Robert Levine - Portland Family Law Lawyer Reviews & Ratings

I have been practicing since 1988, when I graduated law school and hung my own shingle, taking primarily court appointed criminal cases in order to help indigent clients,  hone my skills as an advocate, and gain trial experience.  Criminal law was my first love, as it exposed me to people in need, without adequate resources, with substance abuse and mental heatlh issues, and with serious legal challenges.  I had my first jury trial, an arson case, 6 months out of law school.  I was pleasantly surprised when the jury acquitted my client, and I became hooked on the experience of advocacy on my feet.  I have taken that base of experience into other areas of practice, serving clients in similar need, with other legal issues.  Having a trial background has proved hugely beneficial, because it allows me to plan my cases in reverse, starting with the closing argument, and structuring my preparation around what I want to tell the judge or the jury in the end.. I enjoy personal injury cases because they compensate victims of negligence with money to address their needs, to redress their pain and suffering,  and to make them whole again.  At least that's the goal.  Sometimes money is a poor substitute for living with pain and suffering and permanent impairment, but it's the best we can do.  My fees in these cases are contingency fees, where I generally take one third of the gross amount collected. This means that, if the client doesn't get paid, then I don't get paid.. I also enjoy the practice of social security disability.  These are clients whose injuries or impairments render them disabled, and prevent them from maintaining gainful employment.  The challenge in these cases is to build a medical record with evidence of medical treatment and evaluation, and to prepare a thorough memorandum for the administrative law judge to review in advance of hearing.  It is gratifying to see the weight of financial dislocation removed from an injured party who receives social security benefits.  Again, I offer a contingency fee agreement, with no money up front, and 1/4 of the retroactive benefits received if and when a client gets approved.  Again, if the client doesn't get paid, I don't get paid.. Finally, I represent clients in family matters, from divorce to legal separation to protection from abuse to child protective matters.  The family is the foundation of our society, and I often think of the children whose lives are impacted by the way we do business as lawyers and advocates.  An effective advocate can see both sides, can forge compromise and encourage cooperation, while standing firm on principle.  It is a challenge to address the myriad needs of a family in divorce, and I aim to be accountable.  I return phone calls, I schedule meetings and mediations, both formal and informal. as I try to avoid litigation which proves both costly and time consuming.. I have been practice for 25 years. My father was a lawyer before me, for over 50 years.  I am blessed to be a part of this noble profession, and I am grateful to be able to help those in need.  Recently, I was awarded the Unsung Hero award by the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; honoring my commitment to criminal defense.  I am active in my community, serving on the Board of Advisors of the Mitchell Foundation (which provides scholarships and mentoring services to graduating high school seniors throughout the state of Maine) , the Board of Trustees of Maine Mental Heatlh Partners (which serves the needs of the mentally ill throughout the much of the state), and the Chevra Kadisha (a Jewish organization committed to providing low cost funerals to individuals in the Jewish tradition).  I also have served as President of Temple Beth El Brotherhood for the last 25 years.  My wife and I met in law school.  We have been married for 23 years, and are blessed with two wonderful children.. It is a privilege to practice law.  I never forget that.  I am happy and proud to serve.. Robert Levine