James G. Monteleone
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Litigation
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As a former award-winning journalist covering government and politics, James has a knack for tracking down facts and distilling complex information into clear, concise prose. Today, he applies those skills in his litigation practice, where has quickly established his reputation as an aggressive, skilled advocate throughout the course of his work for the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting. While lead attorney, he represented the Committee for Ranked Choice voting in primary arguments, dealing with both statutory and constitutional challenges, prevailing in court every time. Most recently, he successfully defended the Maine Secretary of State’s decision invalidating the “People’s Veto” of the 2019 law that established ranked choice voting for Presidential Elections in Maine.Prior to joining Bernstein Shur, James was a law clerk for Keleher & McCleod, an Albuquerque litigation firm versed in matters like wrongful termination liability, construction contracting disputes, municipal defense, and appellate practice. During law school—and in part while working full-time as a newspaper reporter—James served as Editor-in-Chief of the New Mexico Law Review. He also worked as a clinical law student prosecuting drunken driving and domestic violence offenses on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office, and representing low-income clients in immigration, family law and unpaid wage cases.James is also very experienced in:Drafting legal motions, including motions for summary judgment and motions to dismissManaging discovery with scrutiny and tough questioningLegal research and evidentiary analysis As a former award-winning journalist covering government and politics, James has a knack for tracking down facts and distilling complex information into clear, concise prose. Today, he applies those skills in his litigation practice, where has quickly established his reputation as an aggressive, skilled advocate throughout the course of his work for the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting. While lead attorney, he represented the Committee for Ranked Choice voting in primary arguments, dealing with both statutory and constitutional challenges, prevailing in court every time. Most recently, he successfully defended the Maine Secretary of State’s decision invalidating the “People’s Veto” of the 2019 law that established ranked choice voting for Presidential Elections in Maine.Prior to joining Bernstein Shur, James was a law clerk for Keleher & McCleod, an Albuquerque litigation firm versed in matters like wrongful termination liability, construction contracting disputes, municipal defense, and appellate practice. During law school—and in part while working full-time as a newspaper reporter—James served as Editor-in-Chief of the New Mexico Law Review. He also worked as a clinical law student prosecuting drunken driving and domestic violence offenses on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office, and representing low-income clients in immigration, family law and unpaid wage cases.James is also very experienced in:Drafting legal motions, including motions for summary judgment and motions to dismissManaging discovery with scrutiny and tough questioningLegal research and evidentiary analysis As a former award-winning journalist covering government and politics, James has a knack for tracking down facts and distilling complex information into clear, concise prose. Today, he applies those skills in his litigation practice, where has quickly established his reputation as an aggressive, skilled advocate throughout the course of his work for the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting. While lead attorney, he represented the Committee for Ranked Choice voting in primary arguments, dealing with both statutory and constitutional challenges, prevailing in court every time. Most recently, he successfully defended the Maine Secretary of State’s decision invalidating the “People’s Veto” of the 2019 law that established ranked choice voting for Presidential Elections in Maine. Prior to joining Bernstein Shur, James was a law clerk for Keleher & McCleod, an Albuquerque litigation firm versed in matters like wrongful termination liability, construction contracting disputes, municipal defense, and appellate practice. During law school—and in part while working full-time as a newspaper reporter—James served as Editor-in-Chief of the New Mexico Law Review. He also worked as a clinical law student prosecuting drunken driving and domestic violence offenses on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office, and representing low-income clients in immigration, family law and unpaid wage cases. James is also very experienced in:
Recognized in Ones to Watch since 2021
Jacob Morales
James Monteleone handled my commercial litigation case with solid legal expertise, clearly drawing on his background in journalism to analyze the facts. His recognized commercial litigation skills were evident in his strategic approach. However, I found his communication timeliness inconsistent, which led to some frustration during a high-stakes contract dispute. While his understanding of the case was thorough, I would have appreciated more proactive updates and clearer expectation-setting. The outcome was favorable, but the process felt uneven at times. For those needing meticulous legal analysis, he’s capable, but be prepared to follow up frequently.
Joseph Martinez
I recently had the pleasure of working with James Monteleone on a complex legal matter that required a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of various practice areas. As a former journalist, James' ability to track down facts and simplify complex information was evident throughout our case. His expertise was recognized in the field of commercial litigation, and it showed in his diligent approach and strategic thinking. One minor area that could be improved would be the response time to emails and phone calls, which at times felt a bit slow. However, the quality of work and the outcome of my case more than made up for any delays. I wholeheartedly recommend James G. Monteleone for anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable attorney in Portland, Maine.
Gregory Clark
James Monteleone handled my commercial lease dispute with a solid grasp of the facts, and it was clear his journalism background helped him dismantle some misleading claims from the other party. He’s definitely recognized in commercial litigation for good reason, and his arguments were well-structured. However, communication could have been stronger—wait times for responses were longer than I’d hoped, and some updates felt delayed. While his expertise shone in court, I would’ve appreciated more proactive check-ins to keep me informed. If you need a litigator with a sharp analytical mind, he’s competent, but expect to be patient with follow-ups.
Scott Jackson
Working with James G. Monteleone was one of the best decisions I’ve made during a challenging legal situation. As a former journalist with a deep understanding of research and communication, James brought a unique perspective to my case. I was navigating a complex commercial litigation matter, and his ability to distill intricate details into clear, actionable strategies was invaluable. His background in journalism was evident in how he meticulously gathered and presented evidence, ensuring every argument was well-supported. James’s professionalism and dedication were unwavering—I always felt informed and confident in his approach. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I attribute that success to his expertise and relentless advocacy. I’d recommend him without hesitation to anyone in need of a skilled and conscientious attorney.
Timothy Morris
James Monteleone handled my commercial litigation case with remarkable expertise and professionalism. His background as a journalist gave him a unique edge in dissecting dense legal and financial documents—something that proved invaluable in our dispute. He meticulously uncovered critical details that others had overlooked, leading to a favorable settlement. James’s ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, digestible terms made navigating the process much less stressful. His recognition in commercial litigation speaks volumes, and his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome did not go unnoticed. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, James demonstrated exceptional service and an unwavering commitment to my case. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and detail-oriented attorney.
Pamela Jones
James Monteleone provided excellent counsel during a complex commercial lease dispute. His background in journalism was evident in how he carefully analyzed lease terms and presented our case clearly. While his legal expertise in commercial litigation is outstanding, response times could occasionally be faster. Highly recommend for business-related legal matters.
Jennifer Phillips
James Monteleone handled my general business litigation case with a solid understanding of commercial law, a clear benefit given his prior recognition in the field. His background in journalism made him particularly effective at organizing complex legal arguments into coherent, persuasive points for the court. However, communication was inconsistent—sometimes responsive, other times delayed without clear explanation. While the outcome was favorable, I wished for more transparency about timelines and case progress. For straightforward commercial disputes, he’s competent, but expect to manage your own follow-ups closely.
Christopher Miller
James Monteleone's background as a journalist gave him an edge in my complex commercial dispute. His ability to break down legal jargon into understandable terms was invaluable. While his case strategy was excellent, I wish he had been more responsive to emails during the final stages. The outcome was favorable, and I trust his recognized expertise in commercial litigation. A minor hiccup in communication, but overall, the right legal partner for my needs.
Timothy King
James Monteleone was a tremendous asset to my legal case involving a complex business dispute. His background as a journalist gave him a unique ability to dissect intricate documents and present arguments with clarity and precision. I especially appreciated his thorough preparation and strategic approach, which clearly demonstrated his expertise in commercial litigation. The outcome was favorable, and I felt well-represented throughout the process. While his response times were generally good, there were a couple of instances where communication could have been more prompt. Additionally, his fees were reasonable, though I would have preferred a slightly clearer breakdown of costs upfront. Overall, James is an excellent attorney with a strong track record, and I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal counsel, particularly in commercial or general practice matters.
Michael Bailey
James Monteleone's background in journalism gave him a unique edge in my complex commercial dispute. His ability to deconstruct intricate legal details and present them clearly was invaluable. As a recognized commercial litigation expert, he navigated the case with precision, securing a favorable outcome. His professionalism and dedication were evident throughout, making him an outstanding legal partner. The combination of his investigative skills and legal acumen made all the difference in resolving my case efficiently. Highly recommend for anyone facing commercial litigation challenges.