Law Firm Updates for the Week of Nov 1

New developments are afoot, and lots of good news this week for many major law firms in Boston. Here’s the scoop.

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.

Beveridge & Diamond announced this week that they have achieved the Mansfield Rule Plus Certification. The certification awards law firms that consider considers women, LGBTQ+, minorities, and lawyers with disabilities for at least 30% of all significant leadership roles, lateral recruiting, and business development opportunities. The firm received the “plus” status signifying that B&D exceeded the 30% baseline certification requirement. Congratulations! 

Burns & Levinson LLP

Burns & Levinson LLP hosted its Fourth Annual State of the Cannabis Industry Conference on October 29 this past week. The firm held the conference virtually and focused on critical issues in the growing multi-billion dollar cannabis industry. 

Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP

Mr. Adam Bookbinder has joined Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP as its newest partner in the firm’s Government Enforcement and Compliance Group as a partner. Mr. Bookbinder is a veteran prosecutor with deep expertise in cyber security. He joins Choate after working in Holland & Knight’s Boston satellite office. We wish him the best of luck. Congratulations! 

Foley Hoag, LLP

Foley Hoag LLP, on behalf of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), secured a victory in obtaining a unanimous decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). The town of Sudbury, Massachusetts alleged that the MBTA violated the “prior public use” land use doctrine. The SJC rejected the town of Sudbury’s claim in a unanimous decision this week. In doing so, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) held that the prior public use doctrine – which requires legislative approval before public land can be divested for an inconsistent public use – is inapplicable when land owned by a public entity is conveyed to a private entity for a different use. Honorable mention goes to Jessica G. Kelly and Daniel C. Johnston, attorneys of Sherin Lodgen, of whom drafted influential amicus brief for use by the SJC in the case. Congratulations!

Nixon Peabody LLP

Thirteen (13) Nixon Peabody attorneys received the award of “Litigation Stars” in Benchmark Litigation’s 2021 guide. Benchmark Litigation recommends the firm in several key areas as a result of the firm’s ability to consistently handle high-stakes, complex cases across multiple jurisdictions. Benchmark Litigation recognized that the Nixon Peabody attorneys are well respected and recommended by their business and legal communities for their high-quality trial work and litigation coverage. Congratulations!

Pierce Atwood LLP

Pierce Atwood partner, Alex Mattera, was added to the 2020 Pro Bono Honor Roll by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. Alex’s practice focuses on all aspects of commercial bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation, insolvency, business reorganization, and creditor and debtor rights, and the firm is internationally and nationally recognized for its expertise. Congratulations! 

Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster

Boston-based law firm Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster announced this week that attorney Stacie A. Kosinski has been elected to join the Board of Directors for Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS).

GBLS is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to low-income individuals and families in the Greater Boston area. We wish her the best of luck. Congratulations! 

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Seyfarth Shaw LLP earned a “Highly Commended” award at the 2020 Chambers USA Diversity & Inclusion Awards this past week in recognition of the firm’s innovative programs for employee health and well-being. The firm is committed to having a concerted effort to improve the well-being of their staff. Congratulations!