Johanna L. Gauvreau

Johanna is a partner in McCoy Leavitt Laskey’s Portland, Maine office, where she focuses her practice on fire and explosion litigation. She represents manufacturers, distributors, insurers, and commercial entities in complex, high-exposure matters nationwide, with particular experience involving compressed gases, propane, and alleged defective products resulting in catastrophic losses.

Before joining the firm, Johanna spent nearly a decade as a prosecutor, most recently as an Assistant Attorney General with Maine’s Drug Task Force. During that time, she honed her litigation skills by arguing hundreds of motions, first-chairing numerous jury trials, and arguing multiple appeals before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Before that, she practiced criminal defense in both state and federal courts, experiences that continue to inform her practical, trial-ready approach to representing clients. Now a civil litigator working alongside engineers, fire investigators, and other experts, she excels at translating highly technical issues into effective courtroom advocacy. Since joining the firm in 2022, she has taken several cases to verdict in multiple states. 

Johanna is known for delivering practical, business-focused results in high-stakes litigation. Through strategic use of expert discovery and early case assessment, she has secured exceptional outcomes for her clients, including resolving a significant compressed gas explosion matter for just 1.14% of the total multimillion dollar damages claimed. She frequently resolves disputes before suit is ever filed, saving clients substantial litigation costs and minimizing operational disruption. When defending catastrophic loss cases, Johanna takes a long-term approach—leveraging each engagement to strengthen future practices, reduce exposure, and create lasting value beyond the immediate dispute.

Johanna remains active in both professional and community initiatives. In 2025, she presented on solar panel fires at DRI in Austin, Texas, and in 2023 she helped prepare students in Eastern Kentucky University’s Fire, Arson, and Explosive Investigation program for courtroom testimony based on their fire investigations. In 2021, she helped establish the Paul Gauvreau Legacy Fund, in honor of her late father, an attorney and dedicated public servant. The PGLF supports economic opportunity and community programming throughout Western Maine. She was a founding member of the District of Maine – Federal Bar Association and is the current Secretary. She is also a member of the National Association of Women Lawyers and IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators).

Outside the office, Johanna enjoys traveling, exploring the National Parks, and spending time on the water — specifically in Tenants Harbor, where she tries to spend as much time as possible with her husband, Justin.

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
• Maine Bar Association
• Maine Federal Bar Association - Founding member and current Secretary