James M. Jim Saffian

Banking and Finance Law

5.0 (1 reviews)

Portland, Maine

34+ years experience

Pierce Atwood LLP

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

207-791-1100

https://www.pierceatwood.com/people/james-saffian

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

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Bio

James M. Saffian practices principally in the areas of public finance, economic development and tax increment financing. Jim has represented issuers, borrowers, underwriters and trustees in a variety of structured public financings. In addition to regularly representing various municipalities and special purpose districts in Maine with respect to general obligation bond and revenue bond financings, Jim has also had substantial experience with complex private activity bond financings including multi-modal lower floaters, qualified tender bonds, tax increment financing bonds, school construction bonds, numerous IRB financings, qualified 501(c)(3) financings, and qualified public utility financings. James M. Saffian practices principally in the areas of public finance, economic development and tax increment financing. Jim has represented issuers, borrowers, underwriters and trustees in a variety of structured public financings. In addition to regularly representing various municipalities and special purpose districts in Maine with respect to general obligation bond and revenue bond financings, Jim has also had substantial experience with complex private activity bond financings including multi-modal lower floaters, qualified tender bonds, tax increment financing bonds, school construction bonds, numerous IRB financings, qualified 501(c)(3) financings, and qualified public utility financings.

Practice Areas

Banking and Finance Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Public Finance Law, Portland, ME (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Banking and Finance Law, Portland, ME (2017)
Lawyer of the Year: Public Finance Law, Portland, ME (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Public Finance Law, Portland, ME (2011)
Recognized: Banking and Finance Law
Recognized: Public Finance Law
Practice Area: Commercial Finance Law
Practice Area: Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Public Finance Law (since 2003) and Banking and Finance Law (since 2014).
Named "Lawyer of the Year" in Portland, Maine by The Best Lawyers in America® for Public Finance Law in 2018, 2016 and 2011; and for Banking and Finance Law in 2017.

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003

Education

University of Maine, J.D., magna cum laude, graduated 1991
Dartmouth College, A.B., graduated 1983

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Reviews

Amy Morris

2 weeks ago

A Master of Public Finance and Economic Development

Our municipality was navigating a complex tax increment financing (TIF) project to revitalize a historic downtown district, and the stakes were incredibly high. We needed counsel who understood not just the letter of the law, but the practical economic realities. From our first meeting, Jim Saffian demonstrated why he is so highly regarded in this niche. His 34 years of experience, particularly his deep focus on public finance and economic development, were immediately evident. He patiently educated our council on the nuances of the deal, representing our interests as the issuer with a strategic, long-term perspective. Jim’s guidance through the intricacies of the bond issuance was flawless, and his ability to anticipate and mitigate potential hurdles saved us significant time and resources. It’s no surprise to see his multiple ‘Lawyer of the Year’ recognitions in Portland for Public Finance Law; his expertise is both profound and practical. The project closed successfully, securing essential funding without a hitch. Jim combines the intellectual rigor of a magna cum laude graduate with a collaborative, down-to-earth approach that makes even the most daunting financial structures comprehensible. For any public entity or private party involved in Maine’s economic development landscape, Jim Saffian at Pierce Atwood is the definitive expert.