Biography

Geoff is both an attorney and a licensed professional engineer. His practice focuses on labor and employment law, construction law and litigation involving technical and engineering issues. He counsels a number of major Maine businesses on employer-employee matters such as unionization efforts, grievance procedures, employee discipline and discrimination complaints.

He has successfully handled cases in both state and federal courts and before several state and federal administrative agencies. Recently, he spearheaded a major Portland employer's successful efforts in opposing a union's attempt to organize employees.

Geoff was formerly a civil engineer and construction troubleshooter at remote sites in Africa, South America, the Mideast and the Caribbean. He served as a consultant on many projects including dams, tank farms, power plants and pipelines and often faced the task of providing advice on resolving legal problems arising out of various projects. This led to his decision to return to the United States and attend law school.

He was born in Port Chester, New York. He graduated from Syracuse University with undergraduate degrees in forestry and engineering; later, he earned a master's degree in civil engineering.

In 1982, he graduated from the University of Maine School of Law. After his admission to the bar that same year, he became counsel to the Maine Department of Transportation and successfully brought before the Maine Supreme Court the first two major cases defining the department's potential liability under the Maine Tort Claims Act. He joined Preti Flaherty in 1984.

Professional Activities

  • Cumberland County Bar Association
  • Maine State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute
  • American Society of Civil Engineers

Honors & Recognition

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America

Firm Highlights

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

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...

News

Preti Flaherty Welcomes Trust and Estate Attorney Elise Salek to the Firm

Preti Flaherty is pleased to announce that Elise Salek has joined the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Practicing out of the firm’s Concord, New Hampshire office, Elise brings nearly three decades of experience...

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...

Publication

Re/Descheduling Marijuana Through Administrative Action

In the article "Re/Descheduling Marijuana Through Administrative Action" published in the Oklahoma Law Review , authors Scott Bloomberg, Alexandra Harriman, and Shane Pennington explore the complex legal framework surrounding the federal scheduling of marijuana...

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

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...

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

Conducting Success: Tuning Up Your Discipline and Performance Framework

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

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...