municipal

Town Counsel Services/Litigation/Real Estate/Land Use
I have represented cities and housing authorities  throughout Massachusetts. My municipal law practice reflects an effective problem-solving approach to advising and representing elected and appointed officials. I am experienced in assisting in the day-to-day decision making, planning and problem solving faced by mayors, licensing boards, commissioners and treasurers,  planning boards, police departments, boards of appeals, building inspectors, special permit granting authorities, historic district commissions, boards of assessors, conservation commissions, and local study committees.

I am known for my cost-effective work and aptitude for problem prevention. Municipal law services include:

• Town Counsel services
• Collective bargaining and labor relations
• Competitive bidding and procurement
• State ethics laws
• Civil rights
• Contracts
• Finance
• Taxation
• Litigation
• Land use, real estate, historic preservation, eminent domain
• Public liability
• Intergovernmental relations
• Legislation
• Environmental issues, waste disposal, wetland protection
• Zoning appeals
•  Subdivision appeala
•  Zoning enforcement actions
• Wetland appeals 
•  Boundary and quiet title disputes between property owners
• Health code enforcement

litigation

Civil
I offer the expertise and refined judgment of my trial experience in a full spectrum of legal matters, both in and out of the courtroom. I am keenly aware of both the benefits and the costs of taking disputes to court. I regularly argue and try cases to judges and juries in state and federal courts and administrative agencies at all levels, and have extensive experience in the use of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

I am committed to prudent, cost-effective and long-term case management. I therefore, evaluate individually the particular needs and situation of each client. I review with the client opportunities to achieve the most favorable outcome through the careful negotiation or mediation of a settlement. However, when litigation is the only option or the best course of action, I am known by clients, the opposition, and the courts for our innovative and aggressive advocacy.

My experience litigating and negotiating for clients in diverse areas including:

• Personal Injury
•  Tort law
• Premises liability
• Automobile Torts
• Employee relations, freeze-out, discrimination law
• Taxation
• Environmental law
• Municipal law
• Land use, subdivision control and real estate title disputes
• Personal injury
• Civil rights

labor & employment

Private & Public Sector
My  labor and employment law legal services to employers in the public sector including cities, authorities and schools.

My services include:

• Practice before the Joint Labor Management Committee, Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission, and the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission
• Counsel on employment discrimination matters, including practice before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
• Counsel on employee leave entitlements, including leave pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Small Necessities Leave Act
• Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements
• Arbitration of union contract disputes
• Defense of wrongful discharge suits, discrimination suits and claims for compensation
• Counsel and litigation regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Training for employers, supervisors, and employees regarding prevention of harassment and discrimination, handbook development, employee discipline, and accommodation issues
• Counsel regarding internal investigations

I bring to my representation a focus on preventive legal assistance, helping clients to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings by providing advice and training for key personnel.

Damages and Injury cases