Benjamin J. Smith

Practice Areas

Ben's practice focuses on energy/public utility, natural resource/land use, and other administrative law matters.

Ben represents natural gas, electric, and water utilities and other entities in matters before the Maine Public Utilities Commission, including, rate proceedings, affiliate transactions, mergers/reorganizations, rulemakings, investigations, administrative penalty/enforcement actions, and other matters. Ben also assists energy developers and other parties in the negotiation of wholesale electricity and power purchase agreements, net energy billing agreements, natural gas supply and capacity agreements, and leases associated with energy development. Ben also represents entities in application and enforcement proceedings before state and federal administrative bodies. Ben also represents municipalities and private entities in zoning, subdivision, land use, and other matters. Ben's practice spans the state. During his twenty years of practice, Ben has litigated in all of Maine's state and federal courts. Ben has also represented parties in more than 10 appeals to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

Career

Prior to forming Smith Legal LLC, Ben was a partner in two central Maine law firms and was a former staff attorney and hearing examiner with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC).

Professional Memberships

Maine State Bar Association

Personal

J.D. University of Maine School of Law (2004); B.A. (cum laude), University of Maine (2000)