Julie Pruitt Barry • Catherine A. Cappelli • Claudine A. Cloutier • Sara A. Colb • Sarah H. Concannon • Leslie T. DiTrani • Amber R. Dolman • Elaine M. Epstein • Susan H. Farbstein • Susan G. Fentin • Janet B. Fierman • Susan M. Finegan • Sheryl Koval Garko • Katherine Garrahan • Karen F. Green • Lydia Greenberg- Chesnick • Jennifer L. Hertz • Joanne G. Hoban • Sarah T. Hogan • Melissa Hunter-Ensor • Brenda H. Jarrell • Lori A. Jodoin • Barbara A. Jones • Lisa M. Kavanaugh • Ellen C. Kearns • Jaclyn L. Kugell • Rebecca A. Lee • Christina L. Lewis • Traci L. Lovitt • Jamy B. Madeja • Maureen E. McDonagh • Joan McPhee • Diane B. Moes • Natalie S. Monroe • Denise I. Murphy • Karen L. Nober • Michelle N. O’Brien • Andrea Peraner-Sweet • Nancy J. Puleo • Mala M. Rafik • Deirdre M. Robinson • Michelle I. Schaffer • Rhoda E. Schneider • Sara Jane Shanahan • Marilyn French Shaw • Nancy S. Shilepsky • Lisa A. Sinclair • Heather Egan Sussman • Andrea M. Teichman • Cynthia D. Vreeland • Barbara Freedman Wand • Sara A. Wells, Morgan • Hon. Catherine A. White (ret.) • Karen A. Whitley • Lisa M. Wilson • Jessica T. Winn
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | Marriott Copley Place Hotel
SCHOLARSHIP PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
WORLDWIDE
SUPPORTING SPONSOR MB J MORGAN, BROWN & JOY, LLP
TW-INSIDE-2015.indd 1 10/9/15 12:36 PM Publisher’s note
Dear readers, Publisher / Editor-In-Chief Susan A. Bocamazo, Esq. This special section honors Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Women of Law for 2015. Editor Henriette Campagne I’m pleased to announce this year’s scholarship recipient, Jessica Winn. Jessica is a third-year law student at Northeastern University School of Opinion Editor Law, where she has already made contributions in the public interest Thomas E. Egan, Esq. arena. She has served as a student attorney in the law school’s Domestic Opinion DIGESTER Violence Clinic, and is co-chair of a student group, Law Students for Jill Taintor, Esq. Reproductive Justice. You’ll learn more about her in the profile included in this section. News Reporters Patrick Murphy, Esq. This year’s Circle of Excellence is made up of five women who have been honored in the past, but whose Kristopher R. Olson, Esq. continuing achievements and contributions to the community merit additional recognition.
Website Editor / News Reporter All Top Women honorees, including the Circle of Excellence, were selected by a panel comprised of Noah Schaffer members of the legal community and representatives of Lawyers Weekly’s editorial department. The Associate Editor judges chose to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession while Matt Yas also serving as role models for young women entering the law.
Graphic Artist I hope that you enjoy learning more about the impressive women featured in this special section. James Needham
Audience Development Manager JoAnn Griffin Susan A. Bocamazo, Esq. Publisher Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Advertising Director Scott Ziegler
Senior Account Executive Melanie Footer Leadership Susan H. Farbstein...... 9 Diane Bissonnette Moes. . . .28 account executive Scholarship Susan G. Fentin...... 9 Natalie S. Monroe...... 28 Elaine Fanning Recipient Janet B. Fierman...... 10 Denise I. Murphy...... 30
Business Development Consultant - Classified Jessica T. Winn...... 48 Sheryl Koval Garko...... 12 Karen L. Nober...... 31 Joan McGonagle Katherine Garrahan . . . . . 12 Michelle N. O’Brien...... 32 Circle of Excellence Jennifer L. Hertz ...... 14 Andrea Peraner-Sweet. . . . 33 Advertising Traffic manager and event director Elaine M. Epstein...... 8 Joanne Gulliford Hoban. . . .15 Nancy J. Puleo...... 34 Carla Jewett Susan M. Finegan...... 11 Sarah T. Hogan...... 16 Deirdre M. Robinson. . . . . 36 Karen F. Green...... 13 Melissa Hunter-Ensor. . . . .17 Michelle I. Schaffer...... 36 Mala M. Rafik...... 35 Brenda Herschbach Jarrell. . .18 Rhoda E. Schneider...... 37 Published by Lawyers Weekly Inc., 10 Milk St. Nancy S. Shilepsky ...... 41 Lori A. Jodoin...... 18 Sara Jane Shanahan. . . . . 38 10th floor, Boston, MA 02108. Photocopying and Barbara A. Jones...... 19 Marilyn French Shaw . . . . .40 data processing storage of all or any part of this Top Women Lisa M. Kavanaugh...... 20 Lisa A. Sinclair ...... 42 issue may not be made without prior written Julie Pruitt Barry...... 1 Ellen C. Kearns...... 20 Heather Egan Sussman. . . . 42 consent. Rates quoted on request. Catherine A. Cappelli . . . . . 2 Jaclyn L. Kugell...... 22 Andrea M. Teichman. . . . . 43 Lydia G. Chesnick...... 3 Rebecca A. Lee...... 22 Cynthia D. Vreeland...... 44 Copyright ©2015 Massachusetts Lawyers Claudine A. Cloutier ...... 4 Christina L. Lewis ...... 24 Barbara Freedman Wand. . . 44 Weekly. Material published herein is compiled Sara A. Colb...... 5 Traci L. Lovitt...... 24 Sara A. Wells ...... 45 at substantial expense and is for the sole and Sarah Heaton Concannon. . . .5 Jamy Buchanan Madeja. . . .26 Catherine A. White...... 45 exclusive use of purchasers and subscribers. Leslie T. Ditrani...... 6 Maureen E. McDonagh. . . . 26 Karen A. Whitley...... 46 The material may not be republished, resold, Amber R.E. Dolman...... 7 Joan McPhee...... 27 Lisa M. Wilson...... 46 recorded, or used in any manner, in whole or in part, without the publisher’s explicit consent. Photos by Merrill Shea, except where noted Any infringement will be subject to legal redress. Profiles by Judith Kelliher and Correy Stephenson
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Julie Pruitt Barry
Partner, Prince, Lobel, Tye | Suffolk University Law School
“Even in 2015, being a woman in the legal world can still present challenges.”
Julie Pruitt Barry at one time was How it’s developed and how it’s used has Belmont, a process that took more an environmentalist with a biology huge implications for all of us,” she says. than eight years. degree who didn’t enjoy working in the “Obviously, there’s always a need for At Prince, Lobel, Tye, Barry is lab. So she turned her focus to a legal affordable housing here, so being able to a member of the firm’s Women@ career and is now a land-use attorney. ... help develop properties in ways that are Prince initiative, which provides an And that has created a forum for her as sustainable and satisfying for the whole opportunity for women there to an environmentalist. community is very gratifying.” discuss challenges and strategies “Every time I help a client in the Barry was recently named co-chair for handling them. environmental area or put together an of the Real Estate Bar Association’s “Even in 2015, being a environmental program, I feel like I am Environmental Law Committee, which woman in the legal world influencing the law and policy in a positive provides yet another opportunity to work can still present challenges. way,” she says. on environmental issues, she says. Barry handles everything from permit- Barry assisted her colleague, Michael I try to handle them by ting to litigation to appeals. She represents Ross, with the permitting of the first spending time with any both developers and those who fight medical marijuana dispensary in Boston of the many extraordinary development in what she calls a “soup-to- for client Patriot Care. women attorneys I’ve had the nuts” practice. She also took pride in defending privilege of knowing and working “In Massachusetts, and New England in against a coalition of citizens opposed to with over the years,” she says. general, land use is of crucial importance. a project to develop affordable housing in MLW
Congratulations to our partner Julie Barry 2015 Top Woman of Law Honoree
With more than 20 years of experience, Julie has proven to be a pioneer in her field among colleagues and peers.
www.princelobel.com
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 1 Catherine A. Cappelli Principal, Law Office of Catherine A. Cappelli, Cambridge Suffolk University Law School
Catherine A. Cappelli spent 17 years as mediation, which she says is what led her something in court is an “eye-open- a prosecutor handling some of the most to open her own firm. ing, wonderful thing for people to difficult domestic violence, sexual assault “The dynamics of a family relationship latch onto,” Capelli says. and child abuse cases in Norfolk County. can be empowered, stabilized and sup- “People say I have a very In 2011 she transitioned to private ported through mediation at any stage,” calming presence, and I am a great practice, and while family law has always she says. “I really thrive on empower- listener,” she says. “Those are been an important part of her career, ing people.” important, essential skills handling those types of cases now elicits Cappelli views mediation as one of the for a mediator because, if a mix of reactions, she says, from horror to most effective tools for family planning you’re going to help guide sympathy. But for Cappelli, both on the front end — people in the process, you it’s all about advocating “I really thrive on when a couple decides can’t be extraordinarily at the highest level for empowering people.” to get married or have a heavy-handed.” her clients. child — and also later if Part of Cappelli’s “I have had the good fortune to meet they have to dissolve the relationship. She practice focuses on work- the most wonderful, inspiring and stron- believes her job is to put two people in a ing with clients in the gest people ever because they’re at these room, discover what they really want, and LGBT community. The points of crisis in their lives. They are able then help guide them to something they challenges facing that somehow to come through that,” she says. can live with. community are chang- “There is such strength there.” Helping people understand they don’t ing daily now with the Cappelli has focused her practice on automatically have to end up fighting laws, she says. MLW
2 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Lydia G. Chesnick
Principal, Law Office of Catherine A. Cappelli, Cambridge Partner, Bernkopf Goodman, Boston | Boston University School of Law
Suffolk University Law School Through the influence and guidance of in which she vigorously represents her control of family entities passed to the her father, Rabbi Ephraim Greenberg, Lyd- corporate and real estate clients and the next generation. ia G. Chesnick was raised in a household other in which she is involved in commu- “I am either helping them work rich with counseling, listening and giving. nity service. their way through the family business or [helping them] figure out their own “I get so much gratification from both [my practice and my pursuits and passions,” she says. “They community service] and that fuels me even when I am a little tired.” are like friends and family, but they are also clients.” She considers those qualities the core Over many years, she has donated Through artful drafting and nego- of her family culture, which defines her hundreds of hours identifying keynote tiating, Chesnick strives to enable her today. A self-described “quintessential speakers and performing other tasks for clients, many of which are small and volunteer from ninth grade on,” Chesnick the annual gala event of the Barry L. Price family-owned businesses, to keep also believes those traits have helped her Rehabilitation Center, which serves indi- to not only understand what her clients viduals with developmental disabilities. their focus on their productivity are seeking in the legal arena, but also to “I get so much gratification from both and profitability. give to others in need. [my practice and my community service], At the end of the day, “I credit my dad in that it was so and that fuels me even when I am a little though, Chesnick still keeps organically planted. It’s what I thought tired,” Chesnick says. her dad, 93, in the forefront everybody did,” she says. “I do payback Chesnick was 24 when she started by gathering every Sunday and pay it forward and am very much of working at Bernkopf Goodman in 1981. with him and any other fam- that ilk.” She has grown up with her clients ily members who are available Chesnick’s life has two parts: the one and even maintained relationships as for dinner. MLW
Real Estate Leader: Closing deals. Opening doors.
Bernkopf Goodman proudly congratulates Lydia Chesnick, recognized as one of the Top Women of Law 2015 by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Through her distinguished career, Lydia has been a tireless advocate for her real estate and business clients as well as for numerous philanthropic organizations. We salute her hard work and exceptional accomplishments. STRAIGHT TALK ®
Two Seaport Lane | Boston, MA 02210 | 617.790.3000 | www.bg-llp.com
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 3 Claudine A. Cloutier
Partner, Keches Law Group, Taunton | Suffolk University Law School
As a personal injury attorney, Claudine One challenge she faces is setting realis- she says. A. Cloutier needs to balance the emotional tic expectations for her clients, especially Cloutier is committed to her nature of her clients’ situations with the when TV legal dramas and some lawyer clients and makes sure that practical aspects of effectively represent- advertising make it look so easy. they have all the information ing them. “False perceptions of personal injury necessary to participate in their cases can own case. “Trying to make [my clients] comfortable with what is a create a prej- “Trying to make [my clients] very unnatural and uncomfortable process is important.” udice against comfortable with what is a very plaintiffs, unnatural and uncomfortable “It’s important not to be strictly analyti- but also create unrealistic expectations process is important,” she says. cal. You can’t be their social worker, but you in terms of what happens when you get Cloutier takes pride in also can’t be a robot,” she says. “If you’re hurt,” Cloutier says. “It’s not ‘I am going receiving the St. Thomas going to convey to a jury or to an insurance to get you a bazillion dollars and it will More Medal as “Distin- company the damages suffered by people, happen tomorrow.’” guished Attorney” there are real significant, emotional She enjoys that her practice area from the Fall River aspects to that.” requires development of a variety of skill Red Mass Commit- Cloutier, who manages her firm’s sets and problem-solving techniques that tee last October litigation department, counts among her prompt her to take a different approach to for her volunteer courtroom successes a jury verdict in excess a products liability case than she would for work in the local of $2 million in a construction site injury an auto accident case. community and case, as well as a $475,000 verdict in a “I like the variety in how to solve this in her church. products liability case. person’s problem and get the best result,” MLW
Congratulations to our colleagues Barbara Freedman wand and sara Colb and all the top women of Law
Day Pitney has been providing client-focused legal services for more than 100 years. we are proud of our many accomplishments and our significant presence and impact in the Boston legal and business communities. we are committed to providing high value, cost-effective legal services to individuals, families, businesses and non-profits.
Boston ConneCtiCut new Jersey new york washington,DC www.daypitney.com
4 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Sara A. Colb
Partner, Keches Law Group, Taunton | Suffolk University Law School Associate, Day Pitney, Boston | Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Besides serving as a commercial in me from the beginning.” “crown jewel” of her legal work litigator at Day Pitney, Sara A. Colb The chance to provide legal services involved representing the CEO of an is committed to public service by to those who cannot afford it also environmental nonprofit in a suit for maintaining an extremely active pro gives Colb more opportunities to han- breach of fiduciary duty. The night bono practice, representing diverse dle cases inside the courtroom, which before trial in U.S. District Court, she clients from a death row inmate to a gives her chances to hone those skills. secured a dismissal of the case. She family facing eviction. As a commercial litigator, Colb Colb also focuses on diversity and handles what she describes as “so- also successfully argued the case LGBT issues, and she is considered phisticated issues that require intel- when it was appealed to the 1st U.S. a leader in her lectual vigor and Circuit Court of Appeals. firm’s efforts. “The logic of an argument is allow for some When not practicing law, Colb is She has worked really appealing to me.” creative legal practicing music. She is a singer-song- on its diversity reasoning.” She writer for her “roots rock Americana committee to recruit and retain a appreciates the variety of issues and blues” band called “Sara Colb and the greater number of minority and working with sophisticated clients to Sagamore James Band.” women lawyers. develop high-level arguments. “There is a symmetry, at least “These are issues I care deeply “I decided on law school because about. It started in law school when I always love to argue. The logic of an for trial lawyers, in the theater of I worked with Barry Scheck in his argument is really appealing to me,” the courtroom where some of my Innocence Project,” she says. “That she says. performance skills come into play,” was really inspiring and was the fire One case that Colb considers the she says. MLW
Sarah Heaton Concannon Partner, Goodwin Procter, Boston | Harvard Law School
“It’s the combination of having a sophisticated, really interesting and exciting practice where you can pop up on the front page of The Wall Street Journal, but also having a life in the midst of all of this.”
Over the years, Sarah Heaton business litigation. She also handles legal work while raising a family and Concannon has created a cutting-edge breach of contract, fraud and misrep- having a variety of charitable interests legal practice defending financial resentation cases when deals go bad and hobbies. service companies in the wake of the between companies. In some cases, she “It’s the combination of having a financial crisis. finds herself knee-deep in discovery sophisticated, really interesting and She describes her work as “com- with more than 50 other lawyers. exciting practice where you can pop plex, multi-part, and sometimes “Working in those larger teams up on the front page of The Wall Street multi-jurisdiction, high-value gives you a chance to capitalize and Journal, but also have a life in the cases, with allegations of learn from the talents of other lawyers, midst of all of this,” Concannon says. damages in the hundreds which I really enjoy. I like brainstorm- Around age 5, before she was even of millions or even billions ing and working more collaboratively,” old enough to understand anything of dollars.” Concannon says. about the law, Concannon decided she Concannon represents Her job entails playing a signif- wanted to be a judge. But to be fair, at heavy-hitters in Massa- icant leadership role in a number the same time, she also wanted to be a chusetts’ financial sector of trials and court appearances. Yet cab driver because “I loved the lights in in a mix of securities and she prides herself in handling her the Callahan Tunnel.” MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 5 Leslie T. Ditrani
Principal, Ditrani Law, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law
Leslie T. Ditrani is as dedicated to her citizenship. She could often be found through the maze of immigration. Early immigration clients as she is to the as- responding to attendees’ immigration on in her career, Ditrani found navigat- sociation that serves her practice area. questions as well as holding clinics on ing the bureaucracy of the immigration When not zealously representing immigration issues. system a challenge. But now she enjoys her immigration clients, Ditrani has “We go to law school to help other that part of her practice because her taken leadership roles in the New people, and we take our paying clients experience has taught her the fastest England chapter of the American because we have bills. I am very way through the complex system. Immigration Lawyers Association. envious of my colleagues who work in On a personal and professional level, She also has worked the nonprofit field,” she often is frustrated with the diligently for the past “I take on pro bono cases she says. “I needed government’s failure to pass seven years running because it feeds my soul.” to work in for-profit comprehensive immigra- the chapter’s annual to balance work and tion reform. conference, which has turned into a life. I take on pro bono cases because it “Too many times I nationally recognized event and major feeds my soul.” tell businesses they revenue stream for the association. Ditrani says she became a lawyer can’t hire who they On a volunteer basis, Ditrani has to make a difference and have an need or grow how worked for more than 10 years with impact on the lives of her clients, which they want to grow the Cambridge Community Learning immigration law achieves. because our im- Center, which serves about 1,000 In her practice, Ditrani enjoys migration system students a year — 90 percent of whom helping businesses find creative is broken,” she are immigrants — with classes that solutions to difficult immigration issues says. “It doesn’t include English and preparation for and connecting with families to work make sense.” MLW
Diamonds are Fragomen Worldwide congratulates our good friend formedPRESSURE. under and AILA colleague Leslie DiTrani and each of the other Top Women of Law for their outstanding achievements. Congratulations! So are A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE great IN IMMIGRATION. LAWYERS.
EB Horn would like to congratulate the women being honored as the best female lawyers in Boston by Lawyers Weekly.
FRAGOMEN, DEL REY, BERNSEN & LOEWY, LLP 100 High Street, 3rd Floor | Boston, Massachusetts 02110 429 WASHINGTON STREET LIKE US ON FACEBOOK +1 617 574 0400 | [email protected] DOWNTOWN CROSSING, BOSTON FOLLOW US 617.542.3902 WWW.EBHORN.COM ON TWITTER www.fragomen.com/boston @ebhornjewelers
6 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Amber R.E. Dolman
Principal, Ditrani Law, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law Partner, Goodwin Procter, Boston | Georgetown University Law Center
On her application to Georgetown of visibility. We have been able to inject “I have, from a transactional perspec- University Law Center, Amber R.E. a lot of energy into [it] and bring our tive, both the financial institution-side Dolman wrote that when she was 8, she various expertise to bear in a multidisci- and industry-side [experience], but also wanted to grow up to be either a fairy plinary way.” experience working with technol- princess or a lawyer. “I’ve been lucky that ogy companies in all stages of life,” “At the time they were equally Dolman says. realistic in my brain. Growing up I was Goodwin has given me the always arguing and debating so people opportunity to really take Dolman appreciates the importance said I should be a lawyer,” she says. “That ownership and leadership of of mentoring new associates and is involved in the firm’s training stuck in my head.” this practice area.” At Goodwin Procter, Dolman has initiatives. It’s critical for the played a critical role over the last year Dolman’s clients include payment more experienced lawyers in helping to expand the firm’s financial processors, large financial institutions to discuss with associates technology practice, for which she serves that acquire technology and someone their work and careers so as co-chair. Essentially, the firm’s expe- developing a software platform for a that the latter can grow rience in the financial and technology hedge fund. with the firm, she says. services industries was consolidated to Dolman helps companies navigate “If you don’t do that, better serve clients. regulatory challenges when bringing “I’ve been lucky that Goodwin has innovative projects and technologies to you won’t have the next given me the opportunity to really market. Some technology companies are generation to step in and take take ownership and leadership of this not used to the government regulations over and continue to build practice area,” she says. “It’s given us lots under which they must operate, she says. the firm,” she says. MLW
NOMINATE NOW!
IN Nominate in-house attorneys who demonstrate innovative business and THE legal skills and best exemplify the noble tradition of the legal profession. PresenteD by Deadline for nominations: December 2015 To nominate go to: http://masslawyersweekly.com/leaders-in-the-law/ New - England IN--HOUSEQuestions regarding this event can be directed to Baker Signet 42 = “New England” Carla Jewett at (617) 218-8145 or [email protected] Utopia Black 89 points = “In-House”
- New England IN-HOUSE Baker Signet 42 = “New England” 7 Apollo MT = “In-House” Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Elaine M. Epstein
| C E Partner, Todd & Weld, Boston Northeastern University School of Law I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL
“Having numbers of women in court makes a big difference. I took my lumps and stuck it out.”
While handling criminal cases early had to not only change the laws, but also on in her legal career in the 1970s, Elaine alter the perception of women, she says. M. Epstein remembers being in court on A few months ago, Epstein was a particular day with a judge, prosecutor, appointed to the state Judicial Nominating client and court officer — all of whom Commission, which, among other issues, were women. will look at diversity on the bench. “I felt like, whatever else might happen “Not just in terms of women, but in today, we have arrived,” Epstein says. terms of people of color and taking a broad In her 38 years as an attorney, Epstein look at how can we affect that,” Epstein says. has been a strong advocate for women in “It feels a little bit like coming full circle for the legal profession by working with bar me. I am very excited about it.” associations, getting involved in practice Epstein attended law school in the early area issues that relate to women and 1970s at age 26 when there was a surge of being not just a presence in court, but women interested in and wanting a career comfortable there. in the law. Since then she has spent more “Having numbers of women than half of her career at Todd & Weld, in court makes a big difference. where she has focused her legal skills in I took my lumps and stuck it the firm’s divorce, family law and probate out,” she says. litigation practices. Epstein was one of Much of Epstein’s work covers a broad a number of women range of legal issues, many of which she involved in founding the says are “quite frankly people fighting about Women’s Bar Associa- money” or divorces that result in people tion of Massachusetts, battling over the family business, valuation which not only con- of assets, division of trusts or child-related ducted a gender bias issues, she says. study, but also tackled While handling those kinds of issues a number of women’s can in many instances be emotionally rights issues. challenging, Epstein says she does not shy “We were able to work in a away from such cases. number of areas that focused on wom- “Going through a divorce or any kind of en’s professional advancement, bias upsetting family battle is highly emotional against women and areas where equal and very difficult for people. I like leading treatment was not still a reality,” people through a very difficult and con- Epstein says. flict-ridden time in their lives,” she says. “I As an organization, members like helping to look for solutions.” MLW
8 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Susan H. Farbstein Co-Director, International Human Rights Clinic and Clinical Professor, Harvard Law School, Cambridge | Harvard Law School
Partner, Todd & Weld, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law Susan H. Farbstein’s innovative work at In her dual roles at Harvard, Farbstein One challenge that Farbstein faces in the Harvard Law School International Human discusses readings and doctrine with students her work in the clinic is that sometimes Rights Clinic covers, among other issues, in the classroom while acting as the senior cases take a long time to reach a resolu- social and economic rights and transitional attorney, with the students serving more like tion, including ones that may take up to 10 justice in places such as South Africa and Asia. her junior attorneys, on clinic projects. years to litigate. “Keeping your spirits up and celebrat- “I enjoy getting to work with students who are so talented and so ing the little victories along the way, or dedicated and helping them really understand what it means to be a wins you didn’t expect, and having human rights lawyer.” good people around you is very important,” she says. But it’s at Harvard’s home base where Among her more noteworthy projects, While Farbstein appreciates Farbstein finds satisfaction and pride in her Farbstein co-led a four-year investigation being acknowledged for her work with the students she teaches. into whether the Myanmar military work, she prefers to share “I enjoy getting to work with students committed war crimes and crimes against the credit. who are so talented and so dedicated and humanity in the mid-2000s. Her work “I am part of a team at helping them really understand what it included multiple field missions to the the clinic. It’s lovely to be means to be a human rights lawyer,” she region, and two major reports came out of singled out, but I feel like, says. “It’s not necessarily an easy career, or that investigation, one of which detailed whatever good work I am one that you have a lot of big victories, but killings of civilians by the Myanmar doing, there are a lot of people there are ways to do it so you’re thoughtful military as well as destruction of civil- who do this good work with me,” and critical and contributing.” ians’ properties. she says. MLW Susan G. Fentin Partner, Skoler, Abbott & Presser, Springfield | Western New England College School of Law
Before attending law school, exclusively management in labor “I develop interpersonal relationships Susan G. Fentin ran her own market- relations and employment-related with my clients and work hard to help ing and advertising agency in western litigation. She enjoys working with them do the right thing and treat Massachusetts, a business that management, which she describes as their employees in the right way.” required skills she has employed Fentin also uses her writing skills in her legal career for the past “Frankly, my clients are to serve as editor of the Massachu- 20 years. my friends, and I care setts Employment Law Letter. “My advertising and marketing about them personally and Fentin enjoys the constantly background helps me understand professionally.” evolving area of employment law, how to be a good writer and noting that 2015 saw a number of communicator, and I have a “world full of human-interest stories.” changes in laws governing such a personal style with my Fentin approaches her clients’ issues as earned sick leave and clients that is beneficial,” needs in a proactive way, focusing parental leave. she says. “Frankly, my on educating their supervisors on “The minute you think you’ve clients are my friends, issues such as the Family Medical got your arms around it and know and I care about Leave Act or the Americans with how to handle it, a court case could them personally Disabilities Act. come down or a new statute could and professionally.” “It’s the supervisors who have the be passed that totally changes the At Skoler, Abbott direct contact with employees who landscape,” she says. “So staying on & Presser, Fentin represents tend to make the mistakes,” she says. top of it is always challenging.” MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 9 Janet B. Fierman
Shareholder, Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green, Boston | Boston University School of Law
In many ways, Janet B. Fierman is a Fierman also considers herself a role the U.S. Her practice also focuses on such pioneer and a leader by example. model in her legal career, noting that she areas as commercial contracts, life science, She was the first woman named to sit founded and ran her own law firm for 24 technology and business formation. on the Brookline Building Commission years while raising her three children. “Part of what I enjoy about being and was the first woman appointed to the “I am a pioneer doing very high-level a lawyer, a very small part, is making law and maintaining different legal systems work together to do “A small part of what I enjoy about being a a work-life balance. business,” she says. lawyer is making different legal systems work I ran a firm that was Fierman is not one to stand by together to do business.” based on that and quite and listen to naysayers when successfully,” she says. there is work to be done. Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of “We were eight lawyers by the time my “The biggest challenge Plumbers and Gas Fitters. partner retired and I took my firm into I run into is ‘It can’t be Fierman doesn’t just call herself a Sheehan Phinney.” done,’ and I hear that leader — she helps cultivate new ones Before becoming an attorney, Fierman mostly from lawyers. through her service on the board and was an international trade economist I figure out a way executive committee of the Boston Club, for the U.S. Department of Commerce in to do it,” she says. an organization of more than 600 women Washington, D.C., a background she says “Sometimes they’re executives and professionals that promotes helped prepare her for a law practice in in- stuck inside a box the advancement of women in visible ternational business, which includes repre- they can’t get out leadership roles. senting European clients doing business in of.” MLW
2016 Events to Attend
Leaders in the Law Excellence Top Women C in the Law E March 3, 2016 IR C of Law C EN May 4, 2016 LE LL of EXCE OctOber 2016 Celebrating In-House Leaders and Lawyers of the Year for their Honoring the very best of the legal profession, including: Excellence Celebrating women who have made great professional strides and outstanding professional accomplishments in the legal community. in Journalism, Up & Coming Lawyers, and the recipient of the Daniel demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the legal community. Also, this year, a Law Firm of the Year will be recognized. Toomey Excellence in the Judiciary Award, as well as Excellence in Additionally, two-time honorees are recognized and inducted into the Circle Pro Bono, Diversity, Marketing, Firm Administration and Operations. of Excellence, and a scholarship award is presented to a law student. 1,400 event attendees in 2015 30 event Sponsors in 2015 136 honorees in 2015
masslawyersweekly.com/events
10 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Shareholder, Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green, Boston | Boston University School of Law Susan M. Finegan
| C E Partner, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, Boston Boston College Law School I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL “This confluence of events has made it almost a dire situation in our courts.”
Susan M. Finegan practices what the courts more effectively. she preaches about access to justice. Through the Access to Justice Not only is she currently co-chair Commission, Finegan and a Mintz of the Massachusetts Access to Justice co-worker have developed a program Commission, she also is Mintz Levin’s in which retired judges and lawyers first full-time pro bono partner, a role devote 10 to 20 hours per week of pro in which she chairs the firm’s pro bono bono time with a legal services agency, program and oversees nearly 300 mat- court system or a nonprofit for an ters throughout the firm’s eight offices. academic year. Now in its third year, If that isn’t enough, she also spends the program has provided more than her time representing victims of 23,000 pro bono hours in the state. domestic violence and sexual assault. “Participants can focus on an issue Noting that the legal system is they really care about and at the same not set up for self-representation, time provide much needed services,” Finegan believes it is incumbent upon she says. members of the bar to handle pro In her non-pro bono work at Mintz bono cases for low- and moder- Levin, Finegan has handled a number ate-income people, especially of high-profile cases involving families in the Probate & Family and of domestic violence fatalities. For Housing courts where the example, Finegan led a team of need is great. lawyers who represented the parents “At the same time of murder victim Jennifer Martel in a there has been a custody battle involving the child of decrease in funding, Martel and the man who murdered there is an increase her, Jared Remy. in need at the Many of Finegan’s clients, whether state and federal they are pro bono or not, are highly level,” Finegan traumatized and have been through says. “This major ordeals. While such cases could confluence be challenging because of their emo- of events has tional impact, Finegan says it is a “great made it almost joy to be able to help people get what a dire situation in they deserve.” The only real challenge our courts.” is to find the time to get everything Finegan, a former chair done, she says. of the Supreme Judicial Court “Working with sexual assault survi- Standing Committee on Pro Bono vors, one would think it would be kind Legal Services, is a strong advocate of depressing. It’s actually not,” Finegan for legal services and systems that says. “I love working with people to also enable litigants who can help them achieve goals, particularly advocate for themselves to use those who had it taken away.” MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 11 Sheryl Koval Garko
Principal, Fish & Richardson, Boston | University of Virginia Law School
For better or for worse, Sheryl Koval “At the end of the day you have of their products because Garko says, she was one of those kids who to figure out a way to be as they appealed to differ- always wanted to be a lawyer. ent consumers. persuasive as possible to get the From participating in mock trials in high An issue that is important school to her current practice in trademark, court or jury to see it that way.” to Garko is retaining copyright and trade secret litigation, Garko female lawyers. her value as a litigator and strategist. At a still gets satisfaction from crafting and “More women are coming time when technology is sometimes ahead making arguments on behalf of her clients. of the law, Garko has developed a diverse out of law school, but fewer “I enjoy the process of sifting through practice, which includes pharmaceutical women are staying and the documents, the evidence and discover- products and genetic sequencing. rising to the top in law ing the facts and figuring out how to apply Garko has made a name for herself firms. It is endemic across those facts to the law,” she says. “At the over the last several years as co-counsel the profession,” she says. end of the day you have to figure out a way in several high-profile intellectual prop- “I mentor women who to be as persuasive as possible to get the erty cases. She successfully represented want to stay in the court or jury to see it that way.” athletic footwear and apparel company profession on how to In the highly competitive IP practice New Balance in a trademark infringement still have a family, area, Garko says she works hard to case brought by a manufacturer of denim feel like you have a differentiate herself from her competitors, apparel. Among other strategies, Garko life and succeed.” in part by communicating to her clients argued there was no confusion over each MLW
Katherine Garrahan Partner, Bowditch & Dewey, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law
As a land-use and real estate up. You also have to know when to pull in land-use and real estate attorney, had attorney, Katherine Garrahan likens the reserves,” Garrahan says. also served on the board. She was her role to that of a football Working effectively with local officials delighted when Executive Director Nancy quarterback leading a team is critical to achieving success in her field, King asked her to become a member to of architects, engineers, her she says. fill her father’s seat 13 years ago. clients and others through “Being effective often means having Garrahan also volunteers her time processes such as zoning, good relationships, being approach- with the Alliance for MetroWest Unity, a planning and permitting. The team approach “You have to make sure everyone on your team is ready and lined up.” to her practice is one of the aspects she says she able and that you will communicate nonprofit that honors young people for enjoys most. effectively between the town and your their work as leaders in diversity, which While it’s interesting client,” Garrahan says. “You need to show she describes as an “inspirational and work, the job can some- that you understand the issues and hopeful organization.” times require stamina. are translating bylaws, ordinances and “Being in private practice it’s a nice She often appears at night regulations so your client is informed.” way to balance the obligation we all before local boards and Outside her practice, Garrahan spends have as attorneys to make sure that commissions on behalf of a lot of time serving on a variety of there’s equal access to the legal system her clients. boards and committees, including the by people who have lower incomes or “You have to make board of directors of MetroWest Legal disabilities,” she says. “I can participate sure everyone on your Services, a civil legal aid organization. and give back in a way I can’t do in day- team is ready and lined Her late father, John P. Garrahan, a to-day practice.” MLW
12 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Principal, Fish & Richardson, Boston | University of Virginia Law School Karen F. Green
| C E Partner, WilmerHale, Boston Harvard Law School I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL
“When you’ve been on the government side and the defense side, you come to appreciate that what happened is usually somewhere in between the two perspectives.”
Looking at Karen F. Green’s volun- government side and defense side, you teer activities outside of her work as a come to appreciate that what happened white-collar criminal defense attorney, is usually somewhere in between the two it’s a wonder that she has time to practice. perspectives,” says the former feder- From the Massachusetts Taxpayers al prosecutor. Foundation to Justice Bridge to the “Because my clients are typically Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and under federal criminal investigation more, Green has made it a priority to or otherwise parties to litigation, serve organizations that are meaningful representing them can sometimes be very to her. stressful,” she says. “The way I handle it is This year, Green began serving as a fel- I try to treat everybody with respect and low in the Advanced Leadership Initiative listen well.” at Harvard University. As part of her work She also tries to deal with the stress by there, Green is tasked with developing focusing on how best to solve the client’s and executing a plan to “respond to a problem rather than getting distracted by significant social need or problem,” she what she describes as some of the “side | Partner, Bowditch & Dewey, Boston Northeastern University School of Law says. To that end, Green and another shows” that develop. fellow are trying to launch a social “I have lots of opportunities, par- enterprise or a company that would ticularly in criminal investigations and develop software to assist parents of litigation, to exercise judgment and to toddlers who have been diagnosed with solve problems,” she says. autism spectrum disorders, so they could Green’s contributions to the legal intervene earlier in their cognitive and community come, in part, through social development process. mentoring less experienced lawyers, and In her practice at WilmerHale, Green encouraging them to not only pursue tends to represent life science, health legal excellence, but also provide pro care or high-tech companies. She has a bono legal services to “people without longstanding personal interest in health power,” she says. care, generally because she believes it is Green has held a number of leadership such a basic need. positions in her firm and in government, In her defense work, Green enjoys the including some firsts, such as being process of figuring out what happened named as the first female chief of staff in a particular setting because to a Massachusetts governor (William everyone has their own perspective F. Weld). and usually what happened is “I have consistently, since I was a kid, “a conglomeration of different been pretty self-sufficient and willing to people’s perceptions.” go out there and do the best I can,” she “When you’ve been on the says. MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 13 Jennifer L. Hertz
Trial Attorney, Office of the U.S. Trustee, Boston| Suffolk University Law School
During a Suffolk University Law School each case. thousands of cases,” she says. “The chal- internship with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge “Many of the people in circumstances lenge is to determine where to allocate Joan N. Feeney, Jennifer L. Hertz says she that we as bankruptcy lawyers encounter our time and resources so that we serve was “bitten by the bankruptcy bug.” every day are actually very dire and very this role of overseeing the Bankruptcy From that moment, Hertz has devoted sad,” she says. “I try and imagine myself in Code most effectively.” the majority of her legal career to handling those people’s very sensitive positions and Hertz says she and her colleagues those kinds of cases, most recently with treat them with respect and integrity.” have a direct mandate as to their role, the Office of the U.S. Trustee, which she One of the biggest hurdles Hertz but also are given a fair amount of discretion to “do what is right” under “I became a complete bankruptcy nerd starting from my time in law school.” the Bankruptcy Code. Outside of work, Hertz enjoys describes as the “bankruptcy watchdog.” faces in her work is the lack of adequate sailing, kayaking and paddle “I became a complete bankruptcy resources for an increasingly busy area of boarding on Hingham Harbor. nerd starting from my time in law school,” the law. Every day at work she writes a list She also is happy to be a role Hertz says. of what she intends to accomplish before model for her children. To deal with the “sad stories of leaving for the day. “I have two small girls, and I individuals as well as failed businesses,” “We only have three attorneys in the am intent on showing that they Hertz says she tries to bring “a sense of Boston office, and we review and analyze can do it all and have a family humor, compassion and understanding” to every case filed in our jurisdiction, which is and a career,” she says. MLW
Bringing you the BEST LEGAL COVERAGE Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • Access to the digital edition of Monday’s in Massachusetts paper, available every Friday • Daily e-alerts of top legal headlines • Verdicts and settlements database • Weekly digests of top opinions massachusetts • Access to judge profiles, judicial evaluations and court assignments • Access to a complete online archive going back to 1993
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Go to https://subscribe.masslawyersweekly.com
14 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Joanne Gulliford Hoban
Trial Attorney, Office of the U.S. Trustee, Boston| Suffolk University Law School Partner, Morrison Mahoney, Worcester | Suffolk University Law School
On matters from gall bladders to oph- to patients who are injured or had bad resolved, in some instances as long as thalmology, Joanne Guillford Hoban has complications because you never want to five years. had to become a part-time medical expert see someone suffer,” it’s her job to portray Hoban is personally and as a medical malpractice attorney. her clients “as the caring, thoughtful professionally proud of becoming “You learn all these terms and condi- a partner at Morrison Mahoney, tions at an intense time and retain some of “I am able to give support to running its Worcester office and it,” she says. “Every case you work on you someone who I know is struggling mentoring young associates. master a new area of medicine — at least “In taking a step back, I have for a short period of time.” through a difficult time.” to say my biggest achievement Hoban works as a defense attorney is just getting to where I am on mostly medical malpractice and people they are who unfortunately had a now. I have achieved a good professional liability cases. She is hired by bad outcome.” position here, a good base of the insurance carriers that insure hospitals “No one thinks about that. My clients and other facilities and represents clients are people who have frankly worked so clients and lots of interest- such as doctors, nurses and other clini- hard and dedicated their lives to helping ing cases,” she says. cal providers. people. Sometimes they’re viewed as In her spare time, “I joke with everybody that I have no the bad guys,” Hoban says. “I am able to Hoban and her husband medical background at all, but I know give support to someone who I know is and three young children just enough medicine to be a little bit struggling through a difficult time.” cheer on teams such as the dangerous,” she says. One of the challenges of her practice is Boston Red Sox and New While Hoban says her “heart goes out the length of time some cases take to get England Patriots. MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 15 Sarah T. Hogan
Partner, McDermott, Will & Emery, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law
As a research scientist at a small biotech different times. Key to Hogan’s success is focusing company, Sarah T. Hogan longed to make “The great thing about it is I can under- on the relationships within any given more of an impact through her work. stand both sides of the transaction because transaction because she believes it As a result, she switched careers and I have had experience negotiating it from is important to treat everyone with found a way to combine her love of science both sides. So I understand what’s really respect. She is committed to client service and digs deep to get to know her “Both sides need to walk away feeling good. I do my best to preserve clients’ businesses. that relationship and the negotiating process while getting for my Unique to her negotiations is that when client what they need.” the deals are closed, the work is just begin- ning for each side, which she appreciates. with the challenge of the legal field. important to both parties,” Hogan says. “Both sides need to walk away feeling Today, the scientist-turned-lawyer’s Another aspect of her practice that she good. I do my best to preserve that rela- practice focuses on licensing and collabora- enjoys is that no two deals are the same. tionship and the negotiating process tions in life sciences and health informa- “Each deal has its own challenge and while getting for my client what they tion technology. She helps hospitals and own intricacy, be it the way payments need,” Hogan says. other health care providers, as well as the are structured, or the way people want In her off time, Hogan enjoys providers of health-related IT products, ne- to work together, right down to what the escaping with her young son and gotiate deals. Hogan has represented both technology is,” she says. “So I am learning husband to Sunday River in Maine to health care and software providers — at all the time.” ski. MLW
16 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Melissa Hunter-Ensor
Partner, McDermott, Will & Emery, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law Partner, Saul Ewing, Boston | Suffolk University Law School
In her previous work as a post-doctoral When working with IP clients, which Her efforts have included serving as a scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of range from start-ups to global pharma- mentor for MassChallenge, which aims to Technology, Melissa Hunter-Ensor says she ceutical companies, Hunter-Ensor enjoys it help early stage entrepreneurs become spent a lot of time sitting at a microscope most when they consider her part of their successful. Through life science networking staring at worms. events within the Boston community While ultimately her research involved “Giving back to the community she offers business and career advice much more than that, she decided to … is really important and a channel her love of science into a career to entrepreneurs. that would blend intellectual property law significant commitment of mine “Giving back to the community in with the life sciences industry. formally and informally.” that way is really important and a Hunter-Ensor finds a parallel between significant commitment of mine the two careers in using critical thinking team. Her philosophy is that every client formally and informally,” she says. and strategic problem solving. should feel like they are her only client. In her free time, she enjoys “Those are the things that made me “I meet with their executive team and cycling with a regular group of senior scientists so that I have an oppor- such a successful scientist. They are the friends. But she also puts that same things that appeal to me in the law,” tunity to really understand their business passion to good use raising she says. and their goals so I can help to design an funds to benefit organizations At Saul Ewing, Hunter-Ensor believes IP strategy that helps them achieve those,” she is successful because she understands she says. such as United Cerebral Palsy the value of using the law to protect Over the years, Hunter-Ensor has made and the Friends of concepts, ideas and products — critical a commitment to mentoring life scientists MetroWest Multiple elements in the IP space. and entrepreneurs, particularly women. Sclerosis Clinic. MLW Order Your Copy Today The most comprehensive directory of New England In-House Counsel.
LAWYERS WEEKLY
We proudly salute our partner Melissa Hunter-Ensor for being named one of the 2015 Top Women in Law.
Martin M. Fantozzi goulstonstorrs.com business Litigation Partner
BOSTON NEW YORK WASHINGTON, DC BEIJING DIRECTORY OF NEW ENGLAND IN-HOUSE COUNSEL Martin Fantozzi knows business. From the boardroom to the courtroom, clients appreciate the practical, Courtroom tested. massachusetts solutions-oriented approach he delivers. Whether
Client committed. representing corporations, medical and educational Case closed. facilities, LLCs or shareholders, Marty’s ability to distill what’s important is widely recognized. Marty cuts to the chase, and so can you with Goulston & Storrs. 131 DARTMOUTH STREET, SUITE 501, BOSTON, MA 02116 617.723.3300
www.saul.com serious order at: https://books.lawyersweekly.com DELAWARE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS NEW JERSEY NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA WASHINGTON, DC
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 17 Brenda Herschbach Jarrell
Partner, Choate, Hall & Stewart, Boston | Harvard Law School
When Choate, Hall & Stewart brought molecular biology, Jarrell is poised to work Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, in a marketing consultant to work with with clients on projects involving every- while her mother, Georgene Her- the firm’s partners, Brenda Herschbach thing from small-molecule therapeutics schbach, was an organic chemist Jarrell was asked how she describes her to vaccines. and Harvard University dean. work there. In one of her noteworthy cases, she She fondly recalls advice that her “The consultant expected me to say that “I am working with them often father gave her. I am a patent lawyer, but that’s not how I “He said, ‘Do what you love. view myself. I help people save the world. at a time of success or crisis, and And if you love something and That’s what it feels like,” she says. I find it a privilege.” invest yourself in it that’s In her job in the biotech and pharma- where greatness comes from. ceutical intellectual property areas, Jarrell crafted an effective IP strategy to support It comes out from that per- works often with life sciences clients to Celgene Corporation’s acquisition of her sonal investment,’” she says. help protect, in some cases, complex and client Gloucester Pharmaceuticals. Through her work, Jar- potentially groundbreaking scientif- Jarrell is often invited to speak on and ic discoveries. write about IP and life sciences issues. rell enjoys the challenge of “I hopefully get a perspective from This year, she was recognized by IAM collaborating with creative many different viewpoints from this indus- Patent 1000’s ranking of the top patent and innovative people. try and how we develop these products practitioners in the world as a “life scienc- “I am working with that hopefully go out there and save lives es doyenne.” them often at a time of or revolutionize products that are available Jarrell comes from what she jokingly success or crisis, and to the public,” Jarrell says. calls a “ridiculous academic pedigree.” Her I find it a privilege,” With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and father, Dudley R. Herschbach was a 1986 she says. MLW Lori A. Jodoin Partner, Rodgers, Powers & Schwartz, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law
“They trust in me to hold their hands through some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Bullies aren’t just found in high and for the issues that I believe in.” Those because he smoked cigarettes, even though schools. As a plaintiff-side employment issues include representing women who he did not smoke in the workplace. Along lawyer, Lori A. Jodoin has had her share have been sexually harassed on the job with co-counsel, Harvey Schwartz, Jodoin of representing clients who were the and cases involving what she calls “family argued that employers do not have the right victims of bullies in the workplace. responsibility discrimination,” such as rights to control the legal conduct of employees As a result, Jodoin and other for pregnant women and fighting for those when they are not at work. local attorneys have been working who need to take family medical leave. In addition to her successes in the court- diligently to help get a law passed “I have taken on novel issues to advance room “pushing the envelope to make the to make workplace bullying employee rights and worked hard in my law better for employees in Massachusetts,” illegal. The legislation is free time to help other attorneys effectively Jodoin says she is most proud of the rela- currently pending. represent employees who have been “A lot of people are mistreated on the job,” says Jodoin, current tionships she has developed with clients. really traumatized by their president of the Massachusetts Employment “They trust in me to hold their hands experiences on the job of Lawyers Association. through some of the most difficult times being bullied,” she says. Her vigorous representation of em- in their lives. A lot of that is private and Jodoin describes ployees includes a privacy rights case that personal and confidential and not the herself as a “passionate gained national media attention in which kind of thing that gets rewarded, but it is advocate for my clients she represented a worker who was fired meaningful to me,” she says. MLW
18 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Barbara A. Jones
Partner, Choate, Hall & Stewart, Boston | Harvard Law School Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, Boston | Pepperdine University School of Law
Corporate and securities lawyer Barbara business, their industry and their internal former WWE wrestler Christopher A. Jones considers herself a “deal junkie.” culture,” she says. “It’s not just learning the Nowinski, author of Head Games: “I get a real adrenaline rush and high local social customs, but learning the local Football’s Concussion Crisis. She en- doing deals on a 24/7 basis. It’s exhausting business customs, which are so different couraged him to pursue authorship by the end of it, but as you’re going country to country.” of the book, even though he would through it, it can be fun and exciting,” she In handling complex international and likely face criticism from professional says. “There is always this letdown because domestic transactions, including mergers sports leagues. She also worked you had this super intense and acquisitions and with Nowinski to establish the energy level in the heat of “You can’t have real secondary offerings, Jones Sports Legacy Institute, serving all the action.” progress if no one is has a forward-thinking to solve the issue of concussions Jones finds her areas of approach that is carried in sports. practice to be a constant willing to challenge throughout her work and Jones also takes pride in serv- learning experience. She the status quo.” personal life. ing as a role model, particularly likens practicing law to “It’s not just having the for other women lawyers, in practicing medicine because it’s dynamic vision. It’s having the courage to take terms of work in her practice, in and always changing. As part of her the risk to challenge the status quo. the community and with work- practice she has cut deals through her You can’t have real progress if no one life balance issues. international work in Europe, Africa, China, is willing to challenge the status quo,” While she has had many legal Russia and other locations. she says. successes, Jones believes her “I love working with different That determination is illustrated biggest career achievement “is still international clients, learning about their through her representation in 2007 of out there.” MLW
Partner, Rodgers, Powers & Schwartz, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law IN-HOUSE COUNSEL 1900 ATTORNEYS | 38 LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE ˚ It’s back! Thursday, December 3, 2015, 8 – 10 a.m. Greenberg Traurig Social Law Library congratulates the One Pemberton Square, Suite 100 Boston, MA 02108 2015 Top Women of Law honorees, including our friend TIckeTs: $43 and colleague, Barbara A. Jones. Thank you for your leadership, vision, To regIsTer, vIsIT passion and advocacy. masslawyersweekly.com/ inhouse-counsel-breakfast ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE | BOSTON, MA 02110 | 617.310.6000 GREENBERG TRAURIG | ATTORNEYS AT LAW | WWW.GTLAW.COM
For more information, please contact Greenberg Traurig is a service mark and trade name of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. ©2015 Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Attorneys at Law. All rights reserved. Contact: Terence P. McCourt in Boston at Carla Jewett at (617) 218-8145 or [email protected] 617.310.6000. °These numbers are subject to fluctuation. 25980
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 19 Lisa M. Kavanaugh
Director, Innocence Program, Committee for Public Counsel Services, Somerville | Harvard Law School
“I was drawn to the idea of being the lawyer for individual clients who faced extraordinary challenges.”
When the Legislature passed a we should all care about in making sure including one that would implement a law in 2011 expanding access to DNA that innocent people don’t remain in statewide review of the results of hair testing for individuals who maintained prison for crimes they didn’t commit,” microscopy testing, a method used they were wrongly convicted, Lisa M. Kavanaugh says. before DNA testing to connect people Kavanaugh saw it as an opportunity to As a career public defender — to crimes which has come under fire for bring together unlikely forces. which she sees as a calling rather its unreliability. In her capacity as director of the than “just” a job —Kavanaugh is One of Kavanaugh’s most rewarding Committee for Public Counsel Services’ able to be directly involved in helping CPCS cases involved working with Innocence Program, she was in the with what she describes as “a very another attorney to secure a new perfect position to build a coalition of disadvantaged group of clients in a trial for a client who had spent criminal justice agencies around inno- very concrete way.” 32 years in prison for a crime he cence work and access to DNA testing. “I was drawn to the idea of being the always maintained he did not She reached out to the Middlesex lawyer for individual clients who faced commit. He was released a and Suffolk County district attorney’s extraordinary challenges. And to be year ago. offices, and the New England Innocence one of the people who was fighting for “There’s nothing like Project, and formed a group to address them and who was helping the system being able to walk out of the the new law more effectively. see them as a human being,” she says. courthouse with him and “We are trying to find common Through the efforts of the coalition, have him be a free man,” she ground around some of the issues that CPCS has received federal grants, says. MLW Ellen C. Kearns Partner, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, Boston | Boston College Law School
This December, the third edition of and hour issues. leadership positions in a variety of bar the ABA/BNA Treatise, the “Fair Labor She views labor and employment associations, including as past presi- Standards Act,” will be released, a pub- law as involving the changing lives dent of the Women’s Bar Association lication spearheaded by Ellen C. Kearns, of Americans. of Massachusetts. who served as editor-in-chief and helped “Whatever is going on in the world is “I found working with bar associations write it. brought into the workplace and the work- was a wonderful outlet and a way to “More than just being a successful trea- give back and meet other lawyers,” says tise, it actually has changed the landscape “I found working with bar Kearns, who is head of Constangy’s Boston in this area of the law,” she says. associations was a wonderful office. “It is a great opportunity to try and The reference work is just make a difference in lawyers’ lives.” one of many successes Kearns outlet and a way to give back Kearns’ father, the late Lawrence M. Ke- has experienced in nearly and meet other lawyers.” arns, was a labor and employment lawyer four decades as a labor and for 30 years. His daughter practiced with employment lawyer. place has to deal with employees who are him from 1976 to 1982. At age 70, Kearns Her practice is focused bringing those issues in,” she says. “When still loves going to work every day. on representing man- I first started, there was no such thing as “I am grateful my father taught me agement in a variety of reasonable accommodation to a disability valuable lessons about being a labor and labor and employ- or the right of transgendered people employment lawyer. It’s a blessing in life ment cases. She is to be who they are in the workplace or when you can do something you love,” she recognized nationally other issues.” says. “It makes getting up every day more for her work in wage For many years, Kearns has taken enjoyable.” MLW
20 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Director, Innocence Program, Committee for Public Counsel Services, Somerville | Harvard Law School
When it comes to women in the legal profession, we believe it should never be lonely at the top.
Verrill Dana celebrates the achievements of this year’s Top Women of Law, and recognizes the past honorees who continue to practice, teach, serve and lead the profession.
Verrill Dana’s Top Women of Law
Betsy Myers, 2014 Regina Hurley, 2013 Gene Dahmen, 2009
Connecting all offices855-307-0700
Boston, MA | Portland, ME | Augusta, ME | Westport, CT | Providence, RI | Washington, DC www.verrilldana.com Jaclyn L. Kugell
Partner, Morgan, Brown & Joy, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law
As a young girl growing up around keeps the company out of legal trouble, Opportunity professionals. her family’s manufacturing business in or both. “I also strive to be a mentor to Greenfield, Jaclyn L. Kugell quickly became “I have an opportunity to make real, other attorneys, particularly female aware of issues facing employees. positive differences in a tangible way,” attorneys, when I have the Her experiences as an observer sitting in she says. “Some people, particularly my opportunity,” she says. on meetings and sometimes adversaries, might think Kugell is the first female in a lawyer’s office with her “To be able to lead it odd I am saying that father fueled an interest later as a management-side managing partner in the long on in the legal profession, this organization, employment lawyer. But I history of her firm, and she and employment law regardless of your really do spend a lot of time considers that one of the in particular. gender, is really an talking to businesses about biggest achievements of “I was always tagging honor.” whether a disciplinary action her career. along with my parents. I saw or a termination is the right “Morgan, Brown & firsthand the issues they thing to do.” Joy is really an institu- faced in running a business,” Kugell says. Kugell hopes she is viewed as a skilled tion. This is a fabulous Today, Kugell represents clients on the lawyer, a good business partner and a place that has 90-plus management side of business, a practice valuable resource to her clients, partners year history,” she says. she still finds interesting every day. She and colleagues. In her spare time over especially likes when she and a client the past 16 years, she has volunteered as “To be able to lead this agree that the right thing to do is the right pro bono faculty for the Massachusetts organization, regardless business decision — because it fosters a Commission Against Discrimination of your gender, is really strong and loyal workforce, or because it in courses for Equal Employment an honor.” MLW Rebecca A. Lee Partner, Locke Lord, Boston | Yale Law School
Having grown up in a New York I’ve worked. I live in a building that the skill and talents of her clients, as City housing project, Rebecca A. Lee one of my clients developed. I sit and well as a public subsidy, for helping was always interested in how cities read in a park in South Boston that the project become a reality. worked and how they were shaped. one of my clients built,” she says. “Those are 99 households which After an earlier career han- “So there’s real tangible evidence of but for my clients would not have dling community development the contributions my clients have first-class rental housing available to and social investment lending in made, literally, to the face of Boston. them,” says Lee, who is one of a few locations such as the Bronx and Pittsburgh, Lee chose to become “So there’s real tangible evidence of the contributions my a real estate lawyer to further her clients have made, literally, to the face of Boston. That’s fun.” interest in the landscape. In her job at Lock Lorde as That’s fun.” Asian-American women partners in a a real estate attorney Her background has proven useful top Boston law firm. with a particular in her current practice, including Giving of her time and legal focus on land use her role as chief of staff and special expertise is also a priority for Lee. For and development counsel to the director of the Boston more than eight years, she has helped permitting in greater Redevelopment Authority. run Boston’s only Asian food pantry, Boston, Lee has that In her practice, Lee is proud of her Ricesticks and Tea. and more. recent work on a complex residential “I am a partner in a major law firm, “People work in, project in Chinatown called One but I also feel like I’ve done good,” she live in and recreate Greenway, which provides affordable says. “What’s the point if we haven’t in projects on which rental units to 99 families. She credits done good?” MLW
22 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Partner, Morgan, Brown & Joy, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law MORGAN, BROWN & JOY, LLP is pleased to congratulate our Managing Partner
JACLYN L. KUGELL for being recognized as one of the 2015 Top Women of Law
Thank you for your leadership of our firm. Partner, Locke Lord, Boston | Yale Law School
Representing Employers in Employment and Labor Law Since 1923 200 State Street Boston, MA 02109 Telephone (617) 523-6666 Facsimile (617) 367-3125 www.morganbrown.com
Lawyers Weekly The space you purchased has been reserved and the above copy must be approved by Wednesday at 3pm. The ad will run as shown unless we Advertising are notified of changes. Ad Rep: Melanie I approve the above ad to appear in Lawyers Weekly on ______Client: Morgan Brown according to their stated terms and conditions at a rate of $______Size/Section: Full Mag. Client signature: ______Date: 10/26/15 Please sign and return a copy of this ad by Wednesday 3pm. FAX (617) 451-7326 Christina L. Lewis
Partner, Hinckley Allen, Boston | Duke University School of Law
What is a typical day like for Christina by the high school debate team — “I stand in their shoes,” Lewis says. L. Lewis? “Spinning 100 plates at once enjoyed crafting arguments and persuasive Juggling a busy practice with two small and trying to keep them all in the air,” speaking,” she explains — Lewis decided children, Lewis also manages to make time she laughs. on employment law because she loves the for mentoring younger lawyers as well as Lewis, the chair of Hinckley Allen’s “hands-on role” of helping clients shape community involvement through a system Labor and Employment Practice Group — their business. She devotes one-third of of “organizing, triaging and multi-task- ing,” she explains. “Most important of all, “I walk into the day with a set list of deadlines and things to get done, forgiving myself if everything doesn’t get and immediately my phone starts ringing.” done in a given day.” A board member of the Big Sister and the firm’s in-house labor counsel — her practice to counseling clients, one- Association of Greater Boston and a devotes a large portion of her employment third to providing training and the final law practice to management-side wage and third to handling litigation. member of the Legal and Legisla- hour cases as well as trade secret litigation. In addition to being the youngest tive Committee of the Northeast “I walk into the day with a set list of practice group leader at Hinckley Allen, she Human Resource Association, deadlines and things to get done, and helps guide the firm’s future as a member Lewis formerly served on the immediately my phone starts ringing and I of the diversity and strategic planning board of directors for Washing- get derailed, adding things to the to-do list committees. This experience has “helped ton Gateway Main Street and instead of taking them off,” she says. me to understand the considerations my volunteered for the Arts and Spurred into pursuing law school clients have to grapple with and better Business Council. MLW
Traci L. Lovitt Partner, Jones Day, Boston | Duke University School of Law
Traci L. Lovitt took a slightly circuitous really understood that this was something I time as a clerk was particularly meaningful path to her current role as partner in wanted to do,” she explains. as she met her husband, a clerk for Justice charge of the Boston office of Jones Day. Testing her own career assumptions Antonin Scalia, with whom she now has Although she had wanted to be a lawyer also prepared Lovitt for her highly analytic twin boys. since competitive debate in sixth grade, practice. A member of the Issues and On top of her practice and personal life, she decided to try another option, Appeals Group, Lovitt is responsible for the Lovitt manages the Boston office of Jones heading to graduate school for a long-term legal strategy of a case from Day, having overseen the opening of the Ph.D. in economics. day one, identifying the location just a few years ago. “Halfway through the admissions necessary to file a “It’s a chess game.” The firm has grown from one program, I decided it was summary judgment motion lawyer to 37 in less than five nuts,” she laughs. in the months to come — or even finding years, earning a profit each year. Lovitt settled for a potential for a certiorari petition to the U.S. “It has been a real team effort and I am master’s degree and Supreme Court. proud of how far we have come,” she says. spent a few months “It’s a chess game,” Lovitt says. Somehow, Lovitt still finds time for working as an She certainly has the background to civic involvement as a member of the economist before she opine on what the justices may be interest- Commonwealth Institute, the Boston Club, ended her detour. “I’m ed in, having argued before the court as a the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, happy that I did it because member of the Solicitor General’s Office and the Commercial Club and the New England when I went to law school, I clerked for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Her Legal Foundation. MLW
24 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Partner, Hinckley Allen, Boston | Duke University School of Law
Partner, Jones Day, Boston | Duke University School of Law Congratulations.
Jones Day proudly congratulates our partner, Traci Lovitt, on her recognition as one of
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Women of Law. Traci’s tireless commitment to the
legal profession and the Boston community makes her truly stand out.
2400 Lawyers. 41 Locations. 5 Continents. www.jonesday.com Jamy Buchanan Madeja
Owner, Buchanan & Associates, Boston | U.C. Berkeley School of Law
If egrets and salt marshes sometimes A sole practitioner who hung out the now-famous phrase “binders of distract Jamy Buchanan Madeja, she can her own shingle 20 years ago, Madeja women.” Frustrated by candidates be excused. An environmental lawyer for advises a broad range of clients from stating they couldn’t find any qualified boatyards to neighborhood associations women to fill appointment positions “The need for what I do best is to well-heeled developers on how to in state government, Madeja helped to constant and I was raised to be navigate the “vortex of governmental found the Massachusetts Government useful.” regulation” in the environmental realm, Appointment Project, or MassGap. The with particular focus on wetlands, group created task forces of topically the past 27 years, Madeja used to walk to Chapter 91 and waterfront licensing knowledgeable women to present the the office every morning. A recent move issues. She began her career at Mintz, newly elected governors in 2003 and to Rockport now allows her the chance to Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo 2007 with binders of resumes of work on the train while she commutes — before being appointed by Gov. William very qualified women for each except for the occasional appearance of an Weld to the position of general counsel appointed position. egret along the journey. of the Executive Office of Environmen- In addition to being a “I got interested in environmental law tal Affairs. member of environmental because I am viscerally attracted to the Her experience in the government can boards, Madeja is involved power of wide open spaces, green and still be seen as a registered lobbyist in the with her neighborhood blue, to heal the soul and clear the mind,” state and frequent appearances before the and school associations she explains. “I’ve stayed because the need Legislature to testify on environmental and advocates for for what I do best is constant and I was policy issues. children’s educational raised to be useful.” Madeja also had a hand in creating needs. MLW Maureen E. McDonagh Lecturer on Law and Director, Housing Law Clinic at the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School, Cambridge | Suffolk University Law School
As a lecturer on law and the director Center, where she has worked for justice. As co-chair of the Boston Bar of the Housing Law Clinic at the Legal almost 18 years. She supervises law Association Real Estate Section’s Pro Services Center of Harvard Law School, students working on live client cases, Bono Committee, she helps oversee Maureen E. McDonagh combines her whether marking up a brief to be filed, the Attorney for the Day volunteer two passions: teaching and the law. strategizing about an upcoming call program at the Boston Housing Court. A former high school history teacher, with opposing counsel, or keeping an “We call it ‘game day representa- McDonagh was driven to law school by her passion to help. “My greatest professional accomplishment occurs every time a class Having grown up in of students graduates and I tell them to go and change the world.” Dorchester, “it was easy to see injustice every- eye on students in court. tion,’” she explains, where a volunteer where,” she says. “The “Every year we have students lawyer spends the day advocating on hard question wasn’t graduate who have been through the behalf of individuals appearing before whether you want to clinic and seen life from this vantage the Housing Court without counsel. do something about point, and I can see that it is trans- She also serves on the Boston Bar it, but what and how formative for them,” she says. “My to do it from a posi- greatest professional accomplishment Association’s Public Interest Oversight tion of strength?” occurs every time a class of students Committee, the City of Boston Mayor’s McDonagh graduates and I tell them to go and Housing Task Force and recently began found her position change the world.” volunteering as a Big Sister with the of strength at the Even in her civic involvement, Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. Legal Services McDonagh maintains her focus on MLW
26 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Joan McPhee
Owner, Buchanan & Associates, Boston | U.C. Berkeley School of Law Partner, Ropes & Gray, Boston | Harvard Law School
Joan McPhee gave her first opening career, the defense team learned one of McPhee filed an amicus brief in the case statement in a jury trial during her third the jurors overheard a conversation in an of Amarin Pharma, Inc. v. FDA. In August, week on the job at the U.S. Attorney’s elevator and shared the information in the 2nd Circuit agreed with the MIWG’s Office, fresh out of law school. the deliberation room. position that truthful, non-misleading “Talk about sink or swim,” she laughs. Earlier this summer, the 5th U.S. Circuit statements in the pharmaceutical space A few years later, trial experience have constitutional protection. firmly in hand, she left the government “The range of issues from “The range of issues from to go into private practice as the area of constitutional law to trying constitutional law to try- white-collar defense began to develop, cases is challenging for sure, but ing cases is challenging spending the last 25 years with Ropes for sure, but it keeps & Gray. it keeps things interesting.” things interesting,” This year, she scored a victory in an McPhee says. “extraordinary case,” U.S. v. Mix. A former Court of Appeals affirmed the grant of a One of 10 drilling engineer for BP, Kurt Mix was new trial for Mix on the single remaining partners on the the first individual to be indicted in count. “Delighted” by the ruling, McPhee firm’s Policy connection with the April 2010 oil spill in is looking forward to retrying the case. Committee and a the Gulf of Mexico. A jury acquitted him The breadth of her practice is reflected member of its Pro on one count of obstruction of justice in another recent success. As co-lead Bono Committee, she and found him guilty on the second. But counsel of the Medical Information formerly served as chair of in “the most egregious example of juror Working Group, a coalition of pharmaceu- the Ropes & Gray Diversity misconduct” McPhee has seen in her tical and medical device manufacturers, Committee. MLW
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR COLLEAGUES
Joan McPhee and Heather Egan Sussman and the other Top Women of Law honorees.
For more information, please visit ropesgray.com
Attorney Advertising © 2015 Ropes & Gray LLP. All rights reserved.
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 27 Diane Bissonnette Moes
Partner, Donoghue, Barrett & Singal, Boston | Suffolk University Law School
Diane Bissonnette Moes ascribes to the her alma mater, Suffolk University Law Association Health Law Steering idea that it is one thing to be a mentor School. Part of her desire to be a sponsor Committee and the leadership and another to be a sponsor, a concept comes from her own experience going council of the Connors one of her own sponsors shared in what to law school after having spent several Center for Women’s Health she calls “a really enlightening moment.” years in the health care industry — both and Gender Biology, she Lots of lawyers will sit down as a lobbyist in Washington, formerly served on the for a half hour, offer some “It’s sticking D.C. and vice president of a board of UMass Memorial advice to a young attorney your neck out for hospital — and entering Health Care, the Health and call themselves a mentor. law practice as a first-year Alliance Hospital “But a sponsor says, ‘Come the people you associate at age 36. and the University with me,’” she explains, taking believe in.” “It was a very humbling of Massachusetts the younger lawyer along on experience,” Moes admits. Board of Trustees. business meetings or to court, or making When she entered the law, she stuck She recently joined calls on their behalf to get them involved with what she knew best: health care. the board of Com- in a civic association. Today, she counsels health law clients munity Servings, “It’s sticking your neck out for the ranging from hospitals to physician prac- an organization that people you believe in,” she says. tices and provider networks to vendors. prepares and delivers Moes abides by that distinction in her When not practicing, networking more than 9,000 meals own efforts to guide the next generation of or sponsoring, Moes gives back to each week to individ- lawyers, both at her own firm and during her community. uals homebound with her eight years as an adjunct professor at A member of the Boston Bar serious illnesses. MLW Natalie S. Monroe First Assistant Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston | Harvard Law School “I can’t think of more fulfilling work.” It’s no surprise that Natalie S. the Division of Administrative Law Her role also requires input on Monroe used her sense of fairness Appeals and the Office of the Attor- legislation, whether in support of and justice to pursue a career in ney General, heading the appeals pending bills or in opposition to a public service. The child of educators, division of the Criminal Bureau. In measure with the potential for fraud she recalls her father writing letters 2012, she moved to the Office of the or waste of taxpayer dollars. and making phone calls on behalf of Inspector General where she serves During her tenure, the office has a prisoner he believed was wrong- as the IG’s chief advisor. uncovered tens of thousands of dol- ly imprisoned. The office is charged by statute lars of personal spending by a public “My father was a physics professor, with investigating any misuse of pub- university president and recently not an attorney, but he did whatever lic funds as well as preventing fraud, completed a comprehensive review he could to help this person he had waste and abuse, Monroe explains. of the Massachusetts Department never met just because he believed The “enormous” jurisdiction of the an injustice occurred,” she says. independent agency encompasses of Transportation that revealed The example stuck with her and individuals, nonprofits, agencies and widespread concerns, including that fostered a belief in fairness and treat- companies — anyone who receives one in five employees utilizes a state- ing people equally that continues to or uses public funds — and she helps owned vehicle. serve her practice today. manage the investigations, litigation “Every element of our work is Monroe began her legal career and agency reviews of the office as geared toward helping the public,” with law firms, doing white-collar well as the training and certifica- Monroe says. “I can’t think of more criminal defense before heading to tion programs. fulfilling work.” MLW
28 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Partner, Donoghue, Barrett & Singal, Boston | Suffolk University Law School Boston One Beacon Street Suite 1320 Boston, MA 02108 T 617.720.5090 F 617.720.5092
Providence One Cedar Street Suite 300 Providence, RI 02903 T 401.454.0400 F 401.454.0404
All of us at Donoghue Barrett & Singal are thrilled, but not surprised, that Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has chosen to honor our very own Diane Moes as one of its 2015 Top Women In Law. Diane has proven to be a critical asset to the firm and its
healthcare clients. Learn more at: dbslawfirm.com Denise I. Murphy
Partner, Rubin & Rudman, Boston | Suffolk University Law School
“My goal in life is to make people groan,” she explains, whether it is her clients, Section — Murphy also serves on the jokes Denise I. Murphy. A fan of puns, she colleagues or her children’s friends. Executive Board of the Massachusetts finds that humor can go a long way in the Employment law seemed a natural Defense Lawyers Association, sits on practice of law — making clients more extension of her interest in business, honed the IOLTA Grant Review Committee of comfortable or dialing down tension with prior to law school when she purchased a the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, and opposing counsel. Brigham’s ice cream store enjoys mentoring younger attorneys as a While clients may groan “I like being that that she operated while still Mentoring Circle Leader with the Women’s at her jokes, they aren’t in college. Although the person who can help.” Bar Association. groaning about her skills as experience provided daily ice “Mentoring is the gift that a lawyer. A management-side employment cream and a great way to learn how to run a keeps on giving,” she says. attorney, Murphy has clients that have been business, “I realized it wasn’t what I loved,” Over the holiday season, with her for more than two decades — she says. Having always wanted to be a following her when she switched firms lawyer, she took a chance on law school. Murphy participates as a and bringing her along when they Murphy believes strongly in the impor- group leader with Christmas changed companies. tance of being involved in the community. in the City, an organization These longstanding client relationships An active member of the Massachusetts that distributes gifts and are a testament to Murphy’s focus on guid- Bar Association — as a member of the throws a huge annual party ing others through difficult situations. Executive Management Board and past for homeless families and “I like being that person who can help,” chair of the Labor and Employment children in Boston. MLW
2016 Events to Attend
Congratulates Leaders in the Law March 3, 2016 Celebrating In-House Leaders and Lawyers of the Year for their outstanding professional accomplishments in Denise I. Murphy the legal community. Also, this year, a Law Firm of the Year will be recognized.
Excellence in the Law May 4, 2016 Honoring the very best of the legal profession, including: Excellence in Journalism, Up & Coming Lawyers, and the recipient of the Daniel Toomey Excellence in the Judiciary Award, as well as Excellence in Pro Bono, Diversity, Marketing, Firm Administration and Operations.
Top Women of Law C E I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL OctOber 2016 50 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 | 617.330.7000 Celebrating women who have made great professional strides and demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the legal community. Additionally, two-time honorees are recognized and inducted 99 Willow Street, Yarmouthport, Cape Cod, MA 02675| 508.362.6262 into the Circle of Excellence, and a scholarship award is presented to a law student. 300 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 | 202.465.8781 masslawyersweekly.com/events
30 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Karen L. Nober
Partner, Rubin & Rudman, Boston | Suffolk University Law School Executive Director, Massachusetts State Ethics Commission, Boston | Boston College Law School
Karen L. Nober always knew she would She then moved to the state level, first and disclosure laws, Nober has be a lawyer; she just wasn’t sure what kind at what was then the Executive Office of emphasized customer service and of lawyer to be. She found the answer in Economic Affairs followed by 15 years with completing work in a timely her 27-year legal career in public service, the Massachusetts Port Authority before fashion, revitalizing the agency. working at both the city and state levels accepting her current position as executive In addition to investigating of government. director of the Massachusetts State complaints and prosecuting al- Ethics Commission. leged violations of the law, Nober “Government is a really fascinating place to work.” “In most of my oversees the commission’s educational jobs, I’m the person component. She also had a hand in “I enjoy dealing with policy issues and telling people they can’t do what they improvements to the conflict of solving problems,” she explains. want to do, or maybe they have to do it in interest law enacted in the Ethics Nober began working for the city of a different way,” Nober explains. “It can be Reform Act of 2009. Boston as a legislative aide to a city coun- really difficult to give an answer that allows “What I like is that I deal with cillor and helped establish the Minority people to be productive and preserves the the whole range of issues that and Women Business Enterprise Office. relationship so that they will ask you again come before the commission, and “It was really exciting to create an office the next time something comes up.” how to interpret and apply the from the ground up,” she says, and the During her tenure at the ethics commis- law in various situations,” she says. experience provided her with insight into sion, which is tasked with administering “Government is a really fascinating all the workings of a government agency. and enforcing the state’s conflict of interest place to work.” MLW
CONGRATULATIONS 2015 TOP WOMEN OF THE LAW
TOP WOMEN OF LAW CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
Leslie Ditrani ’94 Lori Jodoin ’02 Honorable Elaine Epstein ’76 Ditrani Law Rodgers, Powers Catherine White ’72 Todd & Weld & Schwartz Cetrulo Katherine Mala Rafik ’97 Garrahan ’04 Jaclyn Kugell ’92 Lisa Sinclair Rosenfeld, Rafik & Sullivan Bowditch & Dewey Morgan, Brown & Joy Associate Vice President and Deputy Sarah Hogan ’05 Michelle Shaffer ’88 General Counsel, LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP McDermott, Campbell, Campbell, Northeastern University Will & Emery Edwards & Conroy Jessica Winn ’16
northeastern.edu/law
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 31 Michelle N. O’Brien
Partner, Pierce Atwood, Boston | Suffolk University Law School
Michelle N. O’Brien has a secret purchase and sale agreement. O’Brien and keep abreast of regulatory changes. weapon among her legal skills: an prepared by watching tapes of previous O’Brien also lent her expertise as the undergraduate degree in education. oral arguments and was ready when former co-chair of the Boston Bar Asso- Her teaching background has served she was hit with questions while still ciation’s Environmental Law Section and her well in being able to explain things describing the issue presented. Environmental Sustainability Task Force. to clients, opposing counsel, juries and “You have to know your case Pursuing her desire to see more judges in an understandable way, she women in the field of environmental says, helping her achieve impressive inside and out, backwards and law, O’Brien is a member of CREW results in her environmental and land forwards.” (Commercial Real Estate Women) use practice. Boston and helped to found the Mas- In 2005, O’Brien had one of the high- “You have to know your case inside sachusetts Chapter of the Society for est trial verdicts in the state for a client and out, backwards and forwards,” she suing the municipality of Freetown says, hoping for a chance to do it again. Women Environmental Professionals. for improperly pursuing a cease and “It was really exciting and a lot of fun.” Also on O’Brien’s plate: involve- desist order. More recently, she scored Her 25 years of experience in the ment with her alma mater, Lesley a victory before the Supreme Judicial field led to a 2008 appointment to the University. After serving two Court last year in K.G.M. Custom Homes, Waste Site Cleanup Advisory Committee, terms as president of the Alum- Inc. v. Prosky, where the court ruled in a chance to provide her perspective on ni Association, she currently favor of her client in a dispute over the the cleanup process to the Massachusetts sits on the Board of Trustees appropriate remedy for the breach of a Department of Environmental Protection and Alumni Council. MLW
CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHELLE O’BRIEN: ADVOCATE, MENTOR & ACCOMPLISHED ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER
By honoring Pierce Atwood partner Michelle O’Brien as a “2015 Top Women of Law,” Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recognizes what clients, colleagues, and peers have known all along. Michelle is not only top-notch in the field of environmental law and litigation, she is also “responsive and intelligent, bringing diligence, humor and expertise to any project.”* This well-deserved honor helps to highlight Michelle’s many professional achievements, industry recognitions, and civic contributions. Congratulations, Michelle!
Pierce Atwood. There’s a reason… *Best Lawyers client testimonials
100 SUMMER STREET, 22ND FL., BOSTON, MA 02110 / 617.488.8100 / PIERCEATWOOD.COM Portland, ME / Boston, MA / Portsmouth, NH / Providence, RI / Augusta, ME / Stockholm, SE / Washington, DC
32 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Andrea Peraner-Sweet
Partner, Pierce Atwood, Boston | Suffolk University Law School Partner, Sally & Fitch, Boston | Boston College Law School
It may not have been the typical from recovering business interruption she served for 13 years. An elected legal career path, but Andrea Pera- losses and other consequential damages member of the Board of Select- ner-Sweet’s background in social work from her client. men, Peraner-Sweet currently sits has proved invaluable. Her social worker skills have also on several committees in the town. “I use the skills I developed as a social come in handy in local government. For In addition, she is the president worker in my practice every more than 20 years, Pera- of the Westford Land Preservation day,” she explains, such as “I use the skills ner-Sweet has been actively Foundation, a 503(c) corporation with looking for the underlying I developed as involved with the town of a mission to preserve land in the issues not being voiced but Westford. It all began in 1994 town for present and future playing a role in the conflict a social worker when Wal-Mart expressed generations. To date, the and giving people a forum to in my practice interest in building a store in group has spearheaded the express their thoughts and every day.” the town. preservation of nearly 300 feelings about a particu- “I was sitting at home one lar situation. evening, complaining to my husband acres of open space. Peraner-Sweet’s litigation practice en- and going on and on,” she recalls. “He Peraner-Sweet firmly compasses “a smattering of everything,” finally looked at me said, ‘Do something believes in giving back to with a current focus on employment and about it.’” the profession, representing general business. This year she scored a She did, forming a committee that clients pro bono throughout victory in Maryland Casualty Co. v. NSTAR successfully kept the national retailer her career. She recently com- Electric Co., where the Supreme Judicial out of Westford. pleted a three-year term as a Court upheld the validity of a tariff The next thing she knew, she was hearing officer for the Board of provision that precluded the plaintiff running for the Planning Board, on which Bar Overseers. MLW
WE AT SALLY & FITCH LLP CONGRATULATE OUR PARTNER ANDREA PERANER-SWEET
Wise counsellor, fierce advocate, devoted public servant, trusted colleague and good friend.
EXCELLENCE COMPLEX LITIGATION www.sally-fitch.com
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 33 REGINA M. HURLEY Nancy J. PuleoPartner, Verrill Dana, Boston | TULANE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW Partner, Posternak, Blankstein & Lund, Boston | Suffolk University Law School
elays, budget cutbacks, and a large in their life, so it’s been very beneficial to be able A framed quote on the wall behind says. “It keeps things interesting.”number of pro se litigcats”ants — w hbuto s havingtrug- takent part,o pr oshevi dsays,e th at service,” Hurley says. Nancy J. Puleo’s desk reads in part: “Good Puleo herself keepsg thingsled w iinteresting,th langua ge batherri volunteersers, illite r“comeacy back invigoratedThe pro gandram began as a way to celebrate Verrill lawyers are healers and problem solvers. having been dubbed thean d“cruise unc director”ertaint y abowithut ah newow perspective.”to file Dana’s 150-year anniversary, but has taken on a life … Sometimes the best lawyers practice at Posternak,Dcour tBlankstein docume n&t Lund.s, use Ad mem to bu-rden thEache Su week,ffolk PPuleoro- visitso thef it Maurices own, moving some 400 cases to judgment. psychiatry without a license.” Shared by ber of theba summerte & Fa outingmily C committee,ourt. J. Tobin School in Roxbury to readMor toe than 60 attorneys now volunteer for the one of her mentors, the saying reflects her she also plansTo dtheay ,firm’s the s itannualuation attorneys’ is impro vedan, t helementaryanks to R studentegi- as pa rvolunteerogram, and it won this year’s Supreme Judicial perspective on practicing law. na M. Hurley and the Suffolk Earlywith Res Readolut itoon a VChild.ol- She spendsCourt Adams Pro Bono Publico Award. A pilot unteers, a pro bono project in which attorneys pro- program is underway in Middlesex County. After she had clerked and worked as a “No two days are ever the same.” about an hour every Tuesday with general litigator, Puleo’s practice evolved to vide on-site conciliation services to litigants. “The judges in Suffolk have all expressed how her student, reading, mentoring focus on the representation of companies evening on“ theWe waterfront. try to get into cases at an early stage of the happy they are with it,” Hurley says. and encouraging her interest in and employers, and she has several clients “I enjoyga mbringinge and peopleresolv togethere them andso t hey don’t stay in the As chair of her firm’s family law department, academics generally. that don’t make an employment decision I think its hasyst eam positive,” says impactHurle yon, w theho created the program last Hurley finds it rewarding to help families navi- without her weighing in. culture ofye thear wfirm,”ith h sheer V says.erri ll Dana colleague R“Io getbin as D much. Mu r—- if notg ate difficult circumstances, she says. She enjoys “I am part of the team, which I love,” Her positivephy an impactd Vic tcanori abe C found. Rot honb atheum ofmore Sen i—or Poutar oftn theers experiencethe c hallenge of helping non-traditional families for Justice. than my student,” Puleo says.wh ose cases reflect changes in the law and soci- “sheSo says.me oShef t halsoese provides people on-the-spot have nev er community as well. A few times each year, counseling for employers struggling Puleo organizesSER Va group enlis ofts attorneysattorney froms to go toInvolved the co uwithrth otheus organizatione ety, a nd strives to offer every client a combination twice a week to help litigants facilitate agreements of sophisticated legal advice, objectivity and com- switheen daily a la emergencieswyer in th erangingir life, fromso it ’s been the firm to buy, prepare and serve dinner for the last four years, she and ensure documents are in order. The volunteers passion. requests for accommodations to inter- at Haven From Hunger, a soup kitchen in recently joined the board very beneficial to be able to provide fill a huge need for both the court and the parties. “I’m happy in the area I’ve chosen,” she says. nal investigations. Peabody. She likens the effort to get the of directors for the Boston that service.” “Some of these people have never seen a lawyer “I love it.” “No two days are ever the same,” Puleo lawyers away from their desks to “herding region. MLW
MASSACHUSETTS LAWYERS WEEKLY
o
Reprin ts
Reprints Custom Plaques Paper reprints of articles, book reviews, news items and Custom-designed plaques that commem orate your Add depth and style to your verdicts & settlements. achievements for display in your office, reception area or home. PDF File marketing program: It can be posted on your website, sent out in e-mails or used to print your own hard copies, plus it can be customized.
M ASSACHUSETTS www.masslawyersweekly.com • Enhance marketing packages and press kits February 22, 2010 Judges:‘tip law’not retroactive
MASSACHUSETTS www.masslawyersweekly.com Defense bar hails trend MASSACHUSETTS www.masslawyersweekly.com
By David E. Frank [email protected] May 24, 2010 November 22, 2010 Recent rulings by two influential trial judges have found that the treble damages • Provide practice specialty literature provision of the tip statute does not apply retroactively, an issue that courts in Massachusetts have been split on for nearly OPINION two years. On Feb. 8, Superior Court Judge OPINION Margaret R. Hinkle, who heads the Business Litigation Session, determined in M
Hernandez, et al. v. Hyatt Corp. that a 2008 O C .
Decades-old trademark precedent O
amendment to the state’s controversial tip T O H
law — G.L.c.149, §150 — was intended to P K be applied prospectively only. C O T S Public charities alerted to new still puts owners at risk Two months earlier, U.S. District Court I Judge William G. Young, who served as chief of the court from 1997 to 2005, came By Kimberly B. Herman trademark owners have failed to the same conclusion in DiFiore, et al. v. ordered at www.masslawyersweekly.com. to prove that the use of their guidelines on asset transfers American Airlines, Inc. DiFiore, Lawyers Weekly No. 02-304-09, can • Develop direct mail and e-mail campaigns In today’s world of instant mark in artistic works “There was a point in time [when] the also be found on Lawyers Weekly’s website. constitutes infringement, plaintiffs’ bar had some authority on their messaging, mobile ‘Confused’judges consumer confusion or side that made them feel they had leverage By Jennifer Gallop soughttosellitsbuild- For charitable organizations closing their technologies, virtual worlds Scott E. Adams of Groveland, who and social media, the dilution of their brand. over us during settlement discussions,”said ing and amend its Brigitte M. Duffy, the Boston lawyer who represented the plaintiffs in Hernandez, said YOUNG HINKLE doors and dissolving, the AG recently In 2006, ESS Entertainment Increasingly, Massachu- articles of organ- difficulties trademark represented the defendants in Hernandez. the uncertainty on retroactivity started in published separate guidance reflecting 2000 filed suit against Rock Both rule treble damages setts public charities — ization to owners face protecting their “There’s no question that now having the 2005whentheSupremeJudicialCourtheld apply prospectively only Star Videos. ESS, a strip club in Weidmann v. The Bradford Group that such as schools, nursing transform it- the significant changes to the dissolution marks is well beyond what chief of the [BLS] and a former presiding the architects of the operator in East Los Angeles, judgeofthefederalcourtsayingwhat treble damages could be awarded only on a homes, foundations and process under G.L.c. 180, §11A. Adams said judges across the state have self into a they’ve said here carries some extra weight.” finding that an employer had willfully Constitution intended when they drafted the claimed videogame maker churches—aresellingtheir grant-maker. committed an infraction. beensplitonthequestioneversince.For First Amendment. Rock Star was liable for trade Duffy, who practices at Seyfarth Shaw, property, paying off their The Hahne- added that DiFiore and Hernandez are ThattestwasstruckdownbyChapter80 example, he said, Superior Court Judges A myriad of legal interpretations of decades- dress infringement and for of the Acts of 2008, which made Raymond J. Brassard and Leila R. Kern have debt, and closing up shop mann court “evidence of a definite trend which swings old laws are creating serious trademark violating unfair competition Massachusetts the first state in the country ruled opposite of Hinkle and Young. or permanently changing their activities. The the pendulum back in our direction. It’s recognized that enforcement problems for owners of well-known laws. been a good couple of months for defense to impose automatic treble damages for “These are significant matters of law that After providing a brief legal back- have some important philosophical problemisthatmanyoftheseentitiesdonot to allow such a trademarks. Rock Star created the attorneys in Massachusetts — and we don’t wage and hour law violations. What ground of the statute, the guidelines lay remained unclear was whether the questions underlying them, and there is know that they are required to notify the at- sale and profound The law isn’t always on the trademark fictional role-playing game A myriad of legal interpretations of decades-old always get good months in wage and hour outathree-pronganalysisastowhenthe Legislature intended for damages to apply clearly a problem with the implementation torney general before doing so. change in the charity’s “Grand Theft Auto: San litigation.” • Present information at conferences and seminars owners’ side, particularly if a trademark is used tocasesthatpre-datedthepassageofthe and enforcement of them,” Adams said. Under G.L.c. 180, §8A(c), when a public activity without review by statute applies to a transaction: (i) confirm- Andreas,” which takes place in laws are creating serious trademark enforcement The full text of the four-page Hernandez for expressive speech purposes, as a plethora ruling,Lawyers Weekly No.12-019-10, can be bill. “There are a number of judges in ingpubliccharitystatus,(ii)describingwhat charity transfers all or substantially all of theattorneygeneralcouldresultininap- of courts continue to rely on a 21-year-old test fictional cities based on real problems for owners of well-known trademarks. its assets and materially changes the na- propriatedeparturesbytheboardfrom constitutes “all or substantially all” of the —the“RogersTest”—firstadoptedbythe California neighborhoods. To ture of its activity (usually dissolving), it charity’s assets, and (iii) identifying a “materi- 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, to accurately depict those locales, the charity’s mission. thePlayPenissomehowbehindthePigPen alchangeinthenatureof[its]activities.” determine whether use of a literary title Rock Star photographed the types of venues must provide at least 30 days notice to the The AG’s Non-Profit Organiza- orthatitsponsorsRockStar’sproduct.” The guidelines go on to outline the five violates the Lanham Act. used in the game, including the plaintiff’s club, attorney general. tions/Public Charities Division, or NPO The court found that no reasonable consumer components required for adequate notice: The Rogers Test was based on a landmark the “Play Pen,”and then created a fictional “Pig Thestatutewasenactedinthewakeof Division, is the department that receives wouldbeledtobelievethatESSproducedthe case involving actress Ginger Rogers who filed Pen” in “East Los Santos.” Attorney General v. Hahnemann Hospital, and reviews all written notices of such • a description of the charity’s document- videogameorthatavideogamemakersuchas suit against the producers of a film entitled The court found that, under the Rogers Test, 397 Mass. 820 (1986), in which a hospital transactions. In an effort to better inform ed decision-making process; RockStaroperatesastripclub. “Ginger and Fred.”Rogers alleged that the title the use of the plaintiff’s mark was relevant to the public and provide consistency in the • details relating to the assets involved, in- JenniferGallopisapartneratKrokidas& information submitted, the NPO Divi- cluding their history and any restrictions BluesteininBostonwhereshepracticesinthe sionreachedouttomembersofitsadvi- on their use; areas of health care, non-profit, administra- sory committee for assistance in develop- tive and corporate law. • Provide instant access to articles on your website ingnewSection8A(c)noticeguidance. • demonstration of the fair market value Assistant Attorney General Leslie Bennett of consideration being paid for the as- contributed to the writing of this article. To The guidelines have been posted on the sets; the extent she did, this article represents At- AG’s website at torney Bennett’s opinions and legal conclu- www.mass.gov/ago/charities and are lo- • identification of the purchaser or trans- sions, and not necessarily those of the Office cated under “Charitable Organizations” feree, its relationship to the charity, and of the Attorney General. Opinions of the At- and “AG’s Guidelines on Notice Require- evaluation of the arm’s length nature of torney General are formal documents ren- ments of G.L.c. 180, §8A(c).” dered pursuant to specific statutory authority. the proposed transaction; and For more information on pricing or how to o order, please contact us at 617-218-8145 or [email protected] H0K0514
20 • MASSACHUSETTS LAWYERS WEEKLY’S TOP WOMEN OF LAW 34 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW
Partner, Posternak, Blankstein & Lund, Boston | Suffolk University Law School Mala M. Rafik
| C E Partner, Rosenfeld, Rafik & Sullivan, Boston Northeastern University School of Law I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL
“The most important thing in life is to help insurance company could not terminate the long- other people — it’s as simple as that,” Mala M. term disability benefits of an information tech- Rafik explains after almost two decades devoted to nology analyst without assessing the physical and a practice focused on health law and disabili- cognitive demands of his occupation. Rafik also ty benefits. cites a 2013 1st Circuit decision in Colby v. Assurant In 1998, Rafik joined the firm founded by Ste- Employee Benefits (where a three-judge panel held phen Rosenfeld in 1996 and now it is a nationally that a recovering addict was entitled to benefits recognized firm in its niche. A public interest firm for periods during which she was drug-free but operating as a private law firm, Rafik has clients at risk for a relapse) as a “wonderful opinion” that who pay full hourly rates, but between “tremendously benefited our clients.” 10 and 20 percent of the cases are Outside the office, Rafik is actively involved handled pro bono, funded by the in the Boston Bar Association, the American Bar paying clients. “It’s a really great model and “The most important thing in life is to help our clients who can afford other people — it’s as simple as that.” to pay buy into it,” she says. “And we get to do Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Amer- great work.” ican Association for Justice and the Massachusetts The work itself is Bar Association; she also serves on the board of unique. “There aren’t Prisoners’ Legal Services and chairs the Health Law many people in the Advocates board of directors. country who do it, In addition, Rafik devotes her time to the but I love it,” Rafik Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, says. Her clients are providing legal representation for the organization “people going through for the last 17 years. Last year, her firm hosted an an incredibly tough time — event in honor of BHCHP dubbed “Lawyers Bring suffering from stage 4 cancer, trying Us Your Briefs,” requesting undergarments for to take care of their family and homeless individuals. they’ve had their disability bene- Offering guidance to the next generation of fits taken away,” she explains. lawyers also drives Rafik. In addition to having Given the firm’s expertise — taught disability law at New England Law | Boston, and Rafik emphasizes the team she has participated in the BBA’s mentoring effort — it’s no surprise that program since 2010, “the only way I can think to she has had a hand in several repay the countless number of people and amount major victories. Earlier this of time given to me when I was trying to figure out year, in McDonough v. Aetna what I wanted to do with my career.” Mentoring Life Ins. Co., the 1st U.S. Circuit “reminds me of why I love the law and the people Court of Appeals agreed that an that I do it with,” she says. MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 35 Deirdre M. Robinson
Partner, Murtha Cullina, Boston | Boston College Law School
“I feel privileged to be a small part of the renovation bringing life to a community.”
Times have changed since Deirdre M. developers to state agencies to lenders, when you return when the project is done, Robinson was starting her legal career in investors and other financing sources. it is a beautiful property where people are real estate and affordable housing. Almost “A lot of what I do is problem solving,” living and thriving,” Robinson says. “It is 20 years ago, she was often the only she explains. “I learned how to read amazing to see and I feel privileged to be a female at the closing table among a group documents in law school but my value small part of the renovation bringing life of male lawyers, bankers and investors. to the client is that I find solutions to to a community.” Today, women occupy roughly half the their problems.” A member of Murtha Cullina’s seats — although most of the transactions Her favorite projects involve the Women Expanding Business are completed online, she notes. transformation of historical buildings, such Committee, Robinson is active in the Combining her interest in real estate as old mills in towns like Fall River and Massachusetts Bar Association, the with the law, Robinson can spend up to Lawrence. Of course, the historic buildings Boston Bar Association and New four years working on a deal for an afford- come with complications — “You can’t England Women in Real Estate. She able housing development, from locating a put in just any window you want or rip also serves on the board of directors site and putting together funding sources out certain features,” she notes — but the for Wayland Housing Associates and to closing and watching people move finished product is worth the hassle. Lawyers Clearinghouse, an organi- in. The process involves a lot of moving “At the beginning of the project you zation that strives to meet the needs parts and many different players, from visit this decrepit, run-down building and of homeless individuals. MLW
Michelle I. Schaffer Shareholder, Campbell, Campbell, Edwards & Conroy, Boston Northeastern University School of Law
High stakes are second nature to emphasize collegial behavior in her past president of the Massachusetts Michelle I. Schaffer. practice. As a young lawyer, she once Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Over the last 26 years, her practice opened a box of documents during In both endeavors, she made it with Campbell, Campbell, Edwards & production to find attorney-client and her mission to focus on diversity and Conroy has focused on the defense work product materials. She immediately mentoring junior lawyers, launching a of high-exposure catastrophic in- closed the box and monthly “Brief Bites” jury, wrongful death and significant contacted opposing “Trial work fits my interests brown bag lunch property loss matters — from claims counsel, who was and my personality.” series to bring new involving murder and sexual assault highly appreciative of practitioners together on hotel premises, for example, to her actions. Schaffer uses the story as an with experienced members of the bar foreclosing pattern litigation against example when teaching younger lawyers and federal judges at the FBA while an automotive manufacturer. about the importance of credibility with planning, chairing and moderating a “From an early age, I liked the opposing counsel while avoiding wasting panel discussion about the challenges to process of analyzing and forming the time and resources of everyone diversity hiring within the defense bar an argument,” she explains. involved in litigation. for the MDLA. “Trial work fits my interests and Schaffer’s collegiality and credibility An active member of the Massachu- my personality.” are on display not only in the courtroom setts Bar Association and the Defense Despite the pressure and but her civic involvement as well. She Research Institute, Schaffer is a fellow the high dollar amounts on currently serves as the secretary of the of the American Bar Foundation and an the line, Schaffer strives to Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Associa- associate member of the American Board minimize disputes and tion and is ending her term as immediate of Trial Advocates. MLW
36 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Rhoda E. Schneider
Partner, Murtha Cullina, Boston | Boston College Law School General Counsel and Senior Associate Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Malden | Boston University School of Law
Forty years ago, Rhoda E. Schneider began which “adds a really interesting component to Hired by current 1st U.S. Circuit working for the Massachusetts Department the policy discussions.” Court of Appeals Chief Judge Sandra of Elementary and Secondary Education. Four Schneider, who has filled in as acting Lynch, Schneider cites the jurist’s decades later, Schneider remains happy and Commissioner on multiple occasions, offers mentorship as a motivating factor in engaged in her job. “Most people move from her resignation each time a new Commission- her commitment to run an internship pro- job to job for new challenges, but every day er arrives. “In my view, it’s important that the gram at the agency. “I’m a big believ- brings new challenges and every day I feel like CEO feel very, very comfortable with his or her er in internships and mentoring,” I’m learning,” she says. she says. “The experience can At the intersection of law and public policy “Every day brings new challenges be transformative.” in service of students and schools across the and every day I feel like I’m She delivers this message not commonwealth, the agency handles issues learning.” just to the interns in her office ranging from school finance to civil rights to but also to her students at the special education for children with disabilities. legal counsel,” she explains. Not one of the six Harvard Graduate School of The department’s legal office juggles all commissioners she has worked with has taken Education, where she teaches of the legal questions while working with her up on the offer. school law to aspiring principals the commissioner and agency staff as well Drawn to public service, an internship in and other educators. During the as the 11-member Board of Elementary her final year of law school “opened my eyes summer, Schneider co-chairs and and Secondary Education, composed of 9 to the fact that there was important work teaches at the annual School Law governor-appointed members, the secretary going on at the state government level,” Institute at Columbia University of education, and one high school student, Schneider explains. Teachers College. MLW Campbell trial lawyers Congratulations! To this year’s award winners, including Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy’s own
Michelle I. Schaffer Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly 2015 Top Women of Law Honoree
www.campbell-trial-lawyers.com Campbell Campbell edwards & Conroy professional Corporation Massachusetts • Pennsylvania • Maine • connecticut • Rhode island • new JeRsey
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 37 Sara Jane Shanahan
Partner, Sherin & Lodgen, Boston | Harvard Law School
The legal bug bit Sara Jane Shana- rigorous practice,” she says. “I love of the Boston Bar Association’s han early. being a lawyer and I think it’s a Council as well as sitting on the “I wanted to be a lawyer since I was great profession.” Advisory Committee of the New about 8 years old,” she recalls. “I could Shanahan’s commitment to social England Legal Foundation. never think of anything else I wanted justice is exemplified by her member- The mother of two daughters, to be.” ship on the board of directors of the Shanahan started a Girl Scout troop A stint doing criminal defense Massachusetts Appleseed Center for in 2011 to bring the tradition back to work in Roxbury criminal Law and Justice, an organi- her children’s elementary school and court while in law school “I could never zation that promotes equal has been a troop leader ever since. confirmed her commitment think of rights and opportunities by “The Girl Scouts is a great organization to litigation. Today, “I tend to developing and advocating that teaches leadership, social aware- have a business-based clien- anything else I for systemic solutions to ness, business skills and hopefully tele,” she explains, chairing wanted to be.” social justice issues. She has confidence to girls,” she says. Sherin & Lodgen’s Litigation been a member since 2004 Her busy schedule and broad Department and co-chairing the of the Wellesley Club — a local civic spectrum of interests and activities Business Litigation and Social Media organization formed in the nineteenth “make me a better lawyer and a and Digital Technology practice groups, century that promotes literary and better person,” Shanahan says. “Some as well as leading the firm’s internal social culture — and now serves as people will tell you that you can’t do Women’s Initiative. Her 8-year-old self secretary. Shanahan also gives back everything you want to, but I’m here to chose well, apparently. to the legal profession and is currently tell you that you can and you should.” “I have a really interesting and serving a three-year term as a member MLW
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Bernkopf Goodman �����������������������������������������������������������3 McDermott, Will & Emery ������������������������������������������� 16 Campbell, Campbell, Edwards & Conroy ������������������� 37 Morgan, Brown & Joy ��������������������������������������������������� 23 Cetrulo ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 Morrison Mahoney ������������������������������������������������������� 15 Citizens Bank ���������������������������������������������������������������������4 Northeastern University School of Law ��������������������� 31 Day Pitney �������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Pierce Atwood ��������������������������������������������������������������� 32 Donoghue, Barrett & Singal ����������������������������������������� 29 Prince, Lobel, Tye ���������������������������������������������������������������1 E.B. Horn �����������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Ropes & Gray ����������������������������������������������������������������� 27 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy ���������������������������6 Rubin & Rudman ����������������������������������������������������������� 30 Greenberg Traurig ��������������������������������������������������������� 19 Jones Day ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Sally & Fitch ������������������������������������������������������������������� 33 Keches Law Group �������������������������������������������������������������4 Saul Ewing ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Krokidas & Bluestein ����������������������������������������������������� 43 Sherin & Lodgen ����������������������������������������������������������� 39 Landy Insurance ���������������������������������������������������������������2 Verrill Dana ������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 Massachusetts Bar Association ���������������������������������������3 Weil, Gotshal & Manges ����������������������������������������������� 40
38 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Partner, Sherin & Lodgen, Boston | Harvard Law School On behalf of the entire firm, congratulations to
Sara Jane Shanahan Partner
a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2015 Top Woman of the Law
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS LAW LITIGATION
101 Federal Street 10 Dorrance Street Boston, MA 02110 Providence, RI 02903
www.sherin.com t. 617.646.2000 Marilyn French Shaw
Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Boston | Boston College Law School
In her more than 25 years of practicing culture to work in,” Shaw says. When not co-managing the office, Shaw law, Marilyn French Shaw points to being In her role, she is partly responsible for specializes in mergers, acquisitions and named as co-managing partner of Weil, the strategic direction of the Boston office, private equity deals for companies in the Gotshal & Manges’ Boston office in 2014 as as well as helping decide which legal business of buying other companies. When she first started as a lawyer 25 years ago, “It’s important that I am able to convey to the more than 60 people in there was no such field as private equity. our Boston office a sense of inclusion in the law firm and be a conduit Shaw says she thrives on the fast pace to the rest of the firm as well.” of private equity transactions. “I am the type of person that likes a significant achievement. arenas to expand into and identifying the pressure on me. When you have a deal done The role is challenging at a firm that firm’s competition. She also interacts with in a short period of time it can be fun and has more than 1,300 lawyers in 20 offices management from the firm’s other offices, collaborative,” she says. “What I love worldwide, but also rewarding, she says. such as in New York or London. about private equity is it’s relation- “I am now responsible for more than “It’s important that I am able to convey ship-based because the client is in just myself and my career. I have to to the more than 60 people in our Boston the business of buying and selling think more broadly about the careers of office a sense of inclusion in the law firm companies and you are working everyone in the office, how to make it and be a conduit to the rest of the firm as with the same people over and challenging and satisfying and a great well,” she says. over.” MLW
Q: Why Do Top Law Firms Advertise In New England
Pre-Sorted Standard In-House? U.S. Postage Paid Boston, MA Permit No. 55916
Electronic Service Requested Lawyers Weekly 10 Milk Street., 10th Floor Boston, MA 02108 New FebruaryAugust 2015 England A: Because it - Vol. 13, No. 13 IN-HOUSE Baker Signet 42 = “New England” We are proud to support the Utopia Black 89 points = “In-House” Ruling: college retaliated‘Cat’s Injured paw’ retaliation player can Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly case suefails coach, at 1st school Circuit is the most against bipolar professor Fired employee cannot prove unlawful animus By Eric T. BerkmanNegligence standard applies off field, judge determines An employee who was fired for timecard violationsBy Kris that Olson he claimed were reported to management out of retaliatory animusA field could hockey not sue player can sue her coach and school for his employer underfailing a to“cat’s respond paw” in a “reasonably prudent” manner after efficient theory of liability,she thesuffered 1st U.S. head injuries on the field, a trial court judge 2015 Top Women of Law Circuit Court ofin Appeals Massachusetts has ruled. has decided. Citing Supreme Judicial Court precedent, the defen Under the “cat’s paw” theory, an - employer who dantsdisciplines argued or thatfires the a plaintiff student should be allowed worker for legitimateto recover reasons for her can injuries only if she could prove that the school and coach were reckless in permitting her to re still be held liable for discrimination - Kohl’s Department Stores can’t be held liable for failing to accommodate a diabetic sales associate’sWIKIPEDIA request COMMONS to or retaliation ifturn the informationto the field theprematurely after suffering a concussion. and congratulate work only a midday shift, the 1st Circuit rules in a split decision. decision-maker isBut acting Superior on was Court Judge Peter B. Krupp said negli - provided for discriminatorygence was the orappropriate standard. way to reach retaliatory reasons.“While the fact that a coach is acting in an athletic com ISTOCK- In the case beforepetition the may 1st Circuit, affect thewhat plaintiff the duty of care requires in a game- The plaintiff employee claimedtime that setting, the supervisors the better authority who reported indicates that a player’s own coach must exercise that degree of careemployee of a reason ADA suit denied over his timecard violations to an upper-level manager — claimed that - ably prudent coach (i.e., the negligence standard) and may who, in turn, made the decision to fire him — did the supervisors so because theyface resented liability that without he took proof leave of under recklessness,” who Krupp reported wrote in ISTOCKPHOTO.COMthe Family anddenying Medical the Leave defendants’ Act. Accordingly, motion to the dismiss. his timecard failure toDefendant negotiate Boston College argued that it did not retaliate against one of its faculty members.plaintiff argued, Asthe a defendantprivate school, employer defendant should Thayer be violationsAcademy didmay so Marilyn French Shaw held liable for FMLAnot be retaliation.subject to the state’s relatively newbecause law regarding they over 3,000 But the 1st Circuithead injuries disagreed, and affirming extracurricular a U.S. athletics,resented G.L.c. 111,that he Kohl’s Department Stores not liable, 1st Circuit says District Court judge’s§222. But summary in a footnote, judgment Krupp for notedthe thattook even leave if the un stat- - defendant. ute “does not apply to Thayer … or does dernot the establish FMLA. an By Thomas E. Egan an earnest attempt to discuss independent cause of action for its violation … the stat- employee’s ADA rights forfeited Continued on page 11 ute likely affects the duty of care a coach owes to her play A department store could other potential reasonable when she gives up,” he said. “Such - ers to prevent head trauma.” and all of this year’s honorees not be held liable for failing to accommodations,” Judge Juan R. a holding demands too much The four-page decision is accommodate a diabetic sales Torruella wrote for the majority. resilience and persistence onContinued the on page 14 Dugan, et al. v. Thayer Academy, et al. associate’s request to work only a “[W]e conclude that [the part of a disabled and stressed-out Co. waived arbitration in-house midday shift, the 1st U.S. Circuit employee]’s refusal to participate employee, and takes away from A pervasive issue in further discussions with Court of Appeals has ruled in a jurors a task they are well-suited with ‘litigationIn its 1989 decision Gauvin conduct’ v. Clark, the SJC had a Loss of overtime[the employer] no basis was not a good- for racial bias lawsuit split decision. to perform.” sound “policy rationale” for adopting the recklessness The defendant employer faith effort to participate in an By Brandon Gee Summary judgment The 30-page decision is Equal standard for injuries thather occurclaims during should competition, be determined ac- by argued that it complied with its interactive process.” was the result of race-based discrim Employment Opportunity Com- - knowledged plaintiffs’the attorney arbitrator. Christopher M. Reilly of grantedduty under the to Americans Amtrak with Judge William J. Kayatta Jr. mission v.ination Kohl’s or Department that the overtime distribuA - defendant corporation that JudgeBoston’s Kenneth Sloane W. & Salinger Walsh. Disabilities Act to engage in an dissented. Stores, Inc.tion plan was changed based onactively an litigated its former CEO’s disagreed.Quoting from the Illinois Byinteractive Thomas process E. Egan regarding “As best as I can tell, this is the Donnaillegal J. Brusoski discrimination of Virginia criterion, lawsuit nor for six months could not does [the plaintiff] refute Amtrak’sthen compel arbitration after its “The courtAppeals finds Court’s that Arcticdecision in reasonableA railroad accommodations, worker could not but sue first time that any circuit court argued on behalf of the EEOC. motion to dismiss was denied in Sand waivedNabozny any contractual v. Barnhill , counsel forthat racial that the discrimination employee refused based to on has held that an employer can Maine attorneyproffered Melinda reason J. that the overtime right to arbitrate Dr. Shalaby’s take part in that process. distribution scheme is intendedpart, to a Superior Court judge in the SJC wrote his claim that he received fewer op-reject an accommodation request Caterine represented the claims by deliberately waiting A 2-1 majority of the 1st Circuit ensure that overtime is distributedMassachusetts has found. that “[v]igor - portunities for overtime hours than backed up by a doctor’s note, employer. six months before seeking to ISTOCKPHOTO.COM The defendant, Arctic Sand ous and active someagreed. of his colleagues, a U.S. Dis refuse to offer an accommodation equitably,” Lisi wrote. - Technologies Inc., alleged a compel arbitration,participation and by actively in trict“The Court refusal judge to in give Rhode [the Island that collective it has determined bargaining it can agreement. Shift requestThe 22-page decision is Garmon litigating the case in Superior Court employee]’s specific requested contractual right to binding Continued on page 15 has held. make, falselyJudge Mary claim M. that Lisi any agreed. Pamelav. Manning, Amtrak. who suffers in the meantime,” the judge wrote. accommodation does not arbitration under its employment The defendant employer, Amtrak,accommodation “In sum, there must is be no offered evidence from to Type IThe diabetes, plaintiff was was represented by “It made no attempt to invoke necessarily amount to bad faith, agreement with plaintiff Nadia argued that its overtime schedule atto all workers whether disabled employedChristopher as a full-time J. Trombettaassociate of Mans - its alleged contractual right to so long as the employer makes - support [the plaintiff]’s contention Shalaby, and argued that any or not, and then declare the field, ContinuedMassachusetts. on page 10Defense coun tempts to ensure that OT is distrib - that his alleged decrease in oppor questions- about the arbitrability of in New - Continued on page 7 sel was Thomas J. McAndrew of uted equitably, in accordance with a tunities for selecting overtime slots Continued on page 15 England. BEIJING FRaNKFuRt MuNICH pRovIdENCE BostoN HoNG KoNG NEw YoRK sHaNGHaI BudapEst HoustoN paRIs sIlICoN vallEY dallas loNdoN pRaGuE waRsaw duBaI MIaMI pRINCEtoN wasHINGtoN, dC www.newenglandinhouse.com Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP weil.com Call Scott Ziegler 617-218-8211 for details.
40 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Boston | Boston College Law School Nancy S. Shilepsky
| C E Partner, Shilepsky, Hartley, Michon, Robb, Boston Boston University School of Law I C RC N LE LE of EXCEL
“The most important thing I have done professionally has been supporting other women in their careers and aspirations.”
It wasn’t Nancy S. Shilepsky’s idea to go to co-chair and still serves as a mentor. “This was a law school. “It was truly my mother’s dream,” concerted way to help the newer lawyers really she says. “I had no idea what I was getting blossom into leaders of our legal community,” into.” But Shilepsky’s career has turned out to she explains. be a dream come true not only for her moth- Shilepsky also co-founded and continues to er but for her clients and colleagues as well. co-coordinate with Anne Josephson the Amicus Her focus on employment began in the early Group, a loose coalition of civil rights and 1980s when she was hired to do piecework for community organizations that come together to an attorney in an employment discrimination sign onto amicus briefs regarding legal interests case. Her opposition to the motion for summary of shared concern in the employment arena. judgment won the day and she was hired to The organization grew out of her representa- help try the ensuing case. tion of the plaintiff in Stonehill College v. Massa- “I fell in love with the field,” Shilepsky says. chusetts Commission Against Discrimination. As She grew with the area of law as it exploded the case headed to the Supreme Judicial Court, over the last three decades, and today, her Shilepsky realized that the civil rights side of the practice focuses on executive employment bar lacked an organized, consistent means to and executive compensation — a coordinate amicus briefs. “fascinating” area of work. “When we speak in a concerted fashion, it The adage that Ginger Rogers has an impact,” she says. The SJC ruled in favor did everything Fred Astaire of Shilepsky’s client in 2004, “resulting in both a did — just backwards and in victory in the fight against racial discrimination heels — rings true in Shilepsky’s and in the protection of the police power of the career experience. While gender MCAD to eradicate discrimination,” she says. “I’m inequality has improved, “bias- very proud of what we achieved in that case.” es are not going away quickly Selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel or easily,” she notes. “The of America and a Fellow of the College of Labor bandwidth of acceptable and Employment Lawyers, Shilepsky has served behaviors for men in the on the MCAD Advisory Committee since 2008 workplace is much wider and has held leadership positions with the than that for women.” Boston Bar Association and the Massachusetts To further women in Bar Association. the profession, Shilepsky “More than anything else, the most import- was involved from ant thing I have done professionally has been the inception of the supporting other women in their careers and Women’s Bar Asso- aspirations, whether in the legal community ciation’s Leadership or women executives in my practice,” Shilepsky Initiative as the initial says. MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 41 Lisa A. Sinclair Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Northeastern University, Boston | Boston College Law School
Each day, Lisa A. Sinclair prepares university to best maximize positive results professionals at the university. herself to expect the unexpected. and ensure that all clients’ needs are being Sinclair continues to advocate for issues In her role as vice president and deputy proactively and timely met, Sinclair says. related to families and children, serving general counsel for Northeastern Univer- “I feel truly privileged to have been on the board of directors for the National sity, legal issues can run the gamut from able to effectively represent the interests Council for Adoption since 2013. She of Northeastern University for the last 17 “believes wholeheartedly” in the orga- “It’s challenging but a joy to years,” she says. “To feel that I have made a nization’s mission to find a nurturing, come to work each day.” positive contribution to the university and permanent home for every child. She furthered the mission — nothing is better and her husband have fostered children real estate to immigration to compliance than that.” on two occasions and adopted from or intellectual property on any given day. A social worker prior to law school, foster care. With the sheer number of individuals and Sinclair was interested in the law as a An active supporter of animal broad spectrum of interests ranging from means to influence legislation and policy welfare organizations, Sinclair and students to parents to faculty and staff, the affecting families and children, including her husband also provide long-time university “is like a large city, constantly education. Her social worker skills in guid- foster placement for Stray evolving and changing,” she says. “It’s ing, supporting and developing continue Pets in Need, hosting challenging but a joy to come to work to play an important role in Sinclair’s focus rescue cats and kittens each day.” on mentoring. In addition to providing two until they find a The biggest challenge: prioritizing the jobs for Northeastern law school co-op permanent home. work coming from all different areas of the students each quarter, she mentors young MLW Heather Egan Sussman Partner, Ropes & Gray, Boston | Boston College Law School
Calm in a storm. That’s Heather cyber context,” Sussman says. “Today, States and was abused by the father Egan Sussman’s role as chair of the I can say nobody died or was burned of her newborn child. Sussman helped privacy and data security group at over 80 percent of their body. Being the woman find a shelter and obtain a Ropes & Gray when clients call in a calm in the chaos helps me to handle green card. Today, her client works in panic about a data breach or govern- incidents in a way clients appreciate.” a women’s treatment center, helping ment investigation. Her ability to bring order to chaos others in need. Sussman has prepared well for the position, beginning her legal “Being calm in the chaos helps me to handle incidents in a way career in general civil litigation clients appreciate.” with an emphasis on employment law. During that time, she was a member of her firm’s OSHA ca- is particularly important in a rapidly Active in the Boston Bar Association tastrophe response group and evolving area of the law that features a and the International Association found herself in emergency patchwork of regulatory oversight. of Privacy Professionals, Sussman situations such as the scene “As data is proliferating, there is also pays it forward by mentoring of a sulfuric acid spill at a new technology every time you blink,” law students. client’s worksite and the she says. A college soccer player, Sussman bedside of an employee in Sussman also provides order to coaches her children for Newton Youth the hospital’s burn unit. clients of a different sort. Her pro Soccer and served on the board of City “I didn’t realize it at the bono efforts focus on women in Kick America Scores, an organization time but the skills I was need, including a young woman who that provides after-school soccer to developing then translate into the recently immigrated to the United inner city girls in Boston. MLW
42 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Andrea M. Teichman Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Benchmark Senior Living, Wellesley University of Chicago Law School
“Girls can do anything,” an eighth-grade feel like I’ve helped to grow the company Benchmark and proud of the company teacher once told Andrea M. Teichman. into what it is today,” she says. itself,” she says. “Not every day is per- The message stuck with her and opened During her eight years at Benchmark, fect, but I have so many moments where her mind to career possibilities, including she has guided the company through I say, ‘Gosh, I’m glad I was part of that.’” law school. major deals including a partnership with A member of the Assisted Living Although she loved her work at large Investor Health Care, the acquisition of Federation of America and The firms in Boston, after two decades Teich- Edgehill Continuing Care Retirement Boston Club, Teichman played a pivotal role in the creation “Not every day is perfect, but I have so many moments where I say, of the Benchmark One ‘Gosh, I’m glad I was part of that.’” Company Fund, a 501(c)(3) crisis fund for associates of man began to consider transitioning in- Community and a $35 million purchase the company. house. When she learned of an opening to of senior campus Commons in Lincoln out “For many of our work- be the first general counsel for Benchmark of bankruptcy. ers, if something serious Senior Living, she jumped at the chance. In addition to big deals, Teichman happens in their lives, they Outside counsel may provide expertise enjoys being a part of the forward-think- have no safety net,” she on one piece of a legal puzzle, but working ing senior team, co-chairing the company’s explains. “The fund has pro- in-house allows Teichman to be intimately quality assurance committee and handling vided hundreds of grants to involved in all facets of the company. the incentive compensation program to deserving associates and “Being here from day one with my name reward key associates. family members in times on the LLC formation document makes me “I’m proud of what I have done to help of need.” MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 43 Cynthia D. Vreeland
Partner, WilmerHale, Boston | University of Chicago Law School
“Part of the fun is taking something complicated and figuring out how to explain it to a jury.”
When Cynthia D. Vreeland moved to superconducting materials — keeps Vree- in Allston, as well as a group of disabled Boston in 1996 and began working for what land’s practice interesting. students and parents in a case against the was then Hale & Dorr (today known as “Part of the fun is taking something Richmond City Council and School Board WilmerHale), her first case involved patent complicated and figuring out how to explain that resulted in a five-year plan to remediate law. Since then, her practice has focused it to a jury,” she says. “I have to translate the structural defects in the schools to per- almost exclusively on patent and trade secret case into a story not just about the technol- mit access to persons with disabilities. litigation. She has an enviable trial record ogy but about the dispute between these She has also taken on multi- over the last 19 years: Of the 18 trials she has two companies.” ple cases involving individuals first or second chaired, Vreeland has won 15 Vreeland uses her extensive trial experi- trafficked into the United States, cases for her clients, and one settled midway ence to balance out her practice with some helping them seek compen- through trial. “very meaningful” pro bono cases. She has sation under the Trafficking “Having the opportunity to do a lot of represented Granada House, a group home Victims Protection Act. trials is my proudest professional achieve- for people in recovery from drug and alcohol “I’m so happy to be ment,” she says. abuse, in a case against the City of Boston able to work in this area Tackling the extremely technical nature of and the Zoning Board of Appeals, obtaining and help these amazing the issues involved in her cases — from LED a summary judgment decision confirming young women,” Vreeland chips to grape varieties to high-temperature Granada House’s right to locate its new home says. MLW Barbara Freedman Wand Partner, Day Pitney, Boston | Indiana University School of Law
Her title at Day Pitney may be “part- equally challenging and interesting inter- Wand regularly attends. ner,” but many of her clients consider personal family issues,” she says. “Estate Committed to her family, her work, Barbara Freedman Wand to be their planning is wonderful, because I get to and giving back to the community, Wand family’s general counsel. impact the community while in the practice bemoans the lack of hours in the day to get Having represented a number of law helping other people.” everything done. of families in her trust and estate Wand doesn’t just guide her clients “When I do something, I do it whole- practice over 25 years, Wand has in the selection of an established charity heartedly,” she says. worked with multiple generations to work with. In some instances, she That includes chairing the Professional helps them create a and established long-standing, Advisors Committee to deep relationships. new program. For one “When I do something, the Boston Foundation, “I’m proud that they think of me as client interested in helping being elected a fellow of trusted counsel for their family,” disadvantaged children I do it wholeheartedly.” the American College of she says. experience music, Wand Trust and Estate Counsel, and involvement Wand’s practice features established a joint undertaking between a an emphasis on philan- school system in Indiana and the Indiana with The Miriam Fund, an organization thropic planning. “My University School of Music, developing a run by Combined Jewish Philanthropies practice is a really good curriculum to teach violin to first-grade stu- that focuses on improving the lives of mix of challenging, dents while researching the impact of the women and girls both in Israel and the complicated financial program on the academic and behavioral Boston community. and tax planning on progress of the children involved. Each year, A collector of cookbooks, Wand used the one side, and the students step on stage at the university to be a member of the a capella group on the other side, to put on a “fabulous” performance that “Promissory Notes.” MLW
44 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Sara A. Wells
Partner, WilmerHale, Boston | University of Chicago Law School Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Boston | Boston University School of Law
By the second year of law school, Sara Her youth has sometimes been an as well as for educational purposes, A. Wells knew trust and estate law was her obstacle, she notes, since she finished bringing in speakers. The organi- future practice area. She enjoyed the class college in three years and went straight to zation has continued to grow and so much she began working as a research law school, graduating at age 23. today has more than 200 dues-pay- assistant for the professor and the rest “Proving yourself when you are ing members, with the board in the was history. relatively young can be a real challenge,” process of implementing a pro bono “What I love about my practice is that I she recalls. project to connect trust and estate have a lot of client interaction,” she says. Almost ten years ago, Wells saw a attorneys to local women with “Proving yourself when you are relatively young can be a real challenge.” terminal illnesses to assist with their estate planning needs. Wells strives to be an active Active in the Boston Bar Association as need for a new professional organization well as the Boston Estate Planning Coun- and the Trusts and Estates Consortium participant in her children’s lives cil, Wells was recently elected to serve was born. At the time, Wells had just and schools — no easy task on the Boston Foundation’s Professional moved to a big firm in Boston and was with five children age 10 and Alliance Network and selected as a fellow looking for contemporaries to ask ques- under — and just began her of the American College of Trust and tions and bounce ideas off. She reached second year as president of the Estate Counsel — the youngest fellow in out to associates at the other big firms in Parent Teacher Organization for the commonwealth. town and started meeting both socially their elementary school. MLW
Catherine A. White Of Counsel, Cetrulo, Boston | Northeastern University School of Law
Catherine A. White almost spent her assistant legal counsel to then-Governor decided to take matters into her own career as a high school English teacher. Michael Dukakis during his first term hands and stepped down before But after seven years of teaching and and later spent time in the Attorney reaching the mandatory retirement age. “a realization that the world was going General’s Office. She returned for a Now in private practice at Cetrulo, she on all around me,” she headed to law quick stint at a firm before applying to chairs the firm’s hiring committee and school to join that world. become a judge and being appointed to spends her time working with young More than 40 years later, White is the Superior Court. certain she made the right choice. During the swearing-in ceremony “I have been very happy as a “I have been very happy as a in May 1987, White recalls a member lawyer, as a judge and back to lawyer, as a judge and back of the Governor’s Council reminding being a lawyer.” to being a lawyer,” White her “Don’t ever forget you are a says. “I really couldn’t lawyer.” She took the words to heart, lawyers, offering them guidance on think of anything else I making an effort to remember the cases and projects. would rather do.” challenges of being a busy lawyer White was as active in the commu- White began juggling clients and cases, striving nity as her role as a judge allowed her her legal career in to treat the lawyers before her with to be, speaking at seminars, joining private practice respect and fairness. many Superior Court committees and before getting “Every day I would see good lawyers volunteering to judge at moot court involved in at work and be reminded of how diffi- competitions. She also spent many years politics. She cult it is to be a lawyer,” White says. involved with Northeastern University, served as After 19 years on the bench, White serving 20 years as a trustee. MLW
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW 45 Karen A. Whitley
Shareholder, Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green, Boston | Boston College Law School
Looking for work/life balance, Karen A. To advance women leaders in business, and Charlotte, N.C. as a five-time Whitley decided to focus her practice on she is active with The Boston Club, serving participant in the Avon Walk to End employment law. on several committees as well as the board Breast Cancer. During the first few years of her legal of directors, accepting the role of secretary “I am personally invested and career, her work in general business of the organization in June. Whitley very passionate about this cause,” litigation featured the experience of some organizes events for new members to the says Whitley, who adds that she is intense trials. She became concerned as club and acts as a resource and mentor to a she started her family looking forward to her sixth walk next how she could continue “I feel like I am really helping a lot of people.” April in Washington, D.C. to keep up such a Whitley is also an active alumna demanding pace. group of women leaders. of Wellesley College, serving as The answer: focus on employment law, She helps underprivileged adults obtain co-president of the Alumnae particularly with an emphasis on coun- new employment as a member of the of Boston group and sitting on seling and helping clients be proactive in advisory board of the YMCA of Greater Bos- the selection committee for order to avoid litigation, Whitley explains. ton’s Education & Training Branch, which the Alumnae Achievement “Plus, I feel like I am really helping a lot provides workforce development training Award (past honorees in- of people,” she adds. for unemployed adults. clude Hillary Clinton and In addition to receiving daily calls from “The organization is the best-kept different companies asking for guidance secret in Boston and really does some Madeline Albright), as on a range of employment issues, Whitley fantastic things,” she says. well as participating in includes several community activities in Whitley has raised more than $13,000 the Wellesley Lawyers her routine. and walked a total of 200 miles in Boston group. MLW Lisa M. Wilson Partner, Wilson, Marino & Bonnevie, Newton | Suffolk University Law School
The last two decades of Lisa M. same-sex relationships. the Massachusetts Bar Association. Wilson’s career have been a time of When the Supreme Judicial Court A former co-chair and board confusion and change — legally recognized same-sex marriage in Go- member of the Massachusetts LGBTQ speaking, that is. odridge in 2003, Wilson hailed the vic- Bar Association, Wilson shares her time With two other female lawyers, tory — and then tried to implement and abilities with the legal system as Wilson co-founded Wilson, Marino & the practical effects, particularly the part of the Attorneys Representing Bonnevie almost 20 years ago to focus untangling of same-sex relationships. Children Program in Norfolk County, on family law. “Family law is such a fascinating “It has been a fascinating time and I don’t think it’s over yet.” and dynamic area of the law,” she explains. “It has been a fascinating time and I where she acts as “the voice of the Wilson has a long history don’t think it’s over yet,” she says, even child” within the context of contested of representing members with the U.S. Supreme Court decisions divorce or custody proceedings. She of the LGBTQ community recognizing same-sex marriage on the also volunteers for the SERV Program, in the family law context federal level. providing conciliation services to and she recalls clients in A firm believer in the importance of Suffolk Probate Court, and regularly the 1990s struggling mentoring young lawyers, Wilson co- accepts pro bono cases from the Gay to cobble together chairs the Boston Bar Association’s Di- and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders various legal docu- vorce Fundamentals Program, teaching in the area of family law. ments like wills and new family law practitioners the nuts “I take enormous satisfaction in health care proxies and bolts of divorce practice, and has helping clients resolve their differences in an attempt to volunteered as a member of the Tiered and achieve their goals every day,” protect their Community Mentorship Program of Wilson says. MLW
46 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Shareholder, Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green, Boston | Boston College Law School thank
presented by: you! A special ‘Thank You’ to all of our event sponsors for their support and dedication to honoring women attorneys in the legal community.
Leadership spOnsOr
pLatinum spOnsOrs
MB J MORGAN, BROWN & JOY, LLP
GOLd spOnsOrs
siLver spOnsOrs suppOrtinG spOnsOr
WORLDWIDE
PMS 627 C Leadership Scholarship recipient Jessica T. Winn
Northeastern University School of Law
“I want to make a change and do work that can really impact people.”
Even before she entered law school, Jessica co-ops to provide her with a broad understand- T. Winn was acting as a leader and mentor to ing of the law, from the Elders and Persons with other women. Guided by female role models Disabilities Unit of the Suffolk County District growing up — her grandmother, great aunts, Attorney’s Office to the Insurance and Financial and mother, all of whom left Cuba to make Services Division of the Attorney General’s a new life in the United States — Winn Office to a clerkship with U.S. District Court combines her passion for social justice with the Judge Leo T. Sorokin. She is heading to Krokidas advancement of women. & Bluestein in the coming months. While at Boston College, she served as Even in her personal time, Winn focuses on a teaching assistant for English as a second women and social causes. At NUSL, she helped language classes at El Concilio Ecuménico de la revive the Law Students for Reproductive Comunidad de East Boston, an immigration ad- Justice, co-chairing the group for two notable vocacy organization. When she discovered that events: a panel discussion on the anniversary many of the women were victims of domestic of Roe v. Wade as well as a debate on the First violence, Winn spoke to the organization’s Amendment rights of businesses in the context leaders, who allocated time during the classes of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in to provide information about resources. Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. After college, Winn worked at the Women’s A member of the Latin American Law Bar Association and Women’s Bar Foundation Students Association and the WBA Law Student as a legal assistant. She conducted pre- Committee, she also served as the treasurer of liminary intake interviews for low-in- the Women’s Law Caucus. come women seeking legal services, Winn takes great pride in two other law often translating the intakes into school experiences: her volunteer efforts with English from Spanish. Promoted Raíces de Esperanza, or Roots of Hope, connect- to office manager, she worked ing American Cubans to Cubans and her work in on the WBA’s Women-Owned NUSL’s Domestic Violence Clinic. & Led Business Initiative. “I was able to assist several clients but I’m The mission of particularly proud of helping one client get the WBA and WBF public housing after living in a shelter for a year resonated with Winn with her young son,” she says. and she decided to The experiences have only solidified Winn’s turn her focus to social justice focus, although she feels pulled the law, selecting in different directions about her future practice Northeastern Uni- and is considering working for a government versity School of agency or a nonprofit supporting women and Law for its social justice minority-owned businesses. mission. Over the last “I want to make a change and do work that two years, she chose can really impact people,” she says. MLW
48 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s TOP WOMEN OF LAW Jessica T. Winn
®
B T S A R T A E S S S U O
H C
C I
A
A
T
S
I
S
O
A
N
M
1 9 1 1 WITH DEDICATION, EXCELLENCE AND INTEGRITY, YOU ARE LEADERS IN THE BOSTON LEGAL FIELD Congratulations to the 2015 Top Women of Law Honorees
COMMITTED TO YOUR CONTINUED SUCCESS You have made remarkable contributions to the legal field and have served as selfless role models in your communities. You’ve worked hard to get here, and we want you to know that our Law Firm Banking practice is ready to support you. Backed by more than 30 years of experience serving the Boston legal community, our team can provide financing solutions that meet your firm’s priorities and unique needs, and prepare your firm for continued future success.
CONTACT US Richard Dowd Lisa Murray Senior Vice President Senior Vice President 617.994.7105 617.725.5667 [email protected] [email protected] Michael Ouellet Senior Vice President 617.994.7065 [email protected]
©2015 Citizens Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Citizens Commercial Banking is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Member FDIC.