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9 min ago

As David Austin steps down as managing partner, law firm Eaton Peabody names successor

Courtesy / Eaton Peabody Michael A. Hodgins has been named managing partner at Eaton Peabody.
By Alexis Wells

After 12 years as president and managing partner of Maine law firm Eaton Peabody, David M. Austin is stepping down from those roles to return to full-time practice within the firm.

Michael A. Hodgins, who joined Eaton Peabody in 2019, has been named the firm's new managing partner, effective Oct. 1.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me by my colleagues and excited to build on the legacy left by David and others before him,” said Hodgins. 

“Eaton Peabody has long been committed to serving people and businesses with legal challenges from our multiple offices here in Maine, and I look forward to leading the firm in its next chapter. Together, we will continue to innovate, adapt and deliver the high level of service our clients expect and deserve.”

Hodgin's background

Prior to his new role, Hodgins served as a leader on several firm committees.

Hodgins is a litigator and advisor whose practice includes the construction industry and municipal or other governmental entities. He will continue to represent clients in those areas and will continue his mediation practice while serving as managing partner.

Hodgins received a bachelor’s degree in government and sociology from Dartmouth College and earned his J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law. 

Austin’s legacy

As president and managing partner, Austin led Eaton Peabody's strategic growth and development as the firm expanded its client base.

Austin said he plans to return to the full-time practice of law, dedicated to advising clients on general corporate and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions. He also will serve as general counsel to numerous Maine corporations, including large institutional clients and closely held Maine businesses.

“It has been a privilege to serve as managing partner of Eaton Peabody for the past 12 years,” said Austin.

“I’ve worked with an outstanding team of professionals, and together, we’ve navigated many challenges while upholding our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients in Maine and beyond. I am confident that Mike is the right person to lead this firm forward.” 

With offices in Augusta, Bangor, Ellsworth and Portland, Eaton Peabody has nearly 50 attorneys and serves clients in New England and Atlantic Canada.

Eaton Peabody was ranked No. 6 among Maine’s largest law firms in the 2024 Mainebiz Book of Lists, based on the total of Maine-based attorneys.

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