David P. Silk, Attorney

David Silk regularly represents clients before municipal, state and federal agencies on land use, zoning, and environmental matters. He has over 35 years of experience on property taxation appeals representing both taxpayers and municipalities with regard to commercial, industrial and exempt properties. David represents individuals and entities on property, probate and estate related matters, including issues arising out of the joint ownership of property, boundary disputes, constructions, easements, adverse possession, title, zoning and riparian access issues (docks, moorings and navigation) arising out of ownership of waterfront property. He assists clients with respect to issues arising out of the common ownership of property.

David also provides alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation to individuals and businesses on a wide range of matters and, in particular, property disputes, land and water use related matters and property tax disputes. He serves on several rosters of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service (CADRES).

Prior to entering private practice in 1986, he served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Louis Scolnik of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. He is peer review rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell for ethical standards and legal ability.

From 1987 until 2004, David served on the City of Portland Board of Assessment Review. From 2004 until 2013, he served on the City of Portland Planning Board.  In 2018, the Portland City Council reappointed David to the Planning Board.  He also serves on the Cumberland County Board of Assessment Review.  He is a past director of the University of Maine School of Law Alumni Association. He also serves or has served as an officer and director of several non-profit organizations including Housing Initiatives of New England.  He has coached youth soccer, youth baseball and high school swimming.

Prior to law school, David was an instructor at the Dartmouth Outward Bound Center and the Appalachian School of Experience.