James T. Kilbreth

James T. Kilbreth is Of Counsel at Drummond Woodsum in Portland, Maine. His practice focuses on complex commercial, regulatory, and constitutional litigation as well as higher education issues. His listed practice areas include environmental and natural resources, health care, higher education, litigation, business and commercial litigation, securities enforcement and litigation, mediation and arbitration, school and education, and Tribal Nations Law. He brings extensive public-sector and private-practice experience to complex disputes.

James earned a J.D. magna cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in 1976, an M.A. from Northeastern University in 1974, and a B.A. cum laude from Harvard University in 1970. His academic background preceded a career involving major civil litigation, public law, regulatory matters, and constitutional issues. That training supports his work analyzing complex legal records, developing litigation strategy, and addressing disputes involving government, institutions, businesses, and public-interest concerns.

James served as lead lawyer for the State of Maine in litigation against the tobacco industry that produced a $1.5 billion recovery. He was active in defending Maine’s ranked-choice voting system and represented Congressman Jared Golden in litigation challenging the constitutionality of his election. He also litigated to implement Medicaid expansion, represented Maine Audubon in opposition to a proposed development affecting bird habitat, and represented retired state employees challenging pension cutbacks.

James T. Kilbreth previously served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Maine, supervising major civil and criminal actions, and earlier served as Deputy Attorney General responsible for the state’s civil litigation. Before government service, he practiced at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering in Washington, D.C. He is active in several professional organizations and combines government, private-practice, and complex-litigation experience when advising clients on high-stakes disputes and institutional legal issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Drummond Woodsum
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Fellow and Former Director, Maine Bar Foundation
• Chair, Advisory Committee of Legal Aid Providers
• Advisory Trustee, Friends of the Legal Resources Centre
• Member, Maine Equal Justice Partners Legal Panel
• Member, Maine Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Selection Committee, Morton A. Brody Distinguished Judicial Service Award
• Former Member, Governor’s Judicial Selection Committee (2003-2009)
• Past Trustee and Past President, Maine Audubon Society
• Board Member, Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (2015-Present)
• Advisory Committee, Business and Consumer Docket

Licensed State

• Maine

Education

• American University Washington College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) (Magna Cum Laude)
• Northeastern University
  Master of Arts (MA)
• Harvard University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Cum Laude)

Awards & Badges