File photo / Courtesy Eaton Peabody
Michael A. Hodgins, Eaton Peabody
Updated: May 29, 2025
Bangor-based law firm Eaton Peabody to close offices by June 30
Photo / Renee Cordes
Eaton Peabody plans to close all of its offices, including 100 Middle St. in Portland, by June 30.
After more than 85 years in business, Bangor-based law firm Eaton Peabody, is preparing to close its offices by June 30.
The firm, led by Managing Partner Michael A. Hodgins since November, announced the move on Thursday after notifying clients.
Eaton Peabody said the decision comes "after careful consideration of the evolving market conditions and the demographics of the firm." Hodgins succeeded longtime Managing Partner David M. Austin, who joined Portland-based law firm Verrill as a partner in January.
The firm said it will continue to maintain client service as attorneys transition their practices to other firms over the next month. After ongoing professional services have ended, the firm will continue winding down business operations and the transfer of client records.
"This was not an easy decision, but one based on our attorneys’ desire to continue providing excellent legal services to our strong and loyal client base," Hodgins said in Thursday's announcement. "As our attorneys undergo this transition, we would like to thank our clients, employees and communities for our work together for over 85 years. This has been a challenging time for our staff as they have assisted us in preparation for the eventual closure of the offices.”
Laying the groundwork
The closure comes after the departure of several attorneys and support staff from Eaton Peabody, which was ranked Maine's sixth-largest firm in the 2025 Mainebiz Book of Lists with 42 attorneys in Maine and 99 total employees.
Earlier this year, members of Eaton Peabody's startup practice — seven attorneys plus support staff — left to start a firm of their own called Viridian Law led by Jeff Spaulding as managing director. He had been at Eaton Peabody for more than 17 years.
Viridian, which has offices at Eaton Peabody's former office in Ellsworth and at Cloudport Coworking in Portland. has hired a summer intern and is currently advertising for a trust and estates attorney position, Spaulding told Mainebiz.
"Other than those, we plan to hire as the needs/opportunities arise, but we are really enjoying the efficiencies of our leaner approach," Spaulding said. "It's gone really well and looks to continue that way in the future."
Meanwhile at the Portland-based law firm Verrill, nine former Eaton Peabody attorneys and nine former staff members have joined or are about to join, according to a Verrill spokeswoman.
On April 28, the firm posted a legal notice on its website advising current and former clients of its intent to dispose of paper and electronic files for matters completed on or before May 17, 2017, unless the firm received written notice by May 16, 2025. The public notice has since been removed from the "News" section of the firm's website.
Real estate
Eaton Peabody has offices in Bangor, Portland and Augusta.
In Portland, Eaton Peabody has been located at 100 Middle St.; that space is currently being marketed for lease by the Boulos Co.
Nate Stevens, Boulos' managing partner and designated broker, told Mainebiz that the firm's current brochure includes marketing the entire second floor which is partially occupied by Eaton Peabody. All but 5,500 square feet is available immediately, he said, with the rest available in early 2026.
Stevens told Mainebiz that there have been seven or eight showings at the space in the past month or so amid a strong downtown real estate market.
In Bangor, Eaton Peabody is based at 80 Exchange St., in one of the Queen City's most prominent downtown buildings.
Office suites at that address ranging in size from 782 to 11,706 square feet are currently available for lease from the Dunham Group, which did not immediately return a request for comment.
Reactions
Angela Armstrong, executive director of the Maine State Bar Association, said that while she is aware that Eaton Peabody is closing, the firm is not required to notify her organization.
Aria Eee, executive director of the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar, did not return a phone call by press time.
A spokeswoman for the Maine Department of Labor said the agency had not received a notice about planned layoffs from Eaton Peabody, but noted that reporting layoffs and closures to the department is only required in certain circumstances.
"MDOL’s Rapid Response team has attempted to reach out to the company and offer Rapid Response services for any affected workers," she said.
Anne Krieg, Bangor's director of community and economic development, said the firm will leave a lasting legacy in the city.
"Eaton Peabody has left the mark of quality in service that will positively influence future generations of lawyers," she said in a statement emailed to Mainebiz.
"Their dedication to the community with financial support to events, programs and initiatives has helped many service and professional organizations serve their members well. I have worked with Eaton Peabody for over 20 years and have appreciated their professionalism and expertise. I wish all good things to the people in the firm as they continue their career journeys."
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