Richard A. Spencer

Richard A. Spencer is an attorney at Drummond Woodsum in Portland whose practice includes municipal law, public finance, land use and conservation, environmental matters, and school and education issues. He handles complex problems requiring advocacy before local and state bodies, administrative agencies, state courts, and the Maine Legislature. He also advises multigenerational families on transferring seasonal and other Maine properties to the next generation through thoughtful legal planning.

Dick earned a B.A., cum laude, from Harvard College in 1966 and a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1969, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. His academic background supports a practice built around public law, legislative and administrative processes, land use, finance, and long-term property planning. The breadth of his training has complemented decades of work involving government institutions, public policy, and legal issues affecting communities and private clients.

Dick has practiced law for decades and has developed substantial experience with matters that cross legal and policy boundaries. His work includes local and state advocacy, administrative proceedings, public finance, land use and conservation, and municipal issues. He also served for four years as House Chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the Maine Legislature, experience that informs his understanding of legislative processes and the practical considerations surrounding public-sector legal matters.

Richard A. Spencer is listed by Best Lawyers USA for Education Law and Public Finance Law and has received Portland Lawyer of the Year recognition in Public Finance Law and Education Law. Martindale-Hubbell rates him AV Preeminent. His professional and community service has included work with Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Portland Trails, Maine Audubon Society, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, and other civic organizations, reflecting long involvement with public policy, conservation, and community development.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Drummond Woodsum
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Bond Lawyers
• Member, International Senior Lawyers Project
• Board Member, Mechanics Hall, Portland
• Board Member and Past President, Kennebago Lake Camp Owners Association
• Board Member, Mooselookmeguntic Improvement Society
• Past President, Maine Audubon Society
• Co-Founder and Past President, Portland Trails
• Co-Founder, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
• Former House Chair, Judiciary Committee of the Maine Legislature
• Public Policy Committee, Maine Coast Heritage Trust
• Principal Author, Saco River Corridor Legislation

Licensed State

• Maine

Education

• Columbia Law School
  J.D., Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
• Harvard College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Cum Laude)

Awards & Badges