Biography

Rick practices with the firm's Real Estate and Finance and Corporate and M&A practice groups and is the former Chair of the Corporate and M&A Practice Group. He handles all types of commercial transactions, with emphasis on buying and selling businesses, structuring business relationships, lending transactions, construction contracting, and technology procurement.

Previous Legal Experience
After receiving his law degree from Yale Law School in 1972, Rick worked in the Maine Governor's Office as Federal State Coordinator, Maine Alternate to the New England Regional Commission and Special Assistant to Governor Kenneth M. Curtis. As the governor's aide, Rick had staff responsibilities for natural resources, energy, environmental protection, economic development and Native American affairs. He served as Development Officer and General Counsel to the Maine State Housing Authority from 1975 to 1977. In 1977, he became Administrative Assistant to Governor Curtis during the governor's term as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. A year later, he joined Preti Flaherty.

Professional Activities

  • Fellow, American College of Mortgage Attorneys
    • Opinions Committee
    • Legislative Committee
    • Former State Chair for Maine
    • Former Member of Board of Regents
  • Maine Bar Foundation, Former Member of Board of Directors, President and Treasurer
  • Maine Real Estate Development Association, Public Policy Committee

Honors & Recognition

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America
  • Recognized by New England Super Lawyers
  • Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell
  • Maine Real Estate Development Association, Legislative Committee
    • Public Policy Advocacy Award, 1992
    • Founder's Award, 2002
  • Lectured on legal opinions in business transactions, eminent domain and health privacy matters

Civic and Charitable Activities

  • Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Inc.
    • Quality Committee
    • Former Member of Board of Directors, President and Treasurer
  • Maine Historical Society, Member
  • New England Historical and Genealogical Society, Member
  • Ohio Genealogical Society, Member

Firm Highlights

Publication

Supreme Court Rules Certain Impact Fees Unconstitutional

A recent Supreme Court ruling in  Sheetz v. County of El Dorado  makes it clear that impact fees adopted by a legislative body may work as an unconstitutional taking of property. The Issue: This...

News

Benchmark Litigation Names Preti Flaherty 2024 “Maine Firm of the Year"

Benchmark Litigation  has named Preti Flaherty as 2024 Litigation Firm of the Year in the State of Maine. Through extensive peer- and- client reviewed research, as well as analysis of casework; the Benchmark Awards...

Event

When to Say Goodbye: Navigating Leave and Terminations

As an HR professional, hiring the right talent, addressing employee needs, and managing terminations are just a few of the most challenging problems that arise. During this year's three-part Employment Breakfast Webinar Series, we'll...

Publication

131st Legislature Second Regular Session Update

Adjournment and Veto Day After a marathon last day of session, members of the Preti Legislative Practice Group were at the State House on April 18 th to witness the Maine State Legislature head...

News

Attorney Jeffrey Thaler Named to 2024 Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Energy Law

Preti Flaherty’s attorney Jeffrey Thaler has been recognized by  Lawdragon  as one of the top 500 Leaders in Energy Law. This is Jeff’s third time named to this prestigious list since the first publication...

Event

Legal Foundations Lunch & Learn Series: Liquidated Damage, Consequential Damages Waivers, and Limitations of Liability

Our Legal Foundations Lunch and Learn Series features monthly 30-minute webinars that provide in-depth insights into recent updates, industry trends, and key issues impacting the construction industry. On  May 9 at 12:00 noon , Preti...

News

Preti Attorneys File Suit Against Al-Generated Robocalls in the 2024 NH Presidential Primary

Representing the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the League of Women Voters of the United States, and individual voters, Preti Flaherty, with co-counsel, filed a federal lawsuit against Steve Kramer, Lingo Telecom...

Event

Maine HR Convention: Navigating AI in the Hiring Process

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving part of our daily lives and is increasingly being used by employers. AI tools can help relieve some of the administrative burden on short-staffed HR teams, help find higher-quality candidates...

Publication

Maine Legislature (Again) Changes Process for Selling Tax-Acquired Properties (LD 2262)

On April 16, 2024, the Governor signed LD 2262, “An Act to Amend the Process for the Sale of Foreclosed Properties Due to Nonpayment of Taxes.”  In June 2023, in response to the United...

Publication

Maine Government Contracting and Procurement Update: Public Access Under FOAA to Trade Secrets in Proposals and Bid Documents

Those doing business with state, county, and local government in Maine need to know their way around public records laws. What is the risk that sensitive or proprietary business information submitted in response to...