Port City Legal

Richard is truly the kind of attorney you hope to have in your corner when navigating something as personal and high-stakes as a custody case. He is thoughtful, strategic, and deeply committed to the well-being of the families he represents. Throughout this journey to establish parental rights for my daughter, he consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to doing what was right for our situation. During the court process I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment. Richard and his team went out of their way to check in on me and my daughter every step of the way. I can’t even tell you how much that kindness meant. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to Erin. From the moment we connected, her kindness and compassion stood out. During such an emotionally heavy process, she was patient, supportive, and always made me feel heard and cared for. The way she approaches her work—with both professionalism and genuine empathy—made an incredibly difficult chapter of my life feel far less overwhelming. Navigating the court system while protecting your child’s future is one of the most stressful experiences a parent can go through. Having a team that truly cares makes all the difference. Richard and Erin provided not only legal expertise but also humanity and support when it mattered most. I am deeply grateful for everything they did for my daughter and me, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this firm to anyone who needs a legal team that combines skill, integrity, and genuine compassion.

Maryellen has been amazingly helpful to my brother and I in trying to navigate confusing and urgent legal matters for my aging mom. We suddenly needed to get power of attorney done and Maryellen was able to give us an appointment on very short notice. We went from knowing we needed to get this document done but totally clueless as to how to make that happen to it was done and notarized within four days. I am extremely impressed with how kind and helpful Maryellen is at such a difficult time for our family. Fast forward almost two years and Maryellen is STILL helping out. We have a few final details to iron out and Maryellen responded to my questions as quickly as if I was a highly lucrative client. If you have any legal needs, Maryellen will help you out.

Recommend looking elsewhere. Having never gone through a legal action before it was difficult knowing when the process was going off the rails until my final judgement and the amount of time and money spent to get there with Port City Legal. Joe is very reassuring at initial meetings, but a very inexperienced lawyer took my case afterward and the case dragged out a year with an unfavorable result for me. To pursue further action would have cost me even more time and money that I had already lost. Do your research and demand progress dates be met. Do not assume you will be seen as a priority or that a highly experienced lawyer in the firm will be handling the bulk of your case.

Friendly and competent representation from this group.

I can't say enough good things about Port City Legal. They did an outstanding job for me. Joe's passing was such a shock. His professionalism, and kindness to both parties during a very hostile situation, showed so much class. I truly admired him. Erin , went above and beyond. She was not just a paralegal, she was a friend. The emotional support, she provide, kept me sane, and grounded. Her well spoken words, kept me focused, positive, and confident throughout such a troubling time. She is a real asset to the team.

I am a Connecticut resident; my wonderful Port City Legal attorney -- working with me over 2+ years via phone and email from up there in Maine on probate matters and rental real estate questions mainly -- is a knowledgeable, kind and eminently patient professional (believe me, I've *amply* tested the latter!): Maryellen Sullivan. I want to take this opportunity to highly recommend attorney Sullivan -- thus also PCL, for its lucky association with her! :-) If you need an attorney who is very responsive and easy to communicate with, who will do right by you whatever your situation, and refer you to someone else good should you have a particularly specialized issue that is somehow not within her realm of expertise -- please give Maryellen a try. I know that I, for one, am glad that I found her! (Thanks so much as always, Maryellen! -- and my thanks to Port City Legal, too; as a law firm you are to be commended for simply having had the good sense to bring somebody like her under your shingle!)

Victoria and Taylor are the best duo I have had the honor of experiencing over the past two years. On the days I was not my best, they were always at their best. When things were the absolute worst that they could be, these two proved to be stronger and better than anything the opposition could throw my way. I am forever grateful for these two and my child is safe and taken care of because of these ladies. I recommend these ladies to anyone needing family legal services in Maine. They truly care about you and the best outcome that can be achieved for you.

I highly recommend Port City Legal for anyone needing assistance with a probate court issue. My attorney, Maryellen Sullivan, did a great job. She is very knowledgeable and professional. She was able to take care of my case with a favorable result which my family is very grateful for. Terri Stevens is her legal assistant and also was extremely helpful. We appreciate all they have done.

Joe and his team were very supportive and professional throughout the process of my divorce. They responded to all my questions and concerns in a timely way, and I am very appreciative of their kindness and professionalism. Great team all around to work with! 10/10 recommend!

Working with Joe Lewis and his team was truly an excellent experience. Joe was very caring, kind, but also direct and set clear expectations for all the eventualities in my divorce case. He guided me through a settlement that allowed my family to avoid a trial. Had we gone to a trial, I have zero doubt our results would have been amazing. I highly recommend Joe and his team if you're looking for the best navigation through your worst possible days!

I had the very best experience with Port City Legal. I have a complex family law case, which also includes meeting with a lot of attorneys over the years. Attorney Lewis treated me and my case with the utmost professionalism, expertise, integrity, and compassion. He was always easy to communicate with, and very transparent. I was cared for, advocated for, and supported throughout my entire experience by the whole firm. Joe is a razor sharp skilled attorney who will fiercely advocate for what is right, striking a balance with exceptional legal strategy, and always place my child at the forefront of all decisions. Joe makes this look easy. However, there are so many times where there are paradoxes in the family law legal system, that make a singular focus almost impossible. With Joe, there are always possibilities and a pathway forward that keeps the integrity of the child’s best interest at heart. He makes this into an art form. Erin and Taylor were absolutely amazing to me. Whenever I communicated with them, I felt supported with such warmth. They both knew my case, and are so efficient, professional, and willing to go above and beyond. During my two day trial, both Erin and Taylor were so incredibly supportive. They showed up for me in ways that exceed all expectations. I felt so nervous preparing and attending trial, and I felt like they were holding my hand throughout it all. I am forever grateful for Attorney Lewis accepting my case. Due to the legal challenges, and complexity of my case the end result took over two years to accomplish. Attorney Lewis and his team stayed dedicated, and determined to a favorable outcome. The striking difference between Port City Legal, and all of the other firms that I have encountered, is that Attorney Lewis and his team believed in me. There were times in my case, when I thought that I should give up. They were always there to comfort, support, and motivate me. This team helped me to keep my hope alive, when I needed it most. This kind of kindness is extremely rare in family law. It is easy to become jaded to the system, for both professionals and parents. Joe and his team rise above the challenges, and always forged a path forward. I give my highest recommendation to this firm. My outcome was beyond my wildest dreams. The team is so dedicated, and truly committed to the best interest of the family. Throughout the stress and tears of seemingly endless setbacks, Attorney Lewis would find a way to bring laughter and a smile to my face, and help me to shift my perspective. I am a better person for knowing and working with Joe and his team. Thank you so very much for your dedication, hard work, and heart that you gave my case. I cannot thank you enough. All the best, Brenda Bartucca

I highly recommend Mary Ellen Sullivan as an estate lawyer. She handled the legal issues involved in my husband's estate with knowledge, skill, and professionalism. She was always willing to answer my questions and provided expert legal advice. Mary Ellen was also a strong advocate for me with the issues that required negotiation with my husband's family and legal counsel. She remained objective and respected my decisions throughout the long process of settling his estate. I appreciated her perspective and sense of humor which made a difficult time easier.

Port City Legal seemed understanding at first and I enjoyed my direct communications with Joe. Over the next 8 months I received invoices for a few and then a no contact. There was zero follow up from email and phone calls for simple items and an ongoing eight month email chain where Joe, Erin, or the billing side refused to follow up. Currently seeking another lawyer to get the retainer back or at least tied up in a legal situation such that Port City does not have those funds available due to abandonment of their client.

My husband and I needed a special needs trust, durable POA’s and wills. Previously we had worked with another local law firm where we waited an eternity to 1) get an appt 2) get any information. “Enough of this” I said! I Googled Port City Legal and Mary Ellen Sullivan called the next day. And we saw her in 2 weeks and had our documents 2 weeks after that! She was an absolute delight to work with. We walked in, unsure of what we needed and ignorant of the process and she patiently and professionally (with her vast legal knowledge) guided us in the right direction. She made the daunting process seem very simple and straightforward for a very reasonable fee. Mary Ellen is so personable, upbeat and knows her law inside and out and we had the most positive, satisfying experience with her and all the staff in the office. HIGHLY recommend Port City Legal and the incredible Mary Ellen Sullivan!

Joe Lewis has helped me with my divorce Case . He was professional had the time to help me through my hard times also had sympathy and empathy to make it happen. I’m so glad that I did my case with Joe Lewis and his team that did extraordinary work and worked above and beyond to help thank you

Maryellen did an excellent job!