Richard L. "Dick" O'Meara

Richard L. "Dick" O’Meara: Protecting Your Rights Through Strategic Litigation

Richard L. “Dick” O’Meara is a seasoned legal professional dedicated to providing aggressive and effective representation across a wide range of complex legal disputes. With over three decades of experience, Mr. O’Meara specializes in litigation and appellate work, consistently delivering exceptional results for clients facing significant challenges in federal court, primarily within the Districts of Maine and New Hampshire and the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He is a recognized leader in his field, consistently earning accolades for his expertise and commitment to justice.

Mr. O’Meara’s practice centers around a deep understanding of business and commercial disputes, employment law, education law, and civil rights cases. He is particularly passionate about advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families, skillfully navigating the intricacies of special education and anti-discrimination laws to secure favorable outcomes. His extensive background extends to meticulously litigating a broad spectrum of civil rights and constitutional claims, stemming from his nearly 30 years of service as the Chair of the Legal Panel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine – a role that honed his commitment to protecting civil liberties and promoting equality.

Beyond his courtroom successes, Mr. O’Meara is deeply invested in fostering the next generation of legal minds. For over twenty years, he has generously dedicated his free time as a lawyer coach for the Maine High School Mock Trial program, currently leading the eight-time state championship team from Cape Elizabeth High School. This commitment underscores his dedication to the legal profession and his belief in the importance of legal education.

Practice Areas:

• Appellate Practice – Expert in navigating complex appellate proceedings, meticulously preparing arguments, and advocating for the strongest possible defense or claim.
• Arbitration – Provides experienced arbitration services to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.
• Bet-the-Company Litigation – Specializing in high-stakes litigation with significant financial or operational consequences.
• Civil Rights Law – Dedicated to protecting individual rights and liberties against unlawful government action or discrimination.
• Commercial Litigation – Handles a diverse range of business disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, and intellectual property infringement.
• Copyright Law – Provides legal counsel and representation regarding copyright ownership, infringement, and licensing issues.
• Education Law – Specializes in disputes involving students, schools, and educational institutions, including special education law.
• Litigation – Intellectual Property – Protecting intellectual property rights through strategic litigation and enforcement.
• Litigation – Labor and Employment – Addressing employment-related disputes, including discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations.
• Litigation – Patent – Representing inventors and companies in patent disputes and patent litigation.

Awards & Recognition:

• Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice – Portland, ME (2023, 2021, 2017, 2014, 2013)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment – Portland, ME (2023)
• Lawyer of the Year: Copyright Law – Portland, ME (2025, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2014)
• Lawyer of the Year: Commercial Litigation – Portland, ME (2020, 2019)
• Lawyer of the Year: Education Law – Portland, ME (2013)
• Recognized: Appellate Practice, Arbitration, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigation, Copyright Law, Education Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Litigation - Patent

Education & Credentials:

• Bar Admissions: Maine (Admitted 1988) – U.S. District Court, District of Maine & District of New Hampshire
• Special Focus: Disability Law, Employment Law, Individuals’ Rights, Special Education, Civil Rights
• Affiliations: American Civil Liberties Union of Maine (Past Chair, Legal Panel) – Maine High School Mock Trial Program (Coach, Cape Elizabeth High School – 8-Time State Championship Team)

Key Attributes: Mr. O’Meara is known for his strategic thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. He is respected within the legal community for his courtroom skills, his deep understanding of the law, and his dedication to providing exceptional legal counsel. His dedication extends beyond legal matters, evidenced by his significant volunteer work mentoring aspiring legal professionals and shaping the next generation of legal minds.