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State Sen. Joe Baldacci and I studied together for the Maine bar exam 35 years ago. While we pursued different paths as Bangor lawyers, I have been privileged to observe Joe build a successful law practice while accepting clients whose cases challenge power imbalances.
I believe Joe has always viewed his clients as partners rather than mere transactions. He and the attorneys who work at his law firm have integrated social justice with legal strategies to advance positive systemic change. Joe has centered his firm’s practice on empathy and prioritized his client’s well-being while working alongside grassroots organizations, community organizers, and advocacy groups.
Further, Baldacci’s law firm has over the years implemented sliding-scale fees, flat-fee structures and accepted contingency arrangements to ensure low- and middle-income Mainers could afford its legal services. Joe has also received awards for generously dedicating significant portions of his time to impactful pro bono (donated) services, defending marginalized and underrepresented individuals and groups. I’ve also observed attorney Baldacci turn down lucrative corporate clientele because he believed they were taking advantage of others.
In the same way that Joe has tirelessly advocated for clients in courtrooms, I think we can count on him in Congress to act on constituent feedback and dismantle the “billionaire economy” of Donald Trump.
James M. Moore
Bangor
