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Adam R. Cote

Attorney

Adam R. Cote

Attorney

Phone: 207.253.0531 Fax: 207.772.3627 Email: acote@dwmlaw.com

84 Marginal Way, Suite 600 Portland, ME 04101-2480

Assistant: Jennifer Leonard Email: jleonard@dwmlaw.com

About

Clients say Adam has very broad horizons and a high intellect”  and that “he is a great attorney and very effective for his clients.”  Chambers USA

Adam Cote is the Leader of the Energy Practice Group and a member of Drummond Woodsum Strategic Consulting. Adam has nearly 20 years of experience serving the legal needs of clients in renewable energy matters, with a focus on renewable energy development, the wholesale purchase of electricity, the development of renewable energy credit policies, renewable portfolio standards, energy storage, demand response and non-transmission alternative technologies. A former renewable energy business owner, Adam brings a sophisticated understanding of the business dynamics of the industry to his legal practice.

Adam also combines substantial knowledge of public policy, organizational development, law and regulation with deft political handling to deliver tremendous value to his clients. Adam regularly advises a cross-section of businesses, regulated utilities, landowners, municipalities, school districts, and trade associations on strategic goals such as navigating a complex legal issue, passing a law, or initiating and closing a deal.

Adam was recognized for his notable work in Best Lawyers USA for Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law, and Chambers USA Maine Guide for Energy and Natural Resources. In 2014, Adam was one of twelve veterans named a White House “Champion of Change” by the Obama Administration for “advancing clean energy and climate security.”

Adam is also deeply committed to serving his country. He proudly served as a member of the Maine Army National Guard for twenty years and was deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge, along with numerous other awards and distinctions.

In his free time, Adam spends time with his wife and five active kids in Sanford – his hometown. He coaches football, basketball, and baseball in local youth sports and travel teams. He has served on numerous local and statewide boards including Colby College Alumni Council, the Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Vet2Vet Maine, a non-profit that provides support for Maine veterans. In 2018, Adam was a candidate for Governor of Maine, placing a close second out of seven candidates in the Democratic primary.

Education

University of Maine School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2001

Colby College, B.A. International Studies, with honors, 1995

Representative Clients & Matters

Adam Cote’s extensive experience includes representing:

  • A consortium of Maine businesses, municipalities, colleges and school districts in negotiating net energy billing credit agreements for several large scale solar developments throughout the State.
  • Several environmental organizations, businesses and Maine ratepayers opposed to the construction of a large-scale transmission corridor project.
  • Several Maine towns and school districts in negotiating solar development projects on their landfills or other properties.
  • A leading Maine non-profit in developing a solar array on their property.
  • A large renewable energy developer in negotiating power purchase agreements with purchasers of electricity

Recognition

Best Lawyers USA, Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law

Chambers and Partners, USA Guide, Maine, Energy & Natural Resources, Band 2

Youngest alumni to receive Colby College, “Distinguished Alumnus Award”

Youngest in chapter history to receive Maine Chapter, National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame “Distinguished American Award”

White House “Champion of Change” Recognized as one of twelve veterans nationally for advancing clean energy initiatives and promoting greater climate security

The NewDEAL, Named as one of ten rising state and local elected officials recognized “for their work championing pro-growth progressive ideas.”

Memberships

Colby College Alumni Council
   Member, 2016-present

Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Association (MRRA), 2009-2011

Maine Veteran’s Housing Coalition
   Board Member, 2007-2010

U.S. Small Business Administration
   Regional Advisory Committee Member, 2005-2009

Sanford School Committee
   Board Member, 2011-2013

Community/Public Service

Vet2Vet Maine
   Board Member

Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation
   Board Member

Past Presentations

From May 14, 2024

Understanding Solar Agreements

A discussion of key issues and concepts surrounding the various forms of solar lease arrangements for a one-hour CLE with CATIC.

From June 26, 2024

2024 MSBA Summer Bar Conference

Presented on The Advantages of Using Focus Groups to Build a Persuasive Argument

From May 19, 2023 8:00 am

Adam Cote to Moderate Session at ClimateWork Maine’s Summit on Maine’s Economy and Climate Change

Admissions