John J. Aromando
Pierce Atwood litigation partner John Aromando has more than 30 years of diverse trial practice experience. John currently focuses on the defense of businesses in complex commercial litigation and class actions. He also advises lawyers and law firms with respect to professional conduct matters including the defense of professional liability claims. Recently, he has handled several cases in state and federal court involving constitutional challenges to municipal and state legislation.
John represents clients from a number of different industries including financial services, health care, energy, pulp and paper, manufacturing, insurance, and professional services. He has tried cases in both state and federal courts, and argued appeals before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
John also appears on behalf of clients at mediations and in arbitrations and contested administrative proceedings. In recent years, he has served as a mediator for a variety of civil disputes, and continues to offer those services in addition to his regular trial practice.
Honors & Distinctions
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
- Recognized by Chambers USA as a top-ranked “Band 1” attorney for Commercial Litigation
- Received the 2016 Vincent L. McKusick Award from the Maine Bar Journal for his article, “Keeping Secrets From Your Client: The Attorney-Client Privilege For Lawyers" (Fall 2015)
- Named a "Lawyer-of-the-Year" in Maine for "Bet-the-Company" Litigation in The Best Lawyers in America® (2020)
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for "Bet-the-Company" Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation - Banking & Finance (2007 - present)
- Rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell
Professional Activities
- Grievance Commission, Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar
- Defense Research Institute, 2015 Class Action Seminar Steering Committee
- Maine State Bar Association, Consumer & Financial Institutions Law Section
- Cumberland County Bar Association
- Fee Arbitration Commission of the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar (2006-2012)
Publications
- Co-author, Common Defenses to Residential Foreclosure in Maine, LexisNexis Practice Note (March 2021)
- Keeping Secrets from Your Client: The Attorney-Client Privilege for Lawyers, Maine Bar Journal 212 (Fall 2015)
- Standing to Foreclose in Maine: Bank of America, N.A. v. Greenleaf, Maine Bar Journal 186 (Fall 2014)
- Maine Chapter of the ABA Payment Bond Manual (3rd ed. 2006)
- The Surety's Liability for Bad Faith: Claims for Extra-Contractual Damages under the Payment Bond, 47 Me. L. Rev. 390 (1995)
Civic Activities
- Board of Directors, Range Ponds Association
- Board of Directors, Foundation 51 Board of Directors (2008-2011)
- Board of Directors, Maine School Administrative District 51 (Member 2000-2006) Chair (2002-2004)
- Head Coach, Maine RipTide ASA Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team (2008-2011)
Practice Areas
Representative Experience
- Representation of national mortgage lender and servicer concerning an investigation by the Maine Attorney General of allegedly unfair and deceptive conduct
- Defense of investment advisers against claims alleging imprudent investment decisions or management, including in FINRA arbitration proceedings
- Advice to financial institutions against claims of improper account management and trust administration
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Representative Experience
- Lead counsel for plaintiffs in a lawsuit in Maine state court challenging the constitutionality and effective date of a municipal citizens' initiative establishing an emergency minimum wage.
- Lead counsel for the plaintiff in a lawsuit in Maine state court challenging the constitutionality of a statewide citizen initiated referendum question, establishing new precedent for pre-election review of such questions
- Lead counsel for the plaintiff in a lawsuit in Maine federal court challenging the constitutionality a municipal ordinance banning the bulk transfer of crude oil
- Lead counsel for a major Maine provider of health care services in defense of a lawsuit in Maine state court challenging the constitutionality of legislation authorizing its acquisition by merger of a Maine quasi-municipal hospital administrative district
- Lead counsel for defendants engaged in retail electricity supply in a consumer class action in Maine federal court
- Defense of data breach and privacy class actions on behalf of Maine health care companies in Maine state court
- Representation of national mortgage lenders and servicers in defense of various claims brought on behalf of borrowers, including defense of class actions in Maine state and federal court
- Lead counsel for defendant in consumer class action challenging student loan underwriting and servicing practices
- Representation of national and community banks concerning both consumer and commercial claims
- Defense of large law firm in a legal malpractice action brought by a former client of the firm arising from advice with respect to a private offering of securities
- Defense of health insurance companies in national subscriber class actions brought in Maine, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina
- Defense of health insurance companies in provider lawsuits, including class action in Maine state court
- Defense of national manufacturer of electrical receptacles in class action in Maine state court, including successful opposition to motion to certify class
- Defense of gas additive manufacturer in class action in Maine state court, including successful opposition to motion to certify class
- Successful trial of claims against hydro generator arising from a dispute over timberland easements valued at $8.1 million
- Representation of client on successful administrative challenge to government award of water purification contract
- Representation of municipal client on successful defense of claims challenging multimillion dollar tax increment financing