News

The Honorable John A. Woodcock, Jr., Chief United States District Judge, District of Maine, announces that effective May 1, 2011, Leigh S. McCarthy resigned from the Local Rules Committee of the United States District Court for the District of Maine to enjoy her upcoming retirement. Attorney McCarthy, a lawyer with the Bangor, Maine law firm of Rudman & Winchell, became a member of the Local Rules Committee in 2006 and has served with distinction under the committee leadership of the late Charles A. Harvey, Jr. and Leonard Langer. The Local Rules Advisory Committee studies the rules of practice and makes recommendations to the Court concerning its rules and procedures and is a vital link between the practicing bar and the Court. During her tenure, Attorney McCarthy made invaluable contributions to the work of the Committee. The Court thanks Ms. McCarthy for her long-term service to the Court and the bar.

To succeed Ms. McCarthy on the Local Rules Committee, the Court has appointed Neal F. Pratt of Scarborough. Mr. Pratt is a partner in the Portland, Maine law firm of Preti Flaherty where his regional trial practice focuses on commercial litigation, product liability and construction disputes. He is a 1983 graduate of the University of Maine where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a 1989 graduate of the Franklin Pierce Law Center where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.

Mr. Pratt is recognized by several peer-review organizations, including The Best Lawyers in America®, Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business®, and New England Super Lawyers®. He is also a Fellow of the Maine Bar Foundation and a member of the American Bar Association, Maine State Bar Association, Maine Trial Lawyer's Association, Cumberland County Bar Association, and the Edward T. Gignoux Inn of Court. Mr. Pratt serves as Chairman of the Cumberland County Civic Center Board of Trustees. He is also involved in numerous other community organizations.