David E. Dave Barry

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

3.0 (1 reviews)

Portland, Maine

43+ years experience

Pierce Atwood LLP

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Contact Information

207-791-1100

https://www.pierceatwood.com/people/david-barry

Merrill's Wharf, 254 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101

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Bio

Dave Barry is Pierce Atwood’s managing partner. Previously, Dave was chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, representing clients in a wide variety of complex litigation and counseling clients on how to avoid or minimize the risks and burdens of litigation. Dave also chaired the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice. He regularly manages complex business litigation in federal and state courts and has extensive experience assisting clients with government enforcement and compliance matters involving potential criminal penalties.Dave's practice includes representing corporate and individual clients (directors, officers, and other employees) in connection with internal investigations and federal and state criminal and regulatory investigations and enforcement matters, including U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations, banking and financial crimes, environmental crimes and health care fraud. Dave Barry is Pierce Atwood’s managing partner. Previously, Dave was chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, representing clients in a wide variety of complex litigation and counseling clients on how to avoid or minimize the risks and burdens of litigation. Dave also chaired the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice. He regularly manages complex business litigation in federal and state courts and has extensive experience assisting clients with government enforcement and compliance matters involving potential criminal penalties.Dave's practice includes representing corporate and individual clients (directors, officers, and other employees) in connection with internal investigations and federal and state criminal and regulatory investigations and enforcement matters, including U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations, banking and financial crimes, environmental crimes and health care fraud. Dave Barry is Pierce Atwood’s managing partner. Previously, Dave was chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, representing clients in a wide variety of complex litigation and counseling clients on how to avoid or minimize the risks and burdens of litigation. Dave also chaired the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice. He regularly manages complex business litigation in federal and state courts and has extensive experience assisting clients with government enforcement and compliance matters involving potential criminal penalties. Dave's practice includes representing corporate and individual clients (directors, officers, and other employees) in connection with internal investigations and federal and state criminal and regulatory investigations and enforcement matters, including U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations, banking and financial crimes, environmental crimes and health care fraud.

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland, ME (2026)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland, ME (2026)
Lawyer of the Year: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland, ME (2024)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland, ME (2023)
Lawyer of the Year: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland, ME (2021)
Lawyer of the Year: Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland, ME (2020)
Lawyer of the Year: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland, ME (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland, ME (2017)
Lawyer of the Year: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Portland, ME (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Portland, ME (2015)
Recognized: Bet-the-Company Litigation
Recognized: Commercial Litigation
Recognized: Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Recognized: Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Special Focus: Business Disputes
Special Focus: Civil Litigation
Special Focus: Complex Litigation
Special Focus: Environmental Crimes
Special Focus: Federal
Special Focus: Fraud
Special Focus: Government Investigations
Special Focus: Internal Investigations
Special Focus: Qui Tam/False Claims Act
Special Focus: White-Collar Criminal Defense
Recognized by Chambers USA for Litigation.
Since 2013, named a "Local Litigation Star" in Maine by Benchmark Litigation—the definitive guide to America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys. Recognized in the areas of General Commercial and White Collar Crime.
Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell and as a Top Rated New England Lawyer by ALM.

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003

Education

Williams College, B.A., graduated 1982

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Reviews

Edward Smith

2 weeks ago

A competent, experienced attorney with some communication lapses

We engaged David Barry and his team at Pierce Atwood to handle a complex business dispute that had significant regulatory implications. His deep experience, particularly his recognition in Bet-the-Company Litigation, was evident in his strategic approach. He has a commanding presence and a clear mastery of the legal landscape, which was reassuring. However, for a managing partner of his stature, the hands-on involvement we expected was sometimes lacking. While the senior associates were excellent, there were periods where communication from Mr. Barry himself was slower than we’d hoped, making it difficult to get timely updates on strategy shifts. The outcome of our matter was ultimately favorable, and his decades of general practice wisdom were invaluable in navigating the multi-faceted issues. For straightforward, high-level counsel he is very capable, but clients should be prepared for potential delays in direct communication and should clarify expectations regarding partner accessibility from the outset.