Philip R. Phil Saucier

Philip R. Phil Saucier

Municipal Law

5.0 (1 reviews)
Portland, Maine
21+ years experience
Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson PA
Updated:

Contact Information

West Tower, 100 Middle Street, P.O. Box 9729, Portland, ME 04104-5029
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Bio

Having worked as an urban planner, as chair of the Portland Zoning Board, and inside state government, Phil is well acquainted with municipal and land use law. That experience, combined with his legal expertise, makes him extremely adept at counseling municipal officials and boards and obtaining land use approvals at local, state, and federal levels for real estate developers and property owners. And he’s just as equipped to help clients with legislative issues: he helped draft and pass health care legislation during his time as a senior legal advisor in the Governor’s office.Whether he’s drafting legislation or helping clients solve seemingly intractable issues, Phil keeps his calm and level-headedness, and delivers efficient, thoughtful solutions.Phil is also very experienced in:Municipal broadband initiatives, including both municipal-owned services and interlocal agreements for broadband utilitiesAll aspects of election law and Maine’s Freedom of Access ActOngoing general counsel to municipal officials and boards, covering general administration, zoning, planning, enforcement actions, administrative and judicial appeals, and moreWorking with both municipalities and developers on TIF districtsDrafting legislation and testimonyAdvising clients on campaign compliance election law, including government ethics requirements, political action committee formation and governance, and ballot question campaignsSecuring land use permitting and contract zone agreements Having worked as an urban planner, as chair of the Portland Zoning Board, and inside state government, Phil is well acquainted with municipal and land use law. That experience, combined with his legal expertise, makes him extremely adept at counseling municipal officials and boards and obtaining land use approvals at local, state, and federal levels for real estate developers and property owners. And he’s just as equipped to help clients with legislative issues: he helped draft and pass health care legislation during his time as a senior legal advisor in the Governor’s office.Whether he’s drafting legislation or helping clients solve seemingly intractable issues, Phil keeps his calm and level-headedness, and delivers efficient, thoughtful solutions.Phil is also very experienced in:Municipal broadband initiatives, including both municipal-owned services and interlocal agreements for broadband utilitiesAll aspects of election law and Maine’s Freedom of Access ActOngoing general counsel to municipal officials and boards, covering general administration, zoning, planning, enforcement actions, administrative and judicial appeals, and moreWorking with both municipalities and developers on TIF districtsDrafting legislation and testimonyAdvising clients on campaign compliance election law, including government ethics requirements, political action committee formation and governance, and ballot question campaignsSecuring land use permitting and contract zone agreements Having worked as an urban planner, as chair of the Portland Zoning Board, and inside state government, Phil is well acquainted with municipal and land use law. That experience, combined with his legal expertise, makes him extremely adept at counseling municipal officials and boards and obtaining land use approvals at local, state, and federal levels for real estate developers and property owners. And he’s just as equipped to help clients with legislative issues: he helped draft and pass health care legislation during his time as a senior legal advisor in the Governor’s office. Whether he’s drafting legislation or helping clients solve seemingly intractable issues, Phil keeps his calm and level-headedness, and delivers efficient, thoughtful solutions.

Practice Areas

Municipal Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Municipal Law, Portland, ME (2026)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Land Use and Zoning Law, Portland, ME (2025)
  • Recognized: Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Recognized: Municipal Law
  • Practice Area: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
  • Practice Area: Government Relations Practice

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2017

Education

  • University of Maine School of Law, J.D., graduated 2004

Reviews

B

Brenda Turner

2 weeks ago

Navigated a complex zoning variance with exceptional skill

Our small business expansion in Portland's historic district was stalled by a seemingly insurmountable zoning variance denial from the city. We were referred to Phil Saucier at Bernstein Shur, and it was the best decision we could have made. Phil’s unique background was immediately apparent. He didn't just approach it as a legal hurdle; his prior experience as an urban planner and chair of the Portland Zoning Board gave him an insider's understanding of the municipal mindset and the actual policy goals behind the regulations. He crafted a strategy that addressed the city's concerns about density and character head-on, reframing our project not as an exception, but as a benefit to the community. His 21 years of experience, particularly in land use law, meant he knew precisely which precedents to cite and how to effectively negotiate with city staff. The result was a revised proposal that gained unanimous approval, saving our project. Phil is more than just a sharp attorney; he's a pragmatic problem-solver who respects the process while fiercely advocating for his clients. His recent recognitions in the field are clearly well-deserved. For anyone facing municipal or land use challenges in Maine, Phil Saucier is the definitive expert.

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