Durward’s practice areas include: real estate and zoning, alternative dispute resolution, commercial litigation and municipal and land use law. He has represented municipalities, real estate developers and neighborhood groups in several high profile litigation matters.
He has lectured extensively on land use regulations and is the editor of the training manual for governmental officials on this topic. He also provides training for municipal boards on their legal responsibilities. Durward has argued over 20 cases before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court including the widely published Wells Beach case.
In addition to his civil law practice, Durward is a trained and experienced mediator. He works on a fixed fee or hourly basis with no charge for travel time. He has completed both basic and advanced mediation training with Mediation Works Incorporated, Boston, MA and training offered by the ABA Section on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Durward’s alternative dispute resolution practice includes: mediation, arbitration and early neutral evaluation. His mediation practice also includes “deal making mediation” where the parties work towards finalizing a business transaction. He is a CADRES rostered mediator under Rule 16 and for early neutral evaluation. He is available for meeting facilitations for corporations, nonprofits and other groups.
Education
- University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 1982
- Brown University, 1979
Bar Admissions
- Maine
Professional Recognitions
- “AV Preeminent” Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
- Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Municipal Law, (2015)
- Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Municipal (2016)
- Best Lawyers in America®, Municipal Law (2016)
- New England Super Lawyer®, Super Lawyers (2014-2016)
- U.S. News & World Report, Best Lawyers®Best Law Firm
- Avvo Rating – Top Attorney Litigation
- Avvo Rating – Top Attorney – Land Use & Zoning
Professional and Civic Activities
- American Arbitration Association (Panel Member 2013)
- National Association of Distinguished Neutrals