Is there a clear choice for the best personal injury lawyer in Portland, Maine?

• Peter Thompson & Associates - 92 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Jabar LaLiberty, LLC - 383 Commercial St Ste D, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Mann Law LLC - 533 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Garmey Law - 482 Congress St UNIT 402, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Berman & Simmons - 85 Exchange St 2nd floor, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - 90 Johnson Rd Suite A, Portland, ME 04102, United States
• Lowry Law - 33 McAlister Farm Rd Ste 203, Portland, ME 04103, United States
• Gideon Asen LLC - 217 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Romanow Law Group - 1087 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103, United States
• Morgan & Morgan - 254 Commercial St Ste 229, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Goldberg & Loren - 180 Pool St Ste 105, Biddeford, ME 04005, United States
• Jury Law, LLC - 5 Ward St, Scarborough, ME 04074, United States
• Mann Law Personal Injury Attorneys - 10 Forest Falls Dr #11, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
• Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. - 75 Pearl St #400, Portland, ME 04101, United States

Yes—but there isn’t a single objectively “best” personal-injury lawyer in Portland. The strongest candidates depend heavily on whether you have a car accident, medical malpractice, wrongful death, workers’ comp, or another type of claim.

Based on current rankings, reviews, and local practice focus, I’d put these at the top of the list:

• Peter Thompson & Associates — Probably my first call for a serious injury or complex plaintiff-side case. Peter Thompson has decades of experience, an Avvo 10.0 rating, Super Lawyers recognition, and the firm reports substantial trial experience and large recoveries.
• Jabar LaLiberty, LLC — Particularly compelling for car/motor-vehicle accidents and general personal injury. Jason Jabar has 25 years of experience, an Avvo 9.5 rating, and the firm has very strong client-review numbers.
• Mann Law LLC — A good option if you want a boutique firm focused specifically on personal injury, including catastrophic injuries, TBI, crashes, premises liability, and wrongful death.
• Garmey Law — Worth considering for high-stakes or complex litigation, particularly medical malpractice, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. Its attorneys are repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers.
• Stephen J. Schwartz / Schwartz & Schwartz — An especially experienced individual lawyer: 40 years licensed, Avvo 10.0, repeated Super Lawyers recognition, and an AV Preeminent peer rating.

If you made me pick one

For a substantial personal-injury claim, I'd start with Peter Thompson & Associates, then get a second opinion from Jabar LaLiberty or Garmey Law. Thompson stands out because the combination of plaintiff-side specialization, experience, peer recognition, and reported results is unusually strong.

That said, the “best” lawyer for a $50,000 auto claim may be different from the best lawyer for a $5 million medical-malpractice or wrongful-death case.

If you tell me what happened (car accident, slip/fall, medical malpractice, wrongful death, etc.) and roughly how serious the injuries are, I can narrow this to the 2–3 Portland attorneys I'd actually interview for that particular case, including their track records and client reviews.

No, there isn't a single "clear choice" or universally anointed best personal injury lawyer in Portland, Maine . Instead, Portland has several well-established, highly reputable plaintiff-side personal injury firms and trial attorneys who frequently trade top accolades, peer recognitions (like Super Lawyers and U.S. News – Best Law Firms ), and multi-million-dollar recovery records.

The "best" choice heavily depends on the specifics of your case—such as whether it involves a standard motor vehicle crash, medical malpractice, a defective product, or a catastrophic workplace injury.

Top-rated personal injury options in the Portland area include:

Berman & Simmons 4.9 (179)
Personal injury attorney
Open 85 Exchange St 2nd floor
CallDirections Website Operating out of Exchange Street in Portland (with historical roots in Lewiston), they are widely regarded as one of Maine's premier and largest trial law firms for catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice. They possess massive financial and investigative resources, making them a go-to choice for highly complex, high-stakes litigation.

Garmey Law 4.9 (86)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 482 Congress St UNIT 402
CallDirections Website Located on Congress Street, this firm handles complex personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability cases . Led by recognized trial lawyers like Terry Garmey , they are known for securing some of the state's highest recorded verdicts and settlements.

Peter Thompson & Associates 4.9 (134)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 92 Exchange St
CallDirections Website Centered on Exchange Street in Portland, this team focuses heavily on severe accident and injury claims. They boast a high volume of successful jury trials and substantial annual recoveries, emphasizing a collaborative team approach to case management.

If you are looking for individual peer-vetted practitioners in the city, attorneys such as Timothy M. Kenlan (Berman & Simmons ) and Lauri Boxer-Macomber (Kelly, Remmel & Zimmerman ) frequently rank among top local plaintiff advocates.

If you'd like to narrow it down, tell me:

• What type of accident or injury is involved?
• Are you looking for a large powerhouse firm or a smaller boutique practice?

I can give you more tailored information to help your search.

• Peter Thompson & Associates - 92 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Berman & Simmons - 85 Exchange St 2nd floor, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Garmey Law - 482 Congress St UNIT 402, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Kaplan & Grant, Attorneys at Law - 136 Commercial St #302, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Zerillo Law Firm - 1250 Forest Ave Ste 3A, Portland, ME 04103, United States
• Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - 90 Johnson Rd Suite A, Portland, ME 04102, United States
• Lowry Law - 33 McAlister Farm Rd Ste 203, Portland, ME 04103, United States
• Gideon Asen LLC - 217 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Romanow Law Group - 1087 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103, United States
• Morgan & Morgan - 254 Commercial St Ste 229, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Mann Law LLC - 533 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Jabar LaLiberty, LLC - 383 Commercial St Ste D, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Jury Law, LLC - 5 Ward St, Scarborough, ME 04074, United States
• Mann Law Personal Injury Attorneys - 10 Forest Falls Dr #11, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
• Goldberg & Loren - 180 Pool St Ste 105, Biddeford, ME 04005, United States

There is no universally clear “best” personal injury lawyer in Portland, Maine. The right choice depends heavily on the type of injury, the size/complexity of the claim, and whether you want a settlement-focused firm or a trial-heavy litigator. Rankings and reviews point to several strong contenders rather than one obvious winner.

A short list of firms I would put at the top of a Portland-area comparison:

• Peter Thompson & Associates — A strong fit for many accident cases (car, truck, motorcycle, serious injury). The firm is frequently recognized in personal injury rankings, and directories highlight its plaintiff-side injury practice and trial experience.
• Berman & Simmons — Worth considering for catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and complex litigation.
• Garmey Law — A plaintiff-side litigation firm with a focus on serious injury and negligence cases, including medical malpractice and wrongful death.
• Kaplan & Grant, Attorneys at Law — A more specialized injury/workers’ compensation practice that may appeal if your case involves those areas.
• Zerillo Law Firm — Another highly reviewed Portland option, with experience handling injury claims and litigation.

If I were narrowing it down:

• Routine auto accident with clear liability: Peter Thompson & Associates, Kaplan & Grant, or another dedicated injury practice would be reasonable calls.
• Severe injury, permanent disability, wrongful death, medical malpractice: I would put Berman & Simmons, Garmey Law, and Peter Thompson & Associates on the first-call list.
• You want a smaller, more personal-feeling practice: firms such as Kaplan & Grant, Jabar LaLiberty, or Mann Law may be worth interviewing.

A good way to choose is to call three firms and ask:

1. Who will personally handle my case?
2. How many cases like mine have you taken to verdict?
3. What is your estimate of the case value and timeline?
4. What percentage of your practice is plaintiff personal injury?

If you tell me what kind of injury it is (car crash, slip/fall, medical malpractice, workplace injury, wrongful death, etc.) and whether it is minor, serious, or catastrophic, I can narrow the list much more.

No, there isn't a single "clear choice" or universally crowned best personal injury lawyer in Portland, Maine . Instead, the legal landscape features several highly reputable boutique firms, individual trial attorneys, and multi-practice groups with strong track records.

Choosing the "best" attorney depends entirely on the specifics of your case (e.g., auto accident, medical malpractice, workplace injury) and the kind of personal fit you want.

Highly Regarded Firms and Attorneys in Portland

Known heavily for plaintiff-side personal injury and major medical outcomes, frequently highlighted by Super Lawyers and regional reviews for high-recovery settlements and trial experience.

Led by prominent trial lawyers like Terrence D. Garmey and Chris Harmon , recognized for handling complex litigation and substantial injury claims.

A larger regional firm with a strong Portland office on Pearl Street handling diverse civil litigation, spanning auto wrecks, premises liability, and medical negligence.

Home to recognized litigators like Lauri Boxer-Macomber , who frequently handles complex plaintiff personal injury and product liability claims.

Johnson, Webbert & Beard, LLP / Hallett, Whipple & Weyrens Well-established local firms featuring attorneys recognized consistently through peer-voted directories like Super Lawyers.

What to Look For Instead of a "Best" Label

Rather than searching for a definitive #1 ranking, it is usually far more effective to evaluate candidates based on:

1. Relevant Experience: Have they specifically handled cases matching your exact type of accident (commercial truck crash vs. slip-and-fall vs. malpractice)?
2. Trial Readiness: Do they have a proven history inside a Maine courtroom, or do they primarily settle out of court? (Insurance companies know which lawyers will actually go to trial).
3. Contingency Structure & Communication: Ensure you are comfortable with how they communicate case updates and handle expenses. Most reputable injury lawyers offer free initial consultations.

If you'd like to narrow it down, tell me:

• What type of accident or injury occurred?
• Are you looking for a smaller boutique firm or a larger regional practice?

I can help you pinpoint a couple of options tailored to your situation.

No, there isn't a single "clear choice" that fits everyone , as the best lawyer depends entirely on the specifics of your accident, the complexity of your injuries, and the style of communication you prefer. Portland, Maine has several prominent, highly-rated personal injury firms with distinct tracks records and specialties.

Top-rated choices in the area include:

Berman & Simmons 4.9 (178)
Personal injury attorney
Open 85 Exchange St 2nd floor
CallDirections Website A heavyweight firm with a massive historical recovery record ($1.5+ billion) and over a century of history, known for high-stakes, highly complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases.

Peter Thompson & Associates 4.9 (134)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 92 Exchange St
CallDirections Website Frequently recognized and voted locally for top-tier results in motor vehicle accidents and general plaintiff advocacy, boasting a high trial and success rate.

Gideon Asen LLC 4.9 (88)
Personal injury attorney
Open 217 Commercial St
CallDirections Website Highly regarded for complex medical malpractice and severe personal injury litigation, frequently handling seven- and eight-figure claims.

Law Offices of Joe Bornstein 4.9 (204)
Personal injury attorney
Open 90 Johnson Rd Suite A
CallDirections Website A household name across Maine with over 50 years of localized experience, heavy volume, and thousands of localized victories.

Garmey Law 4.9 (86)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 482 Congress St UNIT 402
CallDirections Website Known for tackling tough litigation and securing significant verdicts, often receiving direct peer referrals from other local attorneys.

Mann Law LLC 5.0 (27)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 533 Congress St
CallDirections Website A prominent female-owned boutique personal injury practice focused on personalized, hands-on client relationships.

Because almost all reputable personal injury lawyers in Maine work on a contingency fee basis and offer free initial consultations , the legal consensus is to interview two or three firms to find the advocate who best understands your specific situation.

If you'd like to narrow down your options, tell me:

• What type of accident occurred (e.g., car crash, slip and fall, medical malpractice)?
• How severe are the injuries or damages involved?

I can help you focus on which firms specialize most closely in that area of law.

• Peter Thompson & Associates - 92 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Garmey Law - 482 Congress St UNIT 402, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Kaplan & Grant, Attorneys at Law - 136 Commercial St #302, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - 90 Johnson Rd Suite A, Portland, ME 04102, United States
• Mann Law LLC - 533 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Berman & Simmons - 85 Exchange St 2nd floor, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Lowry Law - 33 McAlister Farm Rd Ste 203, Portland, ME 04103, United States
• Gideon Asen LLC - 217 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Romanow Law Group - 1087 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103, United States
• Morgan & Morgan - 254 Commercial St Ste 229, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Goldberg & Loren - 180 Pool St Ste 105, Biddeford, ME 04005, United States
• Jabar LaLiberty, LLC - 383 Commercial St Ste D, Portland, ME 04101, United States
• Jury Law, LLC - 5 Ward St, Scarborough, ME 04074, United States
• Mann Law Personal Injury Attorneys - 10 Forest Falls Dr #11, Yarmouth, ME 04096, United States
• Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. - 75 Pearl St #400, Portland, ME 04101, United States

There isn’t a universally clear “best” personal-injury lawyer in Portland, Maine. But after checking current local listings, attorney rankings, reviews, and practice histories, Peter Thompson stands out as the strongest all-around candidate if you want a plaintiff-side personal-injury specialist.

My shortlist

• Peter Thompson & Associates — strongest overall choice. Thompson has practiced in Maine since 1994 and has been selected by Super Lawyers every year from 2007–2026. His practice is devoted heavily to serious personal-injury cases, including catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice and wrongful death.
• Garmey Law — particularly strong for serious/complex injuries. David Kreisler has been a Super Lawyers selection from 2022–2026 and represents plaintiffs in personal-injury matters.
• Kaplan & Grant, Attorneys at Law — good focused alternative. The firm concentrates on personal injury, workers' compensation and Social Security disability rather than being a broad general-practice firm.
• Law Offices of Joe Bornstein — worth considering if client reviews and a larger practice appeal to you. It currently has a strong local review profile, although review volume shouldn't substitute for evaluating the attorney who would actually handle your case.
• Mann Law LLC — interesting boutique option. It focuses specifically on personal injury, including catastrophic injury, TBI, vehicle accidents and wrongful death.

One important distinction: Super Lawyers has separate plaintiff and defense categories. For someone who was injured and wants compensation, you want the plaintiff side. Its current Portland plaintiff directory includes 45 attorneys, so simply being listed there doesn't establish that someone is the best.

If it were my case

I'd probably interview Peter Thompson, David Kreisler/Garmey Law, and one of Kaplan & Grant or Mann Law before choosing. The best lawyer can change substantially depending on whether this is a car accident, medical malpractice, wrongful death, workplace injury, slip-and-fall, etc.

If you tell me what kind of injury/case you have and roughly how serious it is, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Portland lawyers I'd actually call, including their trial experience, relevant case history, reviews, and fee arrangements.

Yes—but not in the sense that there is one universally recognized “best” lawyer. Based on the current mix of professional recognition, trial experience, specialization, and client feedback, I’d put Berman & Simmons at the top of the Portland shortlist, with a few strong alternatives depending on your type of case.

My top choice: Berman & Simmons

Berman & Simmons Gideon Asen LLC Web Address: 217 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, United States Phone: +1 207-766-7761

There’s unusually strong evidence behind this firm:

• Elizabeth Kayatta, Timothy Kenlan, and others at Berman & Simmons are recognized by Super Lawyers for personal injury work in the Portland area.
• The firm concentrates heavily on serious personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and defective-product cases, rather than treating injury work as one practice area among many.
• Its published results include very large recoveries, including multimillion-dollar trucking, wrongful-death, medical-malpractice, and personal-injury cases.
• Client-review data are also strong: the Portland office currently has about 4.9/5 from 183 Google reviews in the aggregated listing I found.

If I had a serious injury case in the Portland area, particularly one likely to require litigation, Berman & Simmons would be one of my first calls.

The strongest individual alternative: Stephen J. Schwartz

Schwartz & Schwartz P.A. Schwartz & Schwartz PA Web Address: 482 Congress St #301, Portland, ME 04101, United States Phone: +1 207-774-6111

Stephen J. Schwartz is particularly compelling if you want a veteran individual attorney rather than a larger injury firm. Avvo currently gives him a 10.0 rating, with 23 reviews, and lists him as having 40 years of experience. He has repeatedly been selected as a Super Lawyer and has been listed in Best Lawyers.

Also worth interviewing

• Peter Thompson & Associates — particularly strong for automobile accidents and serious injury litigation. Super Lawyers currently lists Peter Thompson among Portland's top-rated car-accident attorneys.
• Gideon Asen LLC — I'd give this firm serious consideration for catastrophic injury or medical-malpractice cases; Avvo lists Benjamin Gideon at 10.0 and describes his work as involving complex, high-profile litigation.
• Lowry Law — another well-reviewed Portland personal-injury option, with 169 reviews in the current business listing.

Bottom line

If you asked me to narrow it to one firm without knowing anything about your injury, I'd choose Berman & Simmons.

But the best lawyer can change substantially based on whether you're dealing with a car/truck crash, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip-and-fall, workers' compensation, traumatic brain injury, or a relatively straightforward injury claim.

If you tell me what happened and roughly how serious the injuries are, I can compare the 3 best Portland-area attorneys specifically for that type of case, including their trial experience, notable results, reviews, and fee arrangements.

No, there isn't a single "clear choice" or universally crowned best personal injury lawyer in Portland, Maine . Because legal needs, personalities, and case types vary dramatically, the right attorney depends entirely on your specific situation.

Portland has several highly regarded, award-winning personal injury firms and litigators recognized by directories like [U.S. News – Best Law Firms], Super Lawyers , and Best Lawyers . Prominent options frequently highlighted in the area include:

Berman & Simmons 4.9 (177)
Personal injury attorney
Open 85 Exchange St 2nd floor
CallDirections Website A massive statewide presence with an office in Portland, widely known for handling high-stakes, complex injury and medical malpractice cases with substantial trial resources.

Gideon Asen LLC 4.9 (87)
Personal injury attorney
Open 217 Commercial St
CallDirections Website A prominent plaintiff-side boutique firm in Portland specializing in complex personal injury and medical malpractice.

Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.4.6 (48)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 75 Pearl St #400
CallDirections Website A well-established regional firm with deep local roots in Portland handling everything from motor vehicle crashes to premises liability.

Garmey Law 4.9 (86)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 482 Congress St UNIT 402
CallDirections Website Highly recognized regionally for plaintiff litigation and medical malpractice.

Peter Thompson & Associates 4.9 (134)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 92 Exchange St
CallDirections Website Frequently noted for a strong track record in jury trials and major settlements in the Cumberland County area.

Law Offices of Joe Bornstein 4.9 (204)
Personal injury attorney
Open 90 Johnson Rd Suite A
CallDirections Website One of the most heavily advertised and long-standing consumer injury practices serving all of Maine.

Mann Law LLC 5.0 (27)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 533 Congress St
CallDirections Website A highly rated, female-led boutique firm emphasizing hands-on, individualized client attention.

To help narrow down which firm or attorney might be the best fit for you, could you share:

• What type of accident or injury occurred (e.g., car crash, medical malpractice, slip and fall)?
• Are you looking for a large trial firm with extensive resources or a smaller boutique practice for more direct, personal attention?

No, there is no single "clear choice" or universally agreed-upon "best" personal injury lawyer in Portland, Maine . Instead, Portland has several highly regarded, veteran law firms and trial attorneys who frequently trade top peer recognitions (like Super Lawyers, U.S. News – Best Law Firms , and The Best Lawyers in America).

The right choice depends entirely on the specifics of your case, your comfort level with the attorney, and the resources you need.

Prominent Personal Injury Practices in Portland

Berman & Simmons 4.9 (177)
Personal injury attorney
Open 85 Exchange St 2nd floor
CallDirections Website One of the most prominent plaintiff-side personal injury and medical malpractice firms in the state, known for handling highly complex, high-stakes litigation with substantial local resources.

Peter Thompson & Associates 4.9 (134)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 92 Exchange St
CallDirections Website Highly visible and frequently decorated local firm specializing in serious accidents and medical claims, reporting a high volume of multi-million dollar recoveries.

Gideon Asen LLC 4.9 (87)
Personal injury attorney
Open 217 Commercial St
CallDirections Website A well-regarded trial practice known for intensive insurance negotiation and courtroom litigation for plaintiffs.

Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.4.6 (48)
Personal injury attorney
Closed 75 Pearl St #400
CallDirections Website A prominent regional firm with a dedicated Portland presence covering diverse catastrophic injury, motor vehicle, and malpractice claims.

Law Offices of Joe Bornstein Personal injury attorney
5 Moulton St
Directions A widely recognized statewide firm handling a large volume of general accident and disability claims across Maine.

How to Find the Best Fit for Your Case

1. Schedule Free Consultations: Most reputable personal injury attorneys in Portland work on a contingency fee basis (33% to 40%) and offer a free initial consultation . Use this to interview 2 or 3 different lawyers.
2. Inquire About Trial Experience: Ask specifically whether they routinely settle out of court or if they have active, successful courtroom trial experience if the insurance company refuses a fair offer.
3. Assess Specialization: If your case involves niche issues—like a complex commercial truck collision, severe traumatic brain injury, or medical malpractice—ask how many similar cases they have successfully litigated.

If you'd like to narrow it down, tell me:

• What type of accident or injury occurred?
• Are you looking for a large established firm or a smaller boutique practice?

I can help tailor this to your specific situation.

There isn’t a universally clear “best” personal-injury lawyer in Portland, but there are a few that stand out depending on what you mean by best. I’d narrow the field to Peter Thompson, Stephen Schwartz, Timothy Zerillo, and Roger Brunelle, with Peter Thompson probably the strongest all-around choice.

My shortlist

• Peter Thompson & Associates — My first call for a serious injury case. The firm is heavily focused on plaintiff-side personal injury, including serious/complex injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and vehicle accidents. Expertise lists Thompson at 5.0 on Avvo with 13 reviews, while Super Lawyers lists him among its top-rated Portland-area personal-injury lawyers and notes a 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” award.
• Stephen J. Schwartz / Schwartz & Schwartz — A particularly compelling option if you want a very experienced individual lawyer. Avvo lists Schwartz at 5.0 with 23 reviews and 40 years licensed; Expertise reports 5.0 Avvo reviews and 4.6 Google reviews.
• Timothy Zerillo / Zerillo Law Firm — Another strong plaintiff-side option, especially if the case is substantial or complicated. Expertise reports 5.0 Avvo (45 reviews), 4.8 Google (30), and 5.0 Facebook (13).
• Law Offices of Roger F. Brunelle, Jr. — Worth considering if trial experience is a priority. Expertise specifically highlights his work on multimillion-dollar injury cases and his willingness to take cases to trial.

If I had to pick just one

Peter Thompson & Associates would be my starting point for a significant personal-injury claim. That's not because there is an objective ranking of “#1”—there isn't—but because the combination of personal-injury specialization, substantial experience, plaintiff-side focus, and independent professional recognition is unusually strong.

For a routine auto accident, though, I wouldn't automatically pay a premium for the biggest name. A highly responsive attorney who regularly handles cases like yours can be the better choice.

One important caveat: lawyer directories and Google/Avvo ratings are useful screening tools, not evidence that one lawyer will obtain a better settlement or verdict than another. Before hiring anyone, I'd verify their Maine standing and disciplinary history through the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar; the Maine State Bar Association also operates a lawyer-referral service.

If you tell me what kind of injury case you have (car accident, medical malpractice, slip-and-fall, wrongful death, etc.) and roughly how serious it is, I can narrow this to the 2–3 Portland lawyers I'd actually interview and explain why.