Bangor, Maine, January 1, 2022 – Our law firm is pleased to announce that attorneys Kristy M. Hapworth and Michael A. Hockenbury have been named to the partnership of Rudman Winchell, effective January 1st. As partners, both Kristy and Mike will continue to provide exceptional service and advocacy for their clients and we are excited to announce their promotions.
“We are pleased to welcome these two outstanding attorneys, who are well positioned to assist our clients in today’s unique environment” states Chris Austin, Managing Partner of Rudman Winchell. “The outstanding work of both Kristy and Mike has played a critical role in the success and growth of Rudman Winchell over the past few years and their strong work ethic, dedication, and legal acumen are a testament to their rise as partners.”
Attorney Kristy Hapworth has been with Rudman Winchell since 2016 and practices in the firm’s Estate Planning group. Kristy specializes in estate planning and probate litigation, helping individuals and families with wealth transfers, trust and estate administration, and estate planning for owners of closely held businesses. She was recognized in the 2022 and 2023 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for her work in Trusts and Estates and Litigation.
Kristy served two terms as a Select Board Member for her hometown of Burnham. She is currently an active member of the Maine Advisory Committee on Probate Rules and the Maine Central Institute Board of Trustees, and she serves as the Member Representative for the John Waldo Ballou Inn of Court. In her free time, she is a competitive candlepin bowler.
On being named Partner, Kristy states: “I’m honored. Rudman Winchell has given me the support to grow as an attorney and develop a legal practice I’m passionate about, and it has encouraged me to serve my community in the process. I am proud to become a partner and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”
Michael A. Hockenbury is a corporate and business attorney practicing in Rudman Winchell’s Corporate and Business Practices and General Litigation Practice Groups. Mike has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for three consecutive years for Criminal Defense: General Practice. Mike began working at Rudman Winchell in 2019 and has become an essential advocate for his clients, guiding them through all stages of complex commercial transactions, as well as civil and criminal trials. Mike also is one of few statewide attorneys known for his experience representing cannabis businesses.
Mike works with many clients across legal matters, including business formation, commercial leasing, contract disputes, landlord-tenant issues, creditors’ rights, and criminal law. Mike is an active member of the Penobscot County Bar Association, serves on the steering committee for FUSION:Bangor, and is a trustee on the Northern Light Health – Blue Hill and Maine Coast Hospitals boards.
On being named Partner, Mike states, “It is an honor and a privilege to etch my name next to those here at Rudman Winchell who, have served the people and communities of Maine for more than a century. I am looking forward to continuing my efforts to be a leader in the legal community and to celebrating the milestones of this firm that lie ahead.”
Rudman Winchell has served the people and institutions of Bangor and the state of Maine since 1917. Rudman Winchell provides comprehensive legal services as well as trust administration and strategic business planning through its affiliated services, Maine Fiduciary Services and Starboard Leadership Consultants. We are intimately connected to the communities in which our attorneys and staff work and live.
Our team serves on over 50 boards within the community, and the firm frequently contributes to local nonprofit organizations. With over two dozen attorneys and two convenient locations, the firm continues to provide nationally recognized legal services and expertise rooted in sound, effective, and practical counsel.
For more information, please contact:
Carin Sychterz, Manager of Business Development
(207) 992-2300
