Johanna L. Gauvreau

Johanna is a partner in McCoy Leavitt Laskey’s Maine office and focuses her practice on insurance defense, products liability, and fire and explosion cases. In 2023, Johanna utilized her extensive courtroom experience to help prepare Eastern Kentucky University’s Fire, Arson, and Explosive Investigation students (most of whom are current practitioners in the field) for testifying in court based on their fire investigations conducted as part of their course. She joined the firm in 2022 after spending almost a decade working as a prosecutor, most recently for the State of Maine Attorney General’s Drug Task Force. As an Assistant Attorney General in the State’s highest volume jurisdiction, she litigated hundreds of motions, first-chaired many trials, and argued appeals before the Maine Supreme Court on multiple occasions. Prior to her experience representing the State of Maine, Johanna worked as a criminal defense attorney handling matters in both State and Federal courts.

During law school, she completed an externship with the Federal Defender’s Office in the District of Maine and also worked for a criminal defense firm.

Prior to law school, Johanna worked as a paralegal for a Boston-based firm that specializes in toxic tort litigation with a specific focus on asbestos cases.

In 2021, along with a local nonprofit, Johanna worked to establish the Paul Gauvreau Legacy Fund in honor of her late father, who was an attorney and dedicated public servant. The PGLF assists communities in Western Maine by providing diverse programming, engaging in strategic partnerships, and addressing the barriers to economic opportunities for all.

In her spare time, Johanna enjoys being on the water, exploring National Parks, and cold water dipping year-round. She lives in Portland with her partner Justin, and dog Tiller, although they try and spend as much time as possible in Tenants Harbor. 

Education

• Northeastern University, B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, 2006, magna cum laude
• University of Maine School of Law, J.D., 2012

Bar Admissions

• Maine (State and Federal), 2012
• Vermont (State)

Professional Affiliations

• Claims & Litigation Management Professional
• National Association of Women Lawyers