Richard A. "Rick" Shinay, Real Estate Attorney in Portland, Maine
Portland, ME
Trusted real estate attorney serving Portland.
Practices in
Are you Richard A. "Rick" Shinay?
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Quick answer
Richard A. "Rick" Shinay is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
- Based in
- Portland, MAINE
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from Portland, MAINE.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Real Estate Law, Portland (ME) (2024).
About Richard A. "Rick" Shinay: Richard A. "Rick" Shinay is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Richard takes on
Richard concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in Portland, Maine
Richard takes real estate matters in Portland, Maine. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Richard A. "Rick" Shinay — real estate lawyer in Portland
Richard A. "Rick" Shinay is an attorney based in Portland, MAINE. The practice focuses on Real Estate.
Rick Shinay has devoted his entire professional career to the practice of real estate law and related areas. From 1981 to 1985, Rick was Branch Manager and State Counsel for the Portland, Maine office of Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation where he developed extensive expertise in real estate title and conveyancing matters and title insurance underwriting in a wide variety of commercial and residential transactions.
Since joining Drummond Woodsum in 1985, Rick has represented individuals and businesses, developers and lenders, as well as many of the firm’s municipal and school clients, in all aspects of real estate law in connection with the acquisition, development, financing and sale of real estate.
In addition, Rick has particular expertise in the creation and operation of condominiums and planned unit developments and also provides assistance to clients seeking to preserve land through the use of conservation easements and other similar land preservation techniques.
Rick’s prior work with Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation also provided him with unique skills in the area of title insurance matters and, in that regard, Rick serves as President of Classic Title Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Drummond Woodsum, where he oversees the issuance of title insurance in residential and commercial transactions.
In recognition of his expertise and professionalism, Rick is listed in multiple publications including Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Martindale Hubbell.
Richard's approach to real estate cases
Rick Shinay has devoted his entire professional career to the practice of real estate law and related areas. From 1981 to 1985, Rick was Branch Manager and State Counsel for the Portland, Maine office of Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation where he developed extensive expertise in real estate title and conveyancing matters and title insurance underwriting in a wide variety of commercial and…
The kind of cases Richard takes
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Portland and the surrounding Maine area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Maine School of Law
J.D. · 1980
Richard studied at J.D. in University of Maine School of Law.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in University of Maine School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Maine is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Richard has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Real Estate Law, Portland (ME)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Real Estate Law, Portland (ME)
2019
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Real Estate Law, Portland (ME) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Real Estate Law, Portland (ME) (2019). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
Locations
Richard A. "Rick" Shinay's office in Portland
Richard's primary office is at 84 Marginal Way, Suite 600, Portland, Maine. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard A. "Rick" Shinay
Richard has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Richard A. "Rick" Shinay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Portland, Maine
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard A. "Rick" Shinay
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in Maine typically take?
Simple real estate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Richard is licensed in Maine. Matters governed by Maine law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Richard?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new real estate clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Portland, Augusta and Bangor in Maine
Richard handles real estate matters throughout Maine. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated real estate attorneys in Maine
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.