The MSBA’s mission includes advancing the knowledge of its members and supporting the public’s interest in a fair and effective system of justice. Part of a fair and effective system of justice is a framework of consistent and strictly observed legal guidelines that provide communities with confidence that law enforcement officers will only resort to using deadly force in clearly defined, and hopefully rare, circumstances.

In fact, the authority to use deadly force is governed by well-established constitutional, statutory, and departmental standards that strictly limit law enforcement officers’ use of deadly force. Whether those standards were satisfied in this case is apparently the subject of one or more investigations. The purpose of this statement is not to prejudge the outcome of any investigation, but to explain the legal principles that govern the use of deadly force.

It is unconstitutional to use deadly force to prevent the escape of an apparently unarmed suspect unless the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant and imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.

Consistent with that constitutional principle, Maine courts have recognized that the use of deadly force must be evaluated based on the circumstances existing at the moment force is employed. Deadly force is not justified simply because a suspect refuses to stop or attempts to flee. Rather, at a minimum, the suspect must pose an immediate threat to officers or civilians. Because the analysis is moment-specific, force that may be reasonable at one point in an encounter may become unreasonable if the justification for its use has ceased. For example, a vehicle accelerating toward an officer after a violent confrontation may present an imminent deadly threat, whereas a vehicle that has passed the officer or is driving away without posing an immediate threat may not.

The United States Department of Justice’s Use of Force Policy reflects these same constitutional principles. It begins with a fundamental premise: the Department values and preserves human life. It authorizes only objectively reasonable force and permits deadly force only in circumstances where an objectively reasonable officer would perceive that such force is necessary to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury after considering whether reasonably safe and feasible alternatives exist. The policy further provides that deadly force may not be used solely to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect and prohibits firing at a moving vehicle when an objectively reasonable alternative exists, including moving out of the vehicle's path.

It is important to keep in mind that these standards are objective; in other words, an officer’s subjective concern for their safety or the safety of others does not alone justify the use of deadly force.

These legal standards exist to ensure that the government's most extraordinary authority, to take a human life, is exercised only in the rarest and most legally justified circumstances. They also underscore why the MSBA issued a statement earlier this year regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement activities in Maine. In that statement, the MSBA expressed concerns regarding reports of racial and ethnic profiling, profound deficiencies in training and supervision, misuse of force, disregard for constitutional protections, and the risk that these practices would result in unnecessary violence and erode public confidence in the rule of law. These considerations are amplified in circumstances where, as here, the charge for which federal agents were apparently seeking to take a suspect into custody (being in the United States without legal authorization) is a civil immigration violation and not a criminal offense.

In any event, the Department of Homeland Security has said Mr. Guerrero was not the person federal agents set out to apprehend. When the agents mistakenly attempted to stop Mr. Guerrero’s vehicle, according to DHS, an officer discharged his weapon at the vehicle “fearing for public safety.” Against the background of state and federal law limiting the use of deadly force these statements suggest strongly that an independent investigation of the entire matter is in order.

The MSBA's concerns are not, and have never been, about immigration policy itself. They are, and have always been, about due process and adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law. Those principles protect every person within our borders and impose corresponding obligations on every government official who exercises law enforcement authority. The legal standards governing the use of deadly force do not change based upon a person’s citizenship or immigration status. They apply equally whenever government officers exercise the authority to take a human life.

The circumstances surrounding Mr. Guerrero’s death warrant a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation. That investigation should determine whether the actions of the officers involved in the attempted stop and ultimate shooting of Mr. Guerrero complied with constitutional requirements, federal policy, and applicable law. If the investigation determines that those standards were not met, meaningful accountability must follow.

Whether you volunteered your time, attended a program, served on a committee, or simply remained engaged as a member, you helped shape another successful year for the MSBA. We hope you'll take a few minutes to read the report and see the impact of your membership at work.

• 10 Tip for Finding Your Best Plan
• Health Insurance Basics
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• My Tax Household
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• Who's Who: Contact Sheet
• MaineMOM Poster
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For more information:

www.coverme.gov

1-866-636-0355 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

***

March 31, 2026

Robert Hinchman
Office of Legal Policy
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

Re: NPRM – Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations AgainstDepartment of Justice Attorneys (Docket No. OAG199)

Dear Mr. Hinchman,

The Maine State Bar Association (“MSBA”) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Department of Justice’s (“Department” or “DOJ”) proposed rule regarding the review of state bar complaints and allegations against Department attorneys. After careful consideration, the Association has significant concerns regarding the rule’s potential impact on state authority over attorney regulation, the transparency of disciplinary processes, and the efficient operation of existing systems of professional oversight.

State Authority Over Attorney Regulation

The regulation of attorneys has long been vested in the states and exercised through their highest courts. In Maine, attorneys admitted to practice are subject to the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct and to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Maine Board of Bar Overseers and the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. See M. Bar R. 3(a).

Attorneys employed by the Department of Justice are required, as a condition of their employment, to be duly licensed and authorized to practice law in at least one state, territory, or the District of Columbia. See, e.g., 28 C.F.R. § 0.39a. That licensure subjects those attorneys to the disciplinary authority of the jurisdiction in which they are admitted.

The proposed rule would permit internal federal review to delay or condition the ability of state authorities to proceed with investigations, raising significant questions regarding the respective roles of federal employers and state licensing bodies.

The MSBA recognizes the federal government’s interest in overseeing its attorneys and protecting federal functions. At the same time, where a DOJ attorney is licensed in Maine, that attorney remains subject to the disciplinary authority of Maine’s licensing institutions. A regulatory framework in which attorneys are required to obtain and maintain state licensure, yet are not subject to the timely exercise of disciplinary authority by that same licensing jurisdiction, is fundamentally inconsistent with the structure that governs the regulation of the legal profession.

Existing Disciplinary Framework in Maine

Maine’s attorney disciplinary system provides a comprehensive and well-established process for addressing allegations of misconduct. Complaints may be submitted by any person, and Bar Counsel is authorized to review and investigate such allegations. See M. Bar R. 2(b)(1)–(2). Matters are then reviewed through a structured process that includes evaluation by panels composed of both attorneys and public members. See M. Bar R. 2(b)(2)–(3); M. Bar R. 9. When formal charges are authorized, proceedings are conducted either before a Grievance Commission panel or the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, with final authority resting with the Court. See M. Bar R. 13.

This framework provides a clear and effective mechanism for the timely and independent investigation and resolution of complaints. Timely investigation is critical to preserving witness availability, maintaining evidentiary integrity, and ensuring that disciplinary sanctions, where warranted, remain meaningful. The Maine process also protects the attorney’s right to be represented by counsel, and right to appeal the decision to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

The MSBA is not aware of any systemic deficiencies in Maine’s disciplinary system, nor does the proposed rule identify a demonstrated need for the elevation of a federal review process over current state processes due to deficiencies. While disciplinary systems vary among jurisdictions, Maine’s framework reflects common features of state-based regulation, including independent review, public participation, and judicial oversight. By contrast, the proposed rule would superimpose a separate, internal DOJ review process that may delay or alter the operation of this established system.

The MSBA recognizes the Department’s concern that bar complaints may, in some circumstances, be used strategically or for improper purposes. Maine’s disciplinary

system includes multiple safeguards to address such concerns. Complaints are subject to screening and investigation by Bar Counsel and review by an Investigative Panel that includes both attorneys and public members, with authority to dismiss matters that lack merit. See M. Bar R. 2(b); M. Bar R. 13. While no system can entirely eliminate the filing of unsupported complaints, these procedures are designed to identify and resolve such matters at an early stage without requiring full disciplinary proceedings.

Transparency and Public Confidence

Maine’s disciplinary system balances confidentiality during the investigatory stage with public disclosure when disciplinary action is imposed. Investigations by Bar Counsel are generally confidential, while formal charges and resulting discipline are matters of public record. See M. Bar R. 2(b)(2)(E); M. Bar R. 7(e); M. Bar R. 12. This structure allows for the appropriate protection of attorneys during preliminary review while ensuring public accountability when misconduct is established.

The MSBA is concerned that the proposed rule may affect the timing or availability of public disciplinary proceedings by introducing an additional layer of DOJ internal review. The proposed rule establishes no timeline for DOJ’s review, and could suspend investigations by Maine disciplinary authorities indefinitely, which would effectively remove transparency from the process entirely. To the extent that such a process could delay or limit public access to information regarding federal attorney discipline, it may have implications for transparency and public confidence in the legal system.

Clarity, Administrative Efficiency & Concurrent Proceedings

The introduction of a federal review process that takes precedence over state proceedings may create uncertainty regarding procedural expectations, timing, and obligations for federal attorneys who are already subject to state regulation. The MSBA is concerned that this proposed change could create unnecessary complexity for practitioners and may not advance the efficient resolution of disciplinary matters.

Under current practice, disciplinary authorities and DOJ may conduct investigations concurrently, as appropriate. The Maine Bar Rules do not require deferral of disciplinary investigations based on parallel proceedings and instead contemplate that Bar Counsel may proceed with investigations as necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. See M. Bar R. 2(b)(2). State disciplinary authorities are also capable of coordinating with federal agencies, including accommodating legitimate concerns regarding confidentiality, privilege, or ongoing proceedings, through appropriate protective measures.

Parallel investigations by state disciplinary authorities and DOJ also serve distinct and complementary purposes. State disciplinary systems are designed to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the profession, while internal employer reviews address agency-specific considerations, such as employment related considerations related to supervising employee attorneys. The ability of these processes to proceed concurrently supports timely accountability and does not preclude appropriate coordination where necessary.

The proposed rule contemplates circumstances in which state disciplinary authorities may be asked to defer their proceedings. The MSBA is concerned that such deferral may result in potentially significant or open-ended delay, particularly where no clear timeline or limiting principle is specified. Delay in disciplinary proceedings is not a neutral outcome; timely investigation and adjudication are essential to the ability of licensing authorities to protect the public, preserve evidence, and impose meaningful discipline where warranted. A framework that permits such delay may, as a practical matter, impair the effective exercise of states’ authority.

A rule that addresses the possibility of improper complaints by introducing delay into all disciplinary matters risks creating broader harms than the concern it seeks to remedy.

Conclusion

The MSBA respectfully submits that Maine’s existing attorney disciplinary system, as set forth in the Maine Bar Rules, provides a comprehensive, independent, and effective framework for addressing allegations of misconduct. The proposed rule raises significant concerns regarding federal overreach into state authority, transparency, administrative efficiency, and the timely exercise of disciplinary oversight.

The proposed rule does not fully account for the extent to which existing state disciplinary systems already incorporate safeguards addressing the concerns it identifies. For these reasons, the MSBA opposes the Department of Justice’s proposed rule.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this matter.

Respectfully submitted,

Maine State Bar Association

Become an Anniversary Sustaining Member: In our milestone year, members are invited to support the MSBA’s mission by becoming Anniversary Sustaining Members with a $135 contribution (or the traditional $100 Sustaining level). Your added support helps keep dues affordable while strengthening MSBA programs, CLEs, and member services statewide. Honor the MSBA’s legacy and invest in its future by selecting the Anniversary Sustaining Membership when you renew — or purchase it separately if you’ve already renewed. If you have already renewed your dues and wish to purchase an Anniversary Sustaining Membership, click here . 

Join the CLE Club at the $135 Anniversary Rate: For 2026, the MSBA’s CLE Club is available at a reduced anniversary rate of $135 (regularly $165). CLE Club membership gives you access to deeply discounted MSBA-produced CLE programming all year long—an easy, cost-effective way to stay current, earn credits, and save on professional development. Take advantage of this limited-year pricing and make the most of your CLE budget. Even if you've already renewed your membership, you can still  join .

Prepared & Shared with the MSBA by the Maine Law’s Refugee and Human Rights Clinic

Download this document here.

● Volunteering with the ACLU of Maine in a Legal Capacity — for lawyers with an active bar license and

malpractice insurance

• If you are a lawyer with an active bar license and malpractice insurance and are available to assist in legal aid work being carried out by ACLU-ME, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP), and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at Maine Law, please fill out ACLU-ME’s Volunteer Attorney Interest Form

● Volunteering with the Volunteer Lawyers Project — immigrant families and individuals in Maine are in need of legal assistance with civil matters such as family preparedness planning, benefits access, employment stability, and housing

• You do not need prior experience in these areas to help; VLP will provide training, backup, and clear referral pathway
• If you are interested in helping, please fill out VLP’s Volunteer Interest Form and enter “immigration preparedness” in box 11

● Pro/Low Bono Bond Cases — if you have immigration experience and are willing to take bond cases in

immigration court, please fill out ILAP’s Attorney Information Form

Other / Miscellaneous Ways to Help

● Volunteering with the ACLU of Maine in a Non-Legal Capacity

• For anyone wishing to learn more about or engage in ACLU-ME’s general volunteer opportunities, please fill out ACLU-ME’s General Volunteer Form

● Court watch programs — several across the country & locally. The local program is run by the

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and has the data gathered will have a direct impact on our

communities in Maine and New England

○ Local - the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is piloting a local court watch program

for the Massachusetts Immigration Courts, Chelmsford and Boston (which is where Mainers’

immigration cases are docketed)

• The first training is on Thursday, February 5th from 1–2:30PM.
• The link to register for the training is here:
  •  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_ApXCaQ6Q6WI9beq8X4pqg#/registration

• National - American Bar Association launched a Immigration Court Observation & Awareness Project, which includes a self-paced online training module
  • The link to this project’s information is here and here.
    • https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration/pro-bono-at-the-commission-on-immigration/pro-bono-opportunities/
    • https://aba-coi-school.teachable.com/p/court-observation-project

● Community organizing — many grassroots organizations in Maine have mobilized to respond to different needs, including housing instability & rent relief, food insecurity & donating/delivering groceries, and fundraising for legal & bond funds

• See Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Maine Needs, Maine Solidarity Fund, Project Home, Presente! Maine, Maine Equal Justice, etc.

The Maine State Bar Association promotes the honor, dignity and professionalism of lawyers, advances the knowledge, skills and interests of its members, and supports the public interest in a fair and effective system of justice.

The Maine State Bar Association (MSBA) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to upholding the United States Constitution, the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fair and equal administration of justice. Acting consistently with its mission, the MSBA issues this statement to condemn recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Maine that appears to violate fundamental constitutional principles.

Our concerns about ICE’s conduct include:

• Warrantless entry into private homes, in violation of the Fourth Amendment;
• Warrantless arrests and detentions without individualized probable cause or meaningful judicial oversight;
• Profound deficiencies in training, supervision, and accountability of ICE agents, resulting in inappropriate escalation, misuse of force, and failure to correctly assess legal authority or constitutional limits;
• Racial and ethnic profiling, including the targeting of immigrant communities and individuals who are lawfully present in the United States, including U.S. citizens;
• The routine use of masks or other measures to obscure the identities of federal agents, undermining transparency and accountability; and
• The use of enforcement “surges” directed at regions perceived to be politically opposed to the current administration, raising concerns about selective, retaliatory, or politically motivated enforcement. 

Of particular concern is ICE’s apparent lack of consistent, rigorous training of ICE agents on constitutional requirements, limits on federal immigration authority, and the lawful use of force. Law enforcement officers exercising extraordinary power, particularly the power to enter homes, detain individuals, and use force, must be thoroughly trained to understand and respect constitutional boundaries. Failure to do so predictably results in unlawful conduct, violence, and the erosion of public trust. These outcomes are not aberrations; they are the foreseeable consequences of inadequate preparation and oversight.

Proper training is not enough; agents must still adhere to constitutional limits and the rule of law.

The MSBA acknowledges that immigration law is complex and that some individuals are present in the United States without lawful documentation. Some individuals, regardless of immigration status, commit violent crimes and must be held accountable. Lawful and constitutional immigration enforcement with valid warrants, judicial oversight, and trained, accountable agents align with the rule of law. 

What the MSBA unequivocally condemns is illegal and unconstitutional conduct carried out in the name of enforcement. No policy objective, immigration-related or otherwise, justifies warrantless home entries, racial profiling, the absence of judicial oversight, the use of excessive force, or the deliberate obscuring of law enforcement identity. These practices are fundamentally incompatible with constitutional principles.

The MSBA recognizes and respects the diversity of views among its members on immigration policy. Reasonable disagreement about policy choices is both expected and healthy in a democratic society. But fidelity to the Constitution, due process, and equal protection under the law is not a matter of politics. It is the foundation of our legal system and the obligation of all who wield government power.

This issue affects our clients, families, and communities. The Maine State Bar Association calls upon all law enforcement agencies operating in Maine to uphold their obligation to defend the constitutional rights of all Mainers. As lawyers, judges, and officers of the court, we have a duty to speak plainly when the rule of law is threatened and to affirm that constitutional limits on government power are not optional, they are essential to liberty, safety, and justice for all.

Coverage that’s a breed apart

With MetLife Pet Insurance, you can count on:

• The freedom to visit any U.S. veterinarian. Exam fees are covered for accidents and illnesses.
• Flexible plans with no breed exclusions. Find coverage that fits your pet’s needs and your budget. 
• Extra savings with value-driven policies, options and discounts.
• Multi-pet policy¹ –  5% for the 2^nd policy and 10% for each additional policy
• Family Plans option² – One policy and a shared deductible for up to three dogs and cats
• Discounts of up to 30%³  – And additional savings on pet care, where available
• Preventive care coverage (optional) for dogs and cats – Save on routine wellness expenses.

You’ll have the power of choice to customize your coverage.

With our flexible plans, you can select the plan that fits your pet’s needs and your finances. Here are just some of the treatments and conditions we cover:

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Pet Insurance coverage issued by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, a Rhode Island insurance company headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations and application is subject to underwriting. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC (“MetLife Pet”) for details. MetLife Pet is the policy administrator. It may operate under an alternate or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota) and MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois).

Refer a Colleague and Earn a $50 Credit

The MSBA's Membership Committee offers a new member referral program designed to reward current members who refer new members to join.

How it works

Any current MSBA member who refers a new member or refers a previous member who hasn’t been a member for 3 or more years earns a credit of $50 for each qualifying attorney referred. You'll receive your credit in the form of a coupon by email after the new member has paid their annual membership dues.

A new member who is referred to join by a current member simply puts the name of the MSBA member in the "Referred by" field under "Personal Information" when joining online.

The fine print

The MSBA will verify if the referred attorney qualifies before a credit is issued to a referring attorney. The $50 credit can be applied to membership dues, MSBA-produced CLE programs, or membership meetings. The credit must be redeemed within one year. The credit is not redeemable for cash, cannot be applied to previous purchases, and is non-transferrable.

Questions?

Contact Molly Rogers at mrogers@mainebar.orgor call (207) 622-7523, ext. 1221.

Did you know that Public Sector attorney membership makes you eligible to receive two free CLE credit hours through Dec. 31, 2026?

This benefit applies to MSBA members of the Public Sector membership category and includes attendance at MSBA-produced CLE programs only that qualify for 1-2 hours of credit. It is valid for up to two credit hours per membership year.

To receive the benefit, simply review the current CLE program listing on our website and select an MSBA-produced program that qualifies for one or two CLE credits. Then contact Molly Rogers at mrogers@mainebar.org or (207) 622-7523 to register and receive your benefit. Please note: free CLE credits are not redeemable for cash, cannot be applied to previous CLE purchases, and are non-transferrable.

Please share this with your public sector colleagues. If they become MSBA members, they will also be eligible to earn two free CLE credits, and you may be eligible for a new member referral credit!

If you choose to share this with colleagues, here is the definition for the MSBA’s Public Sector member category:

Licensed attorney whose practice consists of full-time employment in the public service sector. Public sector includes attorneys working for governmental entities (federal, state, county, municipal); legal services organizations; military; and, ABA-accredited law schools.

As you may know, the Library is in a time of transition following Nancy Rabasca’s unexpected passing. The Board seeks your input to help us in hiring a new librarian and planning services that best suit your needs.

We invite you to complete this short survey (less than 5 minutes). Your responses will be invaluable in shaping the future direction of the Library.

https://forms.gle/A7XGUJDtxvxHa3LL9

Thank you for your time and for supporting Cleaves Law Library.

Sincerely,

Gregory Im, Esq. 

President, Board of Directors

Nathan and Henry B. Cleaves Law Library

Inside, you'll find updates on key areas including legislative advocacy, membership demographics, Continuing Legal Education, and the Lawyer Referral Service. The report also honors our 50-Year Life Members, Sustaining Members, award recipients, and sponsors who help strengthen our community. A detailed financial summary is also included to provide transparency on the association’s fiscal health.

We invite you to explore the report and celebrate the achievements of the past year. For questions or additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

This week’s Bar Star is Angela Armstrong, Executive Director at the Maine State Bar Association. Angela has spearheaded all of the program planning for this year’s NABE Chief Executives Retreat, and the event has been a great success due to her creativity, diligence, and dedication to creating the best program possible. Angela has been with the Maine State Bar Association for over 20 years. In addition to her volunteer work for NABE, Angela serves on a team of volunteers that assist in identifying and recruiting highly qualified high school students to learn about West Point, Army ROTC and the opportunity to serve our nation as an Army officer. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Maine Veterans’ Homes.

A Message About the Rule of Law From Maine State Bar Association Leadership

AUGUSTA, Maine (February 24, 2025): The Maine State Bar Association’s mission is to promote the honor, dignity, and professionalism of lawyers, advance the knowledge, skills and interests of its members, and support the public interest in a fair and effective system of justice. Our mission underscores the critical importance to our democracy of an independent judiciary to preserve a system of government with checks and balances. Judges must be able to decide cases guided by the rule of law—free from intimidation and outright defiance. When the courts are under attack, we, as lawyers, cannot stand in silence. We must defend judicial independence and the rule of law.

We have recently seen a myriad of actions and orders that completely disregard the rules and processes essential to the rule of law and our constitutional democracy. We have also seen public figures make baseless accusations of “corruption” and call for impeachment of judges who do not rule in their favor when their actions are challenged in court. Some public figures have vowed to ignore, if not openly defy, court rulings with which they disagree. These kinds of statements undermine the public’s trust in the rule of law, risk provoking violence against judges, and threaten the independence of the judiciary.

In his 2024 Report on the Federal Judiciary, Chief Justice Roberts identified intimidation and defiance as threats to the independence of judges. Recent events have further highlighted the danger of these threats to our democracy. Chief Justice Rehnquist once declared, “…the creation of an independent constitutional court, with the authority to declare unconstitutional laws passed by state or federal legislatures, is probably the most significant contribution the United States has made to the art of government.” We must respect the sanctity of our justice system. Our obligation as lawyers to our system of justice demands it.

When we took our oath to become lawyers, each of us swore to support and defend the Constitution of Maine and the Constitution of the United States. That oath is sacred—it is the foundation of our profession. The Maine State Bar Association calls upon all lawyers to defend the rule of law and preserve our democracy by supporting our legal community, the independence of the judiciary, volunteering our time, and educating the public.

Here is information about safelisting an email address in an email client such as AOL, Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo.

The Constant Contacts URLs can be put on a safelist (formerly known as a whitelist) through your security program:

• constantcontact.com
• lp.constantcontactpages.com
• r20.rs6.net
• a.rs6.net
• rs6.net
• s3.amazon.com
• files.ctctcdn.com
• files.constantcontact.com
• files.ctctusercontent.com

These IP addresses can be added to a safelist:

• 208.75.123.0/24
• 205.207.106.0/24

The formatting (CIDR notation) above signifies a range of IP addresses which is equivalent to 208.75.123.* and 205.207.106.*

Learn, Connect & Save Today with a Specially-Priced 

Maine State Bar Association Membership

If you've never belonged to the Maine State Bar Association, now is the time to take advantage of our special two-year introductory rate of $65 per year off our standard Practicing Attorney membership.

Join the largest professional association of attorneys in Maine today to learn, connect, and save so you can be a more successful lawyer. 

Learn: Decisis online legal research library, CLEs, Maine Bar Journal, Legislative Updates, The Supplement & Silent Partners

Connect: Bar Conferences, MEBarConnect, Committees, Sections & the MSBA Career Center

Save: CLE Club, Clio cloud software, Smith.ai virtual receptionists, Verizon Wireless, UPS, and more

Join now through April 1 with promo code 24-25DUES and save $65 per year for two years on our standard Practicing Attorney membership for attorneys with 5 or more years of practice experience. Offer expires March 31, 2025. Discount will be applied for the 2024-2025 dues year and the 2025-2026 dues year, if you renew during the dues renewal period.

How To Join: To activate your MSBA account and join as a member, click here and enter your email address. You will receive an email to reset your password for your account. Once you've reset your password, you'll be provided your username. Sign in to your account, create your profile, and join, using 24-25DUES at checkout to receive your discount. If you have trouble accessing your account, please contact Molly Rogers at mrogers@mainebar.org. This promotional rate only applies to attorneys who have never belonged to the MSBA before.

Learn more about the MSBA’s member benefits and discounted products and services here. If you have questions about an MSBA membership, contact Molly Rogers at the email above.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Refer a Colleague and Earn a $50 Credit

The MSBA's Membership Committee offers a new member referral program designed to reward current members who refer new members to join.

How it works

Any current MSBA member who refers a new member or refers a previous member who hasn’t been a member for 3 or more years earns a credit of $50 for each qualifying attorney referred. You'll receive your credit in the form of a coupon by email after the new member has paid their annual membership dues.

A new member who is referred to join by a current member simply puts the name of the MSBA member in the "Referred by" field under "Personal Information" when joining online.

The fine print

The MSBA will verify if the referred attorney qualifies before a credit is issued to a referring attorney. The $50 credit can be applied to membership dues, MSBA-produced CLE programs, or membership meetings. The credit must be redeemed within one year. The credit is not redeemable for cash, cannot be applied to previous purchases, and is non-transferrable.

Questions?

Contact Molly Rogers at mrogers@mainebar.orgor call (207) 622-7523, ext. 1221.

• Our ebook collection is available through LexisNexis Digital Library: https://lexisdl.com/welcome/login/mainestate and has 900+ titles covering many legal topics
• Download the LexisNexis Digital Library App from the Apple App Store or GooglePlay and use the code MAINESTATE to access our collection
• To access our LexisNexis Digital Library collection remotely, Maine residents must sign up for a borrowing account with the Law & Legislative Reference Library: https://legislature.maine.gov/lawlibrary/contact-the-law-library/9136
• Maine state employees in all branches of government can access our ebooks immediately using their state-provided email address (Click the link that says “Sign in with Email”)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Library directly.

Maine State Law & Legislative Reference Library

Telephone: (207) 287-1600

E-mail:https://www.maine.gov/legis/lawlib/refemail.htm

The Maine Judicial Branch is pleased to announce it is expanding its resources for self-represented litigants.

Short videos on popular topics that have been released recently are:

• The difference between a protection from abuse order and protection from harassment order;
• How to file for divorce or parental rights and responsibilities (custody);
• How to change or enforce a court’s final order of divorce or parental rights and responsibilities; and
• An overview of small claims court.

We’ve also recently release short brochures on small claims court and evicting a tenant from a residence for not paying rent.

Videos can be viewed on the Judicial Branch Court Help Videos web page here:  https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/videos.html. The videos are also linked on the individual web page on the topic in question and are grouped together on the Judicial Branch's Vimeo channel here: https://vimeo.com/manage/showcases/10327094/info.
 
Brochures and other self-help guides are available on our website Guides and Publications web page here: https://www.courts.maine.gov/help/guides/index.html.
 
More resources for self-represented litigants are in development.

Contact: Barbara Cardone, Esq., Director of Legal Affairs and Public Relations
Phone: (207) 213-2803 (office)
Email: Barbara.Cardone@courts.maine.gov