Jeffrey T. Piampiano

Attorney

Jeffrey T. Piampiano

Attorney

Phone: 207.253.0522 Fax: 207.772.3627 Email: jpiampiano@dwmlaw.com

84 Marginal Way, Suite 600 Portland, ME 04101-2480

Assistant: Banah Alhanfy Email: balhanfy@dwmlaw.com

About

Jeffrey Piampiano focuses his practice on bankruptcy matters and debtor/creditor litigation. His wide range of clients include debtors in bankruptcy, creditors (including banks and credit unions), bankruptcy trustees, private sector business clients, municipalities, and other governmental bodies. A recognized leader in financial restructuring and insolvency, Jeff is sought after by clients to provide innovative legal strategies and attain business-minded outcomes.

Jeff has served as trustee in hundreds of insolvency cases for both businesses and individuals in his role as Chapter 7 Panel Trustee in Maine, and has recently served as Subchapter V Trustee in Chapter 11 reorganization cases in Region 1 (ME, NH, MA, RI). He delivers steady, outcome-driven advice to his clients, and is known for his creative yet pragmatic solutions-oriented approach to both litigation and dispute resolution. Jeff brings his substantial experience to help clients sell distressed assets and successfully avoid and/or recover fraudulent and preferential transfers. Twice serving as counsel to the bankruptcy trustees for Great Northern Paper Company, Jeff helped recover millions of dollars to distribute to creditors in both Great Northern bankruptcy cares.

Jeff also has substantial experience representing parties in commercial disputes before federal and state courts involving a variety of matters such as receiverships, collections, mechanics’ liens and other statutory liens, as well as having served as debtor’s counsel to help businesses reorganize in the retail, hospitality, and service sectors.

Jeff has won multiple awards in recognition of his expertise and professionalism, and was named in New England Super Lawyers in the area of Bankruptcy in 2020. He was also named a “Rising Star” in business litigation each year between 2008 and 2011. Additionally, Jeff is named to the category of Bankruptcy/Restructuring by Chambers USA, and has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America since 2012 in the area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, and since 2013 in the area of Bankruptcy Litigation. A thought leader in the bankruptcy and civil litigation space, Jeff also regularly authors articles and presents at seminars and conferences.

Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, especially cycling, gardening, skiing, hiking, and traveling. Committed to using his legal skills to improve his community, Jeff has served on the Board of Directors at Cleaves Law Library for over a decade.

Education

Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College, J.D., 2000

University of Maine, M.S., 1996

Colgate University, A.B., 1993

Recognition

Best Lawyers USA, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2012-2024), Bankruptcy Litigation (2013-2024)

New England Super Lawyers, Bankruptcy

New England Super Lawyers, Business/Corporate, Business Litigation, Rising Star

Chambers USA, Maine, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Band 2

Representative Clients & Matters

  • Assisted bankruptcy trustee in Great Northern Paper bankruptcy helping them recover millions of dollars to distribute to creditors.
  • Assisted client in asserting a trade secret claims premised on allegations that software licensee engaged in conduct that exceeded the scope of a software license.

Publications

Author, “Spoliation and Preservation of Evidence” A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Maine (MCLE 2014)

Co-Author, “Directors in the Twilight Zone II,” International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Professionals, chapter discussing corporate director liability in the United States (2nd edition 2005, 3rd edition 2009, 4th edition 2013)

Author, “Retirement Benefits: What You Should Know,” Maine Townsman Magazine (December 2012)

Author, “Coastal Erosion and the Risk of Liability for Coastal Land Developers,” J. Small & Emerging Business Law, 347, 4(2) (2000)

Memberships

Turnaround Management Association

National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees

American Bankruptcy Institute

Maine State Bar Association

Community/Public Service

Cleaves Law Library
Board of Directors (2002-present)

Past Presentations

From December 3, 2022 10:00 am

Vermont Bar Association, Trial Preparation and Evidence: Joint Pre-Trial Statements, ESI, and Planning for a Smooth and Successful Trial