Adam R. Cote

Adam R. Cote is an attorney at Drummond Woodsum in Portland, Maine whose practice focuses on energy and public utility law, renewable energy development, and related business and regulatory matters. He advises businesses, utilities, landowners, municipalities, school districts, and trade associations on legal, policy, and transactional issues in the energy sector. His work covers wholesale electricity, renewable energy credits and portfolio standards, energy storage, demand response, and non-transmission alternatives.

Cote earned a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Maine School of Law in 2001 and a B.A. in International Studies, with honors, from Colby College in 1995. His education is complemented by experience as a renewable energy business owner. This background supports Cote’s legal analysis and problem solving in energy and public utility law, including work that requires close attention to detailed facts, governing rules, and practical consequences.

Cote’s experience includes nearly two decades of work on renewable energy development and regulation, including the commercial, policy, and legal questions that arise as energy projects move from concept to operation. Cote works with public and private clients on transactions, regulatory questions, and policy matters that affect energy infrastructure, markets, and project development. Through these matters, Cote helps clients assess legal options, manage risk, and move through transactions, disputes, administrative processes, or litigation as the situation requires.

Adam R. Cote leads Drummond Woodsum’s Energy Practice Group and is known for combining legal advice with direct business experience in renewable energy. That background allows Cote to evaluate energy matters from both legal and commercial perspectives. In serving businesses, utilities, and public entities, Cote brings practical judgment and subject-matter knowledge to the issues presented. Cote helps energy clients navigate development, regulation, contracting, and changing market requirements with advice grounded in the specific facts and legal framework of each matter.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Drummond Woodsum
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Board Member, Maine Veteran’s Housing Coalition (2007-2010)
• Board Member, Sanford School Committee (2011-2013)
• Board Member, Vet2Vet Maine
• Board Member, Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation
• Member, Colby College Alumni Council (2016-Present)
• Member, Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Association (MRRA) (2009-2011)
• Regional Advisory Committee Member, U.S. Small Business Administration (2005-2009)

Licensed State

• Maine

Education

• University of Maine School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Cum Laude
• Colby College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies

Awards & Badges