William J. Wahrer

Here’s why you’ll enjoy working with him.

Bill’s highly analytical mindset combined with a strong practical sense means he is well versed in handling competing tasks while solving complicated legal issues.  Over his career, Bill has successfully assisted numerous clients in variety of contexts—whether it be the Maine Human Rights Commission, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, the United States District Court for the District of Maine, or the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  Bill regularly handles cases involving claims of employment discrimination and harassment, disability accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), whistleblower and retaliation claims, as well as wage and hour matters.  Bill also frequently defends institutions of higher education in Title IX and student discrimination matters.

No matter the legal landscape or context, clients can place confidence in Bill’s thorough and thoughtful approach, and in knowing that he gives every challenge his all.

Notable Cases

• Berounsky v. Oceanside Rubbish, Inc., 2022 ME 3, 266 A.3d 284 – obtained dismissal of federal claims in the United States District Court for the District of Maine and successfully obtained dismissal of remaining claims in Superior Court on remand. Successfully defended dismissal of claims on appeal and at oral argument before the Law Court.
• Anderson v. Univ. of New England, 610 F. Supp. 3d 306 (D. Me. 2022) – obtained dismissal of 42 U.S.C. § 1983, negligence, defamation, and Title IX harassment claims.
• Beers v. Mentor ABI LLC – obtained dismissal of Maine Human Rights Act retaliation, fraud in the inducement, fraudulent concealment, and breach of contract claims in the United States District Court for the District of Maine and successfully defended the dismissal before the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Notable case involving the enforcement of a no rehire clause in a settlement agreement.
• Doe v. Franklin Pierce Univ. – obtained dismissal of reverse Title IX discrimination and negligence claims.

In his former life, Bill was:

• A Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable John A. Woodcock, Jr. at the United States District Court for the District of Maine
• Executive Editor of the Maine Law Review
• Head Teaching Fellow of the University of Maine School of Law’s Academic Success Program

When Bill isn’t working, he is…

Following New England sports and Michigan State basketball and football, spending time with his wife Bonnie and their pets, and working on various projects at their home in Gorham.