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Michael R. Bosse

Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P. A.

ShareholderPortland, ME
Construction LawPortland, ME

Recognized for

Construction Law

The Elite Counsel Perspective

Mike’s construction clients benefit from formidable judgment in contract negotiations and litigation alike, honed over nearly three decades and in matters before the Maine Supreme Court.

Mike’s construction clients benefit from formidable judgment in contract negotiations and litigation alike, honed over nearly three decades and in matters before the Maine Supreme Court.

— Elite Counsel
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Overview

Mike Bosse represents developers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in construction matters, drawing on almost three decades of experience in construction law and litigation. His work spans contract negotiation and administration, construction claims, mechanic’s liens and Prompt Payment Act claims. He also handles eminent domain and condemnation cases. Having previously chaired the firm’s Construction Practice Group and co-chaired its Litigation Practice Group, Mike brings experience across both the contractual and disputed stages of a project.

Mike has represented clients across New England, including in several matters before the Maine Supreme Court. His construction-related litigation includes representing a homeowner in a case that clarified principles governing mechanic’s liens in Maine. In an eminent domain dispute, he successfully litigated on behalf of McTeague against the Maine Department of Transportation. These matters reflect the range of disputes within a practice that also encompasses contract work and the administration of construction projects.

His litigation experience extends beyond construction. Mike represented Packgen in claims against BP Exploration & Production for economic losses following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. He has litigated against national banks in a case concerning federal jurisdiction over class action claims and participated in a class action involving allegations of tainted pet food. In a First Circuit appeal, he successfully advocated for Franco’s rights to insurance proceeds for personal injury.

Mike’s approach centers on understanding clients’ goals and developing strategies to advance their interests. The source biography describes him as responsive and transparent, with an ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly—qualities he applies to both routine matters and high-stakes disputes.

Education

  • JD, University of Maine School of Law, 1996
  • Maine Law Review, 1994-1996
    • Member
  • Legal Writing Instructor, 1994-1996
  • BA, Philosophy, Bates College, 1993

Admissions

  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • State of Maine
  • State of New Hampshire
  • US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • US District Court for the District of Maine
  • US District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Honors & Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 (Ranked since 2009)

  • Construction Law
  • Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
  • Litigation – Construction

Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” (Portland, Maine)

  • Construction Law (2022, 2027)
  • Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2019)

AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Global Award for Construction Law Firm of the Year 2015 – Corporate LiveWire

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Bates College Alumni Association
  • Construction Lawyers Society of America, Fellow
  • Construction Lawyers Society of America, Diversity Law Institute
  • Construction Lawyers Society of America, Trial Law Institute
  • Maine State Bar Association
  • New Hampshire Bar Association
  • University of Maine Alumni Association, Former Member

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