BANGOR — After 85 years in business, Eaton Peabody, one of Maine’s largest and most influential law firms, announced Thursday that it would close its three offices in Bangor, Augusta and Portland by the end of June.

The firm said in a news release Thursday that it was closing due to “evolving market conditions” and after careful consideration of the “demographics of the firm.”

The closure announcement comes four months after Mainebiz reported seven of Eaton Peabody’s startup-focused attorneys left to form their own firm and about eight months after longtime managing partner David Austin left for the Portland-based law firm Verrill. Earlier this year, Eaton Peabody had become the sixth-largest law firm in Maine, with more than 40 employed attorneys and almost 100 Maine-based employees.

“This was not an easy decision, but one based on our attorneys’ desire to continue providing excellent legal services to our strong and loyal client base,” Managing Partner Mike Hodgins said in a news release. “As our attorneys undergo this transition, we would like to thank our clients, employees and communities for our work together for over 85 years. This has been a challenging time for our staff as they have assisted us in preparation for the eventual closure of the offices.”

The firm’s attorneys — who have represented clients across many of Maine’s industries, including banking, energy and forestry — plan to transfer their clients to other practices as Eaton Peabody winds down its services.

“Current clients with active matters will receive communication directly from the attorney with whom they are working regarding options for moving their legal work, and clients are encouraged to reach out directly to those attorneys with questions,” the firm said in a post on its website.

The firm has also contracted with municipalities to conduct searches for city and town managers, including recently in Waterville, Lewiston and Hallowell.