D. Sam Anderson

D. Sam Anderson is a shareholder at Bernstein Shur and co-chair of the firm’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Practice Group. He is based in Portland, Maine, and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. Sam is nationally recognized for his work in Chapter 11 reorganizations, especially within complex, multijurisdictional bankruptcies.

Sam earned his Juris Doctor with honors from Rutgers University School of Law–Camden and holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from the University of New Hampshire. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts across Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

With over two decades of experience, Sam focuses on representing businesses in Chapter 11 proceedings and out-of-court restructurings. His cases span numerous sectors, including paper mills, hospitals, energy facilities, and hospitality. He is also a trusted advisor for creditor committees and asset purchasers in complex bankruptcy cases.

Sam’s recent work includes leading the Chapter 11 proceedings for Gorham Paper and Tissue, Springfield Medical Care Systems, and Community Eco Power. He also served as co-lead counsel in the EYP Holding case, overseeing the sale of engineering and architecture firms. Sam frequently achieves expedited outcomes, such as securing asset sales within 60 days of filing.

In addition to his legal work, D. Sam Anderson is actively involved in the Maine legal community. He is a member of the Maine State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. Highly ranked by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America®, he has earned multiple “Lawyer of the Year” titles and recognition from Lawdragon as one of the nation’s leading bankruptcy attorneys.

Through both litigation and strategic negotiation, Sam delivers results that preserve enterprise value and guide businesses through financial distress with clarity and legal precision.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P. A .
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute

Licensed State

• Maine

Education

• Rutgers University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of New Hampshire
  BA with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges