Biography

Bonnie L. Martinolich is a partner in Preti Flaherty's Corporate and M&A Practice Group and Real Estate and Finance Practice Group. Her practice consists of advising business clients on a broad range of business related issues, including entity formation, financing, mergers and acquisitions, real estate acquisitions, dispositions and development, and tax-exempt financings. Working closely with the lawyers in Preti Flaherty's Energy Law Group, Bonnie has developed an expertise in energy-related transactions, including the development and financing of energy projects, acquisitions and dispositions of energy assets and power purchase agreements. Bonnie's work is highly regarded by her peers as evidenced by her AV® Preeminent™ rating in Martindale Hubbell and her inclusion in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business.

As chair of the firm’s Public Finance Practice Group, Bonnie serves as counsel to underwriters of bonds issued by governmental entities in Maine and New Hampshire. She also represents municipalities and other quasi-governmental entities in all aspects of public finance, including the issuance of general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond anticipation notes, and tax anticipation notes. 

Bonnie's science-based education and energy-focused practice influences her work today. She received her Juris Doctorate summa cum laude from Touro Law School in 1992 and also graduated with high honors from Rochester Institute of Technology, where in 1978, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear medicine technology. She also studied toward an MBA at Hofstra University in New York from 1983 to 1985.

Prior to joining Preti Flaherty in 1996, Bonnie practiced as an Associate with the New York law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton, where she gained extensive experience in commercial and real estate transactions.

When not engaged in the practice of law, Bonnie is a passionate dog rescuer and animal welfare advocate.

Professional Activities

  • Maine State Bar Association
    • Animal Law Section, Chair
  • American Bar Association

Honors & Recognition

  • Listed in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business
  • Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell

Civic and Charitable Activities

  • District Leader for the Humane Society of the United States
  • Almost Home Rescue - Volunteer; Past President (2010-2014)
  • Maine Friends of Animals, Past Board Member (2017-2023)
  • Animal Welfare Advisory Council, Member

Firm Highlights

Publication

Copyright Litigation: Substantial Similarity

In copyright litigation, courts assess substantial similarity to determine if alleged copying constitutes infringement. This evaluation involves comparing works across different categories using objective measures and subjective impressions to weigh similarities and dissimilarities. Even when...

Event

2024 Maine Employment Law Summit

Join us for Preti Flaherty's 2024 Maine Employment Law Summit! For almost three decades, Preti Flaherty's Employment Law team has delivered practical insights and best practices to Maine employers at our annual fall Employment...

Publication

Supreme Court Clarifies Constitutionality of Outdoor Camping Bans

Earlier today the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the  City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson et al. , overturning a 2019 decision from the 9 th  Circuit Court, which held...

Press Coverage

Portland law firm Preti Flaherty unveils renovated HQ space

Preti Flaherty has remodeled its Portland headquarters, spanning three floors and 41,000 square feet at One City Center. The update features hybrid workstations, collaborative areas, and an internal staircase that integrates flexible conference and...

News

Matthew C. Worthen Joins Preti Flaherty’s Real Estate and Finance Practice Group

Preti Flaherty is pleased to welcome Matthew C. Worthen as a Director in the firm’s Real Estate and Finance Group. Worthen previously served as a Shareholder and Chair of the Real Estate Group at...

News

36 Preti Flaherty Attorneys, including 4 “Ones to Watch” Recognized by National Directory

Thirty-six Preti Flaherty attorneys, including four “Ones to Watch,” have been named to Best Lawyers in America 2025, a highly regarded directory of attorneys and law firms in the United States. The individual attorneys...

Publication

Recent Massachusetts Appeals Court Decision Holds that Construction Defects Are Not Covered by CGL Policy

The recent Massachusetts Appeals Court decision in Lessard v. R.C. Havens & Sons, Inc. (August 2024) offers important clarification for contractors, subcontractors, and insurers regarding the coverage of construction defects under commercial general liability...

News

Preti Flaherty Names Michael S. Smith as Managing Partner

Preti Flaherty announced this week the election of Michael S. Smith as the firm’s new Managing Partner, effective July 15, 2024. He succeeds David Van Slyke, who is resuming his role as chair of...

Publication

Maine DEP Issues PFAS in Products Concept Draft Rule

The Maine DEP’s PFAS in Products Program has released its long-awaited Chapter 90 concept draft language (the “PFAS in Products Rule”) for implementation of Maine’s recently-amended “PFAS in Products Law.” The concept draft provides...

Press Coverage

Looking to 'new generation,' Preti Flaherty promotes 42-year-old litigator to managing partner

Effective July 15, Michael S. Smith has been named managing partner of the law firm Preti Flaherty. Michael succeeds David Van Slyke, who will resume his role as chair of the firm’s environmental practice...