Thompson & Bowie

For individuals and businesses in New Gloucester, Maine, and across Northern New England seeking legal representation, particularly in complex civil litigation and insurance matters, the name Thompson & Bowie frequently emerges as a prominent option. Operating under the broad category of "Lawyers Near Me," Thompson & Bowie has established a substantial presence in the legal landscape, tracing its roots back to 1978. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of the firm, encompassing its environment, range of services, distinguishing features, and relevant promotional information, based on publicly available details.

Thompson & Bowie maintains a significant office at Yarmouth Hall, 60 Pineland Dr # 230, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA. This address suggests a professional and well-established office setting, likely within a commercial or business park environment that provides convenient access for clients. While specific details about the interior décor or size of the New Gloucester office are not readily available, law firms of Thompson & Bowie's standing typically operate in well-appointed spaces conducive to client consultations, legal research, and collaborative work. The firm also maintains a primary office in Portland, ME, underscoring its regional reach and capacity to serve a diverse client base across Maine and New Hampshire. Potential clients can reach Thompson & Bowie via phone at (207) 688-4065, with a mobile phone number also listed as +1 207-688-4065, ensuring accessibility for inquiries and communication.

Thompson & Bowie is a mid-sized law firm renowned for providing a wide array of litigation-oriented services. While their origins are rooted in insurance defense, their practice has expanded significantly over nearly four decades to encompass numerous complex areas of civil litigation. Their expertise spans a broad spectrum of legal needs, making them a versatile choice for clients facing various disputes and challenges. Key practice areas and services include:

• Civil Litigation: This is the firm's core focus, encompassing a vast range of disputes that are resolved through the court system or alternative dispute resolution methods.
• Insurance Law and Defense: A foundational area of their practice, they represent insurance carriers and insured individuals in various claims, including providing coverage opinions and insurance counseling services.
• Professional Liability: The firm represents professionals from various fields who face malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.
• Products Liability & Food Claims: They handle cases involving injuries or damages caused by defective products, including food-related claims.
• Municipal Liability & Civil Rights: Thompson & Bowie represents governmental entities and law enforcement personnel in administrative and civil rights litigation, navigating the intricacies of the Maine Tort Claims Act.
• Commercial Litigation: This involves disputes arising from business and commercial transactions, contracts, and other commercial relationships.
• Transportation & Trucking: The firm handles legal matters specific to the transportation industry, including trucking accidents and regulatory compliance.
• Employment & Workers' Compensation: They provide representation in disputes related to employment law and workers' compensation claims.
• Admiralty & Maritime Law: With a strong presence in a coastal state like Maine, the firm offers specialized legal services related to shipping, navigation, and maritime commerce.
• Traditional Property & Casualty Claims: Beyond insurance defense, they manage claims related to property damage and personal injuries.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Recognizing the benefits of efficient dispute resolution, many of the firm's attorneys serve as mediators, arbitrators, and early neutral evaluators. They also assist clients in developing strategies to manage and avoid potential disputes through ADR.
• Contract Negotiation and Risk Identification: Beyond litigation, the firm also assists clients in structuring transactions and evaluating projects to minimize and manage potential legal problems.

Thompson & Bowie’s attorneys are actively involved in both state and federal courts, and have a track record of handling complex multi-party litigation. Their commitment extends to achieving favorable outcomes for clients, whether through trial, alternative dispute resolution, or settlement.

Thompson & Bowie distinguishes itself through several key features that contribute to its strong reputation in the Northern New England legal community:

• Shaping Maine Law: For almost four decades, the firm's attorneys have been instrumental in shaping Maine law. Examples include helping define the nature and burden of proof for punitive damages, establishing limits on emotional distress recovery in claims against attorneys, and outlining parameters for franchisor liability. They have also continually reinforced the narrow contours of the Maine Tort Claims Act's immunity provisions.
• Experienced Legal Team: The firm is composed of experienced lawyers with extensive knowledge in diverse areas of law. Many of their attorneys are recognized for their outstanding professional performance. For example, in 2025, Thompson Bowie & Hatch LLC had multiple lawyers recognized in "The Best Lawyers in America®," a peer-reviewed honor that also qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious "Best Law Firms" rankings. Furthermore, some attorneys are recognized as "Super Lawyers" and "Rising Stars," indicating high peer recognition and professional achievement.
• Commitment to Results: The firm emphasizes its commitment to achieving the highest quality results for its clients, employing effective and creative legal solutions.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Expertise: Their active participation in ADR, with several members serving as mediators and arbitrators, highlights their dedication to efficient and tailored dispute resolution. James M. Bowie, a prominent attorney at the firm, is noted for his active role as an arbitrator and mediator, participating in the panels for Maine's Rule 16B mandatory ADR program and maintaining a substantial private practice in this area.
• Breadth of Client Representation: Over the years, Thompson & Bowie has served a diverse range of clients, from individuals and small businesses to insurance carriers, large institutional clients, and multi-national corporations. This versatility demonstrates their capacity to handle cases of varying scales and complexities.

Thompson & Bowie actively promotes its achievements and the expertise of its legal team. Their website highlights their ranking by "Best Law Firms" for excellence in multiple specialties, showcasing their commitment to delivering outstanding legal services. The firm's narrative emphasizes its deep roots, starting as a three-person insurance defense firm and evolving into a mid-sized powerhouse providing comprehensive litigation services throughout Northern New England. Their influence extends beyond Maine, with attorneys working to establish legal precedents in New Hampshire as well.

James M. Bowie, one of the firm's founders, has an exceptional reputation in the legal community. His profile notes his involvement in cases that have shaped Maine law, his extensive experience in jury and non-jury trials, arbitrations, mediations, and administrative hearings, and his counsel in over 80 matters before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. He is also a frequent lecturer on trial practice, ADR, insurance law, and risk management.

In summary, Thompson & Bowie, listed under "Lawyers Near Me" in New Gloucester, ME, is a well-established and highly respected law firm with a long history of influencing legal developments in Maine and Northern New England. Their comprehensive services in civil litigation, particularly in insurance defense, professional liability, and municipal law, combined with a team of recognized and experienced attorneys, position them as a strong choice for clients seeking robust legal representation and effective dispute resolution.