donlan

Mr. Michael J.

Portland Portland 39 yrs experience 39 year
Call (207) 558-2877 Book Appointment

Business & Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Portland, ME · 39+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Michael J. Donlan at a Glance

Michael J. Donlan is a Counsel based in Portland, Maine, practicing at Verrill Dana LLP. They have 39+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1987. Their practice focuses on family law, business, real estate, estate litigation, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts (1987), Maine (1989), U.S. District Court for the District of Maine (1992), and U.S. Court of Appeals (First Circuit) (1999). Educated at Suffolk University Law School (J.D., 1987) and University of Massachusetts, Boston (B.A., 1981). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serves clients in Portland, ME and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated November 2026

About Michael J. Donlan

  • Mr. Michael J. Donlan is a lawyer practicing litigation & trial, family law, business & commercial litigation and 2 other areas of law
  • Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Massachusetts, Boston in 1981, and has been licensed for 39 years
  • Michael practices at Verrill Dana LLP in Portland, ME

Practice Areas Explained

Michael J. Donlan's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Donlan handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Portland.

Family Law in Portland

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Michael J. Donlan is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Maine →

Business & Corporate Law in Portland

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Michael J. Donlan 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.

Michael J. Donlan is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Maine →

Estate & Trust Litigation in Portland

Michael J. Donlan 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.

Michael J. Donlan 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.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael J. Donlan

Where is Michael J. Donlan's law office located?
Michael J. Donlan's law practice is located in Portland, Maine. The firm is Verrill Dana LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael J. Donlan handle?
Michael J. Donlan focuses on family law, business, real estate, estate litigation, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Maine.
How long has Michael J. Donlan practiced law?
Michael J. Donlan has 39+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1987.
Where did Michael J. Donlan go to law school?
Michael J. Donlan earned their education at (J.D., 1987); (B.A., 1981).
How can I contact Michael J. Donlan for a consultation?
You can contact Michael J. Donlan directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael J. Donlan received?
Michael J. Donlan's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Portland Choose Michael J. Donlan

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 Michael J. Donlan's practice in the field of family law, business, real estate, estate litigation, and litigation.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Michael J. Donlan brings 39+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Massachusetts, Maine, and U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, Michael J. Donlan can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering family law, business, and real estate, Michael J. Donlan 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 Michael J. Donlan 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 Michael J. Donlan Handles in Portland

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael J. Donlan 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.

Divorce and property division
Family Law
Child custody and support
Family Law
Spousal support (alimony)
Family Law
Prenuptial agreements
Family Law
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business
Residential property transactions
Real Estate
Commercial lease disputes
Real Estate
Title and deed issues
Real Estate
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Real Estate

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael J. Donlan directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael J. Donlan Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Portland commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael J. Donlan.

Michael J. Donlan attorney Michael J. Donlan lawyer Michael J. Donlan Portland Michael J. Donlan Maine Michael J. Donlan reviews Michael J. Donlan contact Verrill Dana LLP law firm family law attorney in Portland family law lawyer Portland best family law attorney Portland top rated family law lawyer near me family law attorney Maine find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Michael J. Donlan directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Suffolk University Law School
- 1987
B.A.
University of Massachusetts, Boston
- 1981

Awards & Professional Honors

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Massachusetts
Admitted: 1987
Maine
Admitted: 1989
U.S. District Court for the District of Maine
Admitted: 1992
U.S. Court of Appeals (First Circuit)
Admitted: 1999

Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael J. Donlan

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