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2022
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors Journalism Sponsor
Spirit of Excellence Sponsor
B2 • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022
CONGRATULATIONS!
Excellence in the Law Awards
Lisa M. Conserve
Offices in Milton, Bridgewater, Worcester, Providence, Fall River and New Bedford.
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022 • B3
Letter from the Table of Contents
Publisher UP & COMING EXCELLENCE IN PRO
Dear Readers –
LAWYERS BONO
We hope you enjoy
this special Excellence in Brian M. Alosco...................... 20
Mark A. Borenstein................. 4
the Law section, which
Mark C. Fleming..................... 22
recognizes a wide range of Lisa M. Conserve................... 4
accomplishments in the Doreen M. Rachal.................. 22
legal community. Vincent N. Depalo.................. 5
Our Up & Coming
Lawyers are the rising Caroline Dotolo....................... 5 EXCELLENCE IN
stars of the local
legal community — Robert J. Hartigan.................. 6
ADR
Massachusetts attorneys Erin J. McCoy Alarcon........... 25
who have been members Caitlin A. Hill............................ 7
of the bar for 10 years or less, but who have already Alexander D. Jones................ 25
Alison T. Holdway................... 8
distinguished themselves.
The honorees selected for Excellence in Pro Bono are role
models for the way they give back to the larger community.
Daniel M. Isaacs..................... 9 EXCELLENCE IN
In addition, we are honoring individuals who embody Louisa M. Kiu.......................... 9
LEGAL JOURNALISM
excellence in firm administration/operations, marketing
and paralegal work. Monica Kwok.......................... 10 Matt Stout............................... 26
Finally, this year’s honoree for Excellence in Legal
Journalism is Matt Stout of the Boston Globe. Matt was Jessica K. Lang...................... 10
selected by the Massachusetts Bar Association, one of the EXCELLENCE IN
sponsors for this event, and is also featured in this section. Jessica Lewis......................... 11
We will celebrate all of honorees at an in-person event
MARKETING
at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel in Boston on March Kevin K. Lownds.................... 12 Carolyn M. Manning............... 26
3, 2022.
The pages that follow offer some insights into the Elizabeth S. March................. 12
honorees who will be celebrated at that event. Please join
me in congratulating them. Melicia N. Lancee Morris....... 13 EXCELLENCE IN
PARALEGAL
Francis R. Mulé...................... 13
WORK
Courtney M. M. Person.......... 14
Jennifer E. Kobrenski............. 27
Spencer B. Ricks.................... 15 Katie Scotina.......................... 28
Susan A. Bocamazo, Esq.
Publisher, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Catherine M. Scott................. 16
Yael Shavit.............................. 17 EXCELLENCE IN FIRM
Jenny A. Shmuel.................... 17
ADMINISTRATION/
OPERATIONS
Lauren E. Sparks.................... 18
Lisa Baldridge......................... 29
Nicholas J. Stabile.................. 18
Jason M. Matthew................. 30
Rebecca M. Tunney............... 19 Kim McMahon........................ 30
Karen A. Zahka....................... 20 Judith R. Murray..................... 31
Profiles by Correy Stephenson
Publisher Adver tising Director Production Director
Susan A. Bocamazo, Esq. Scott Ziegler Bradley Redmond
Editor Sales Executives Production Supervisor
Henriette Campagne Elaine Fanning and Melanie Footer Ryan O’Shea
Special Sections Editor Events Manager Production Specialist
Matthew Yas Jill Wicht Anna Otto
Digital Editor Ad Designer
Matthew Cove Michael Ber tani
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Up & Coming
B4 • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022
Lawyers
MARK A. BORENSTEIN
Associate, Bowditch, Worcester
Western New England University School of Law, 2014
M
ark A. Borenstein represents individuals, companies and nonprofit organizations in
connection with the acquisition and sale of real estate, leasing and land use, develop-
ment and permitting. He concentrates his practice on real estate, corporate law, banking
and regulatory matters in his native Worcester, where he is extremely active in the community.
Q. What do you consider your biggest achievement as South America. After working for a summer in São
a lawyer to date? Paulo, Brazil, I realized that work was not for me.
A. Last year, I assisted a client with the permitting and Ultimately, I returned home to Worcester and began
licensing of a 100,000-square foot brewery, distillery my practice of real estate and land use law. I fell in love
and winery facility. The project required federal, state with the way I could help clients develop my communi-
and local licenses, and multiple phases of zoning ty and the surrounding towns and cities. I would have
approvals including the creation of a tourism overlay never guessed that during law school, but consider my-
district. The project will allow the client to further self very fortunate that I found my way to that practice.
expand its sales within the commonwealth and boost
economic development within the community. Q. What’s one thing about you that might
surprise people?
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve A. I have been incredibly fortunate to travel extensively
worked on so far? throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the
A. In 2021, I assisted a nonprofit organization obtain Americas. I’ve visited over 70 countries.
the necessary permitting for a 135,000-square foot
continuing care retirement community campus for Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
moderate-income individuals in my neighborhood of since you started practicing law?
Worcester. This project will allow for the redevelop-
ment of a vacant school and provide necessary dwelling
A. It’s called practicing law for a reason – you are
always learning and improving. Each transaction and
“I fell in love with the way I could help
units and services to a high-need population. matter allows you to sharpen your skills and makes you
a better professional.
clients develop my community and the
Q. What advice would you offer new law
school graduates? Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer? surrounding towns and cities.”
A. Keep an open mind to different practices of law. A. Empathy. You are a better advisor and advocate
When I was in law school, I was set on focusing my when you can put yourself in your client’s shoes and
practice on corporate law and M&A transactions in understand their feelings and needs. MLW
Member, Government Relations Committee and Executive Committee, Worcester County Bar Association; corporator and trustee, Worcester Historical Museum; officer and director, Squares Squared, Inc.; organizer, Worcester Jewish History Project; corporator,
Greater Worcester Community Foundation; officer and director, Latin American Health Alliance of Central Massachusetts, Inc.
LISA M. CONSERVE
Associate, Keches Law Group, Milton
Suffolk University Law School, 2015
A
personal injury and medical malpractice specialist, Lisa M. Conserve strives to advocate
for underserved communities and those who can’t advocate for themselves. She played a
substantial role in recently obtaining a $1.75 million dollar settlement in an employment
discrimination case in which her clients experienced racial and gender discrimination.
Q. What do you consider your biggest achievement as Haitian immigrant parents. This unique combination
a lawyer to date? of life experiences has made me a very compassionate
A. Being able to fight for the underdog and come out and understanding person who is comfortable in any
on top. setting with people from all different backgrounds.
These qualities have carried over into my legal career. I
Q. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve have compassion, understanding and extreme passion
made professionally? for the advocacy work I do and for my clients.
A. Turning down networking opportunities. Never turn
Q. How has the pandemic affected your life
down an opportunity to meet someone new, because
you never know what that could lead to in the future.
and career?
A. Although my job is to advocate for my clients, the
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job? pandemic taught me that self-care is just as important.
A. Personal injury and medical malpractice work can The pandemic forced everyone to make lifestyle
be mentally and emotionally draining. I deal with changes and forever changed the legal profession.
clients who have just experienced a traumatic injury or Remote work has allowed me to better balance my
unexpectedly lost a loved one at the hands of a medical
professional. It’s important to have compassion for my
health, family time and career.
Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
“A really good lawyer is very strategic,
clients and also practice self-care when needed.
Q. What’s one thing about you that might
A. A really good lawyer is very strategic, always well
prepared, thinks outside the box and never runs away
always well prepared, thinks outside
surprise people?
A. During my childhood, I did not have a support
from a challenge.
Q. As a lawyer, what you are most afraid of?
the box and never runs away from a
system of peers that I could relate to or who physically
looked like me. I grew up in a small town, outside of
A. My biggest fear is feeling like I didn’t do enough for
my client and knowing I could have done more to get a
challenge.”
Amish Country, in the suburbs of Pennsylvania with better result. MLW
Co-chair, Community Service Committee, Massachusetts Bar Association; member, Boston Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association, Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, American Association for Justice, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce,
Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association, Massachusetts Black Women’s Association, Brandeis University Alumni Association
Up & Coming
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022 • B5
Lawyers
VINCENT N. DEPALO
Partner, Smith Duggan, Boston
University of New Hampshire School of Law, 2012
A
practitioner in many areas of complex civil litigation, including toxic torts, environmental
claims and commercial disputes, Vincent N. DePalo recently secured a defense verdict for
his client in the first joint asbestos-tobacco trial in Massachusetts history.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve the advice his mother gave him: “Your reputation both
worked on so far? precedes you and proceeds you.” The legal community
A. I represented a doctor in a dispute with a health is not that big, and your reputation colors many of your
insurance company. The doctor worked in an un- interactions, both in litigation and social contexts.
der-served community treating patients with signifi-
cant quality-of-life diseases, most commonly diabetes. Q. What’s the toughest part of your job?
A health insurer attempted to claw back payment for A. Measuring my life in six-minute increments.
certain necessary treatments that the doctor performed Q. What’s one thing about you that might
over many years that had produced empirically proven surprise people?
positive results for her patients, even though the health A. My love for karaoke.
insurer never objected to such treatments in the past.
Coincidentally (or not), the health insurer changed its Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
policy after a corporate restructuring and a renewed, A. All of the best lawyers that I’ve ever met have an
corresponding focus on its profits. After substantial re- unyielding curiosity and inquisitiveness. The lawyers
sistance, we were able to depose a senior vice president I consider “good” are not afraid of new types of cases,
of the health insurer. I was able to confront the vice and they challenge themselves to learn different areas
president with the company’s policy reversal – which of the law or try new techniques to help their clients.
This continuing quest for knowledge separates the good
“While I value becoming an expert in an
was unsubstantiated by any peer-reviewed medical
journal – and uncover that my client was singled out
as a target. A week after the senior vice president’s
lawyers from the rest. area of the law, my goal is to be the best
Q. As a lawyer, what are you most afraid of?
deposition, the health insurer relented and ended up
paying my client.
A. I am most afraid of becoming boxed into a single trial lawyer I can – wherever that may
specialty. While I value becoming an expert in an area
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you of the law, my goal is to be the best trial lawyer I can – lead me.”
ever received? wherever that may lead me. I strive for a well-rounded
A. My mentor, Judge Dennis Curran, always told me experience through a diversity of case types. MLW
Member, Massachusetts Bar Association; fellow, MBA Leadership Academy, 2017-2018; member, Justinian Law Society; adjunct professor, Northeastern University School of Law
CAROLINE DOTOLO
Partner, WilmerHale, Boston
Boston University School of Law, 2012
R
ecently elevated to partner, Caroline Dotolo specializes in corporate and securities law,
including debt and equity financings, SEC and listing exchange compliance, governance,
and general corporate law. Active in her firm, Dotolo co-chaired the Summer Associate
Program and is a member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve has highlighted the importance of in-person
worked on so far? communication. Walking the halls to ask questions
A. The IPOs I’ve been a part of are particularly and what colleagues are up to, taking calls together in
rewarding because the client is trusting you to guide the same office and grabbing lunch or dinner together,
them through a transformative time in the company’s among other things, cannot be underestimated, and
history. Given the nature of the transaction, it is also a while working from home continues, it is important
time where you really learn so much about your client that we find ways to replicate that remotely.
(even if you’ve been representing them for years), as
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
well as the internal team you are working with.
since you started practicing law?
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you A. While clients come to us for our expertise and
ever received? knowledge of the law, they are also very much looking
A. We are in the client service business. This impacts for our judgment, and that is incredibly important to
our work in a number of ways, one of which is that we incorporate into the advice we provide and solutions
need to come to our clients with solutions – not just we propose.
problems – and often times, we also need to help our
Q. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
client (e.g., the general counsel at a company) serve
their internal clients (e.g., the rest of the leadership
A. I became a lawyer because I thought it would be
intellectually stimulating and I also like advocating for
“While clients come to us for our expertise
team and/or the board of directors).
Q. How has the pandemic affected your life
others. Perhaps more important, though, is why I am
still a lawyer at the same job, which is that I am learning
and knowledge of the law, they are also
and career?
A. Too many video calls, which are likely here to
something new every day and no day looks the same.
My clients are doing important work and I am able very much looking for our judgment.”
stay! More seriously, though, while we’ve individually to be a very small part of that, and I work with great
adapted to working from home, the pandemic colleagues at a world-class firm. MLW
Member, Women in Bio
Up & Coming
B6 • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022
Lawyers
ROBERT J. HARTIGAN
Associate, Mazow McCullough, Salem
Suffolk University Law School, 2015
A
first-generation high school, college and law school graduate, Robert J. Hartigan is pas-
sionate about fighting for injury victims. He is active in the Massachusetts Bar Associa-
tion, serving on multiple committees, and in the Essex County Bar Association, where he
sits on the board.
Q. What do you consider your biggest achievement as Q. How has the pandemic affected your life
a lawyer to date? and career?
A. Last year I defeated a motion for summary judgment A. The pandemic has certainly changed the day-to-day
in Superior Court. I consider it my biggest achievement practice of law. We rarely take in-person depositions
because the case involved an issue of first impression and the majority of court hearings are now virtual.
in Massachusetts. Although technology has brought more efficiency to
Q. What advice would you offer new law the practice of law, I miss being in the courtroom and
school graduates? trying cases. And I definitely miss being able to spend
A. Network! Definitely get involved with bar time with colleagues at networking events!
associations and build relationships with your peers. Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
It is extremely rewarding and the bar associations
since you started practicing law?
provide great opportunities for new lawyers. Over the
A. Don’t take on more than you can handle. If a case
past few years, both the MBA and Essex County Bar
Association have given me the opportunity to work is not in your area of specialty, it’s probably not worth
getting involved.
on some really special projects. Specifically, being a
member of the MBA Young Lawyers Division’s board Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer? “I decided to become a lawyer because
has been an incredibly rewarding experience because
I get to collaborate with a group of awesome and
successful colleagues.
A. A really good lawyer is compassionate, creative and
is able to think 10 steps ahead. I wanted to fight for people like my
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job?
A. Having to call a client with bad news or turning
Q. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
A. Before I was born, my mother was the victim of a mother who had been harmed and
drunk driver and suffered a severe and life-changing
down a case.
Q. What’s one thing about you that might
traumatic brain injury. I decided to become a lawyer
because I wanted to fight for people like my mother
needed someone in their corner to get
surprise people?
A. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years.
who had been harmed and needed someone in their
corner to get them justice. MLW
them justice.”
Co-chair, Suffolk Law GOLD Council; co-chair, MBA Young Lawyers Division Legislative Committee; fellow, MBA Leadership Academy; member, MBA Judicial Administration Council; member, MBA Law School committee; board member, Essex County Bar
Association; member, Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys; member, American Association for Justice
Robert J. Hartigan
Excellence in the Law
Honoree
Congratulations from your Team
at Mazow & McCullough, PC.
We are very proud of you!
Mazow & McCullough, PC
10 Derby Square
4th Floor
Salem, MA 01970
T: (978) 744-8000 | F: (978) 744-8012
www.HelpingInjured.com
Up & Coming
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022 • B7
Lawyers
CAITLIN A. HILL
Associate, Mintz, Boston
Villanova School of Law, 2012
C
aitlin A. Hill centers her practice on the representation of pharmaceutical and biotech com-
panies in national product liability cases, and defending companies against alleged violations
of the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute. She was part of the team that recently
obtained a complete dismissal of a $3 billion RICO case against Wynn Resorts.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve A. Not delegating earlier in my career. As a junior
worked on so far? associate, I often thought that I had to do everything
A. I am currently representing an asylum applicant on my own, but delegation is a key component to
through the PAIR (Political Asylum/Immigration a successful case team. Identifying team members’
Representation) Project, which provides free legal strengths and leveraging those skills not only ensures
services to asylum seekers and promotes the rights of the best work product for the client, but also fosters
detained immigrants. Although the case is still ongoing, collaboration and internal connections.
it has been an honor to work with the client to prepare
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
his application and represent him in this process, which is
fraught with complications, delays and frustrations. The
since you started practicing law?
A. Ask for help. I think that early in our careers, we are
client’s continued resilience in the face of these obstacles
afraid that asking for help may be seen as a weakness,
is inspiring. It has been an incredibly rewarding case.
but knowing when to seek an outside opinion or
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you guidance can be crucial. I am fortunate to work with
ever received? colleagues who are experts in their respective practice
A. Understand your client’s goals early. As litigators, areas, and they have always been happy to offer their
we have a wide range of tools in our kit, but the client’s expertise and experience, for which I am very grateful.
end goal should often dictate the tool we select. Some
cases call for more aggressive litigation strategies, while
Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer? “As litigators, we have a wide range of
others require a more delicate touch. Communicating
early with the client about the desired path forward will
A. Being a good listener. So much of the practice of
law is reactive, especially as a litigator. Depending on tools in our kit, but the client’s end goal
our practice area, we are required to react to clients,
ensure you are aligned on strategy and set the whole
team up for success. opposing counsel, the court, regulators, etc. Listening
closely and critically ensures that when we do respond,
should often dictate the tool we select.”
Q. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve we do so thoughtfully and in a way that will further our
made professionally? client’s end goal. MLW
Member, Boston Bar Association, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Program, JDRF
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Up & Coming
B8 • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022
Lawyers
ALISON T. HOLDWAY
Senior Associate, Greenberg Traurig, Boston
New York School of Law, 2014
A
lison T. Holdway represents clients in complex commercial litigation and appeals, as well
as white collar cases, including government investigations, state prosecutions and internal
investigations. A committed pro bono worker, she was the 2021 recipient of the Greenberg
Traurig Pro Bono Team of the Year Award.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve thinking about yet.
worked on so far? Q. What’s the toughest part of your job?
A. One of the most satisfying cases I worked on A. Juggling multiple, competing demands.
was an appeal in an eviction case. A colleague and I
represented a pro bono client who sought to intervene Q. What’s one thing about you that might
in an eviction case pending against her estranged, surprise people?
abusive husband and their children, so that she could A. I’m very squeamish! I work on cases involving
protect her and her children’s rights to their home. The difficult or graphic evidence – crime scene photos,
Housing Court denied her motion to intervene, and the autopsy photos, photos taken during surgeries, etc. –
Appeals Court affirmed. We sought further appellate and I’ve managed to handle it well. But outside of that
review from the Supreme Judicial Court, which the context, I’m quite squeamish.
court granted. After hearing arguments, the SJC ruled
in our favor and held that the client had a right under Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
the federal Violence Against Women Act to intervene since you started practicing law?
in the case to protect her and her children’s rights to
their home.
A. The importance of setting expectations and
boundaries. This is a demanding profession, and I’ve
“This is a demanding profession, and
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you
found that I am a better and happier lawyer (and
person) when I’m open about my workload and ability
I’ve found that I am a better and happier
ever received?
A. Ask questions. Big questions, small questions,
to take on additional projects or matters.
Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
lawyer (and person) when I’m open
questions that feel like dumb questions. It’s important
to gather information and learn as much as you can
about what you’re working on. Plus, often someone
A. Really good lawyers are excellent listeners, they
ask follow-up questions and when they learn new
about my workload and ability to take
else will have the same question, or yours will uncover
an issue that deserves attention but that no one was
information, they are open to considering whether it
changes their point of view. MLW
on additional projects or matters.”
Member, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Program; member, Law Firm Antiracism Alliance Policing Working Group and Women’s Initiative; member, Boston Bar Association and National Association of Women Lawyers
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Up & Coming
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022 • B9
Lawyers
DANIEL M. ISAACS
Senior Associate, Goodwin, Boston
Yale Law School, 2012
A
s a member of the Technology and Life Sciences Practice, Daniel M. Isaacs serves as
primary outside counsel for trailblazing and industry-leading technology companies in
various sectors, including cybersecurity, health tech and digital assets. A leader in the
cryptocurrency and digital asset sector, he developed “node transactions,” a novel method for
launching and growing networks that services both regulatory and business goals.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve opportunity to come up with solutions for novel
worked on so far? business and legal issues.
A. I really enjoy getting to work with founders and Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
investors throughout a business’s full life-cycle.
since you started practicing law?
Over the past couple years, I have had the honor to
A. I have grown to appreciate how valuable a robust
represent clients that I helped form years earlier in
pro bono practice can be, not just for one’s community,
their respective exits. These life-cycle exits have been
but for professional development as well. I currently
particularly fun.
serve on the Steering Committee of Goodwin’s
Q. What advice would you offer new law Neighborhood Business Initiative, a lawyer-led project
school graduates? providing pro bono business legal services to low-
A. Focus on what you find interesting, and always be income entrepreneurs in underserved neighborhoods
learning. My practice allows me to learn about the through direct representation, neighborhood-based
latest innovations in digital health, blockchain-based legal workshops, and clinics and partnerships with
technologies, cybersecurity, AI, clean energy and community-based organizations. As a junior lawyer, my
other cutting-edge technologies. I get to sit in board work with NBI not only introduced me to numerous
rooms with folks who are shaping the next generation inspiring entrepreneurs in the Greater Boston area,
of technology. I am a better – and happier – lawyer
because I find my work fascinating and meaningful.
but it also provided me with my first opportunity to
draft an asset purchase agreement, to counsel founders “I am a better – and happier – lawyer
through ownership and control decisions, and to guide
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job?
A. The toughest part of my job is also one of the most
a client in selecting the best way to raise capital. All of
these pro bono experiences laid the foundation for my
because I find the work fascinating and
exciting. My clients are at the forefront of innovation,
and this means that they often find themselves
current technology companies and pro bono practices. meaningful.”
trailblazing new types of business collaborations or Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
venturing into untrodden regulatory frameworks. A. A good business lawyer is able to appreciate her
The challenges inherent in this work afford me the client’s priorities and advocate effectively for them. MLW
Leader, Pro Bono Intake Committee, Neighborhood Business Initiative, Hiring Committee and Tech Associate Committee; contributor, Digital Currency & Blockchain Perspectives Blog, Founders’ Workbench
LOUISA M. KIU
Counsel, Sidley Austin, Boston
Fordham University School of Law, 2012
A
member of the Investment Funds Group, Louisa Kiu focuses on representing mutual
funds, private funds and their investment advisors. She is also a dedicated mentor of asso-
ciates, serving as associate deputy Boston chair of the firm’s Committee on Retention and
Promotion of Women.
Q. What do you consider your biggest achievement I enjoy the most: balancing the various demands of
as a lawyer to date? multiple clients on any given day. Every day is different
A. I am incredibly proud of the diverse practice that I and successfully navigating all the demands requires
have built in the investment funds space. Most investment collaboration, communication, planning and delegation.
funds attorneys specialize in one area of the industry, Q. What’s one thing about you that might
but I have been fortunate to serve as a trusted adviser to surprise people?
clients in both the registered and private funds arena. A. I hope to run an ultramarathon one day.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
worked on so far? A. In my practice area, the best lawyers successfully
A. The matters that bring me the most satisfaction are the navigate clients’ legal and commercial considerations,
ones that bring together experts across various practice approach each client interaction prepared but with an
areas in my firm. It is incredibly rewarding to be able open mind, and are strong managers who make sure that
to offer our clients expertise in different disciplines, each team member is engaged and empowered.
including some very niche and specialized areas, to help
Q. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
craft their products.
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you
A. Growing up as a first-generation Chinese American,
I helped my parents translate English to Chinese in their “The most challenging part is also
ever received? day-to-day lives, from sorting out bills to reviewing
A. As a junior attorney, treat your partners, counsel and contracts for their small takeout restaurant. I enjoyed
helping my family and spent a lot of time trying to
what I enjoy the most: balancing the
senior associates as if they were your clients. Having that
mindset helped me foster an entrepreneurial approach
to my practice and prepared me for effective engagement
understand complicated business terminology at a very
young age, which led me to law school. My practice as an
demands of multiple clients on any
with my clients.
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job?
investment funds attorney has been an extension of my
experience helping my parents, and I am deeply grateful
for the opportunity to work with clients to build their
given day.”
A. The most challenging part of my job is also what business and develop novel products. MLW
Member, Private Funds Committee, Boston Bar Association
Up & Coming
B10 • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022
Lawyers
MONICA KWOK
Associate, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Boston
Harvard Law School, 2018
M
onica Kwok represents private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies with
respect to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. She also has significant experience ad-
vising financial and strategic clients on complex cross-border matters, general corporate
matters and corporate governance issues.
Q. What advice would you offer new law Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
school graduates? since you started practicing law?
A. Be coachable. Any practicing attorney can attest to A. What I love most about practice is that it is just
the tremendous learning curve for new lawyers. Solicit that – practice. The issues and actors are constantly
feedback, take it to heart and use it as an opportunity evolving, and that gives way for rich opportunities
for growth. for a practitioner’s development. As lawyers, we
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job? should embrace our unique access to deals, clients
A. The toughest part of my job happens to be one of and other practitioners to enhance our substantive
the most rewarding aspects of it. I am so grateful to skills and expand our networks. It is also important to
have the opportunity to advise on high-profile complex prioritize cultivating skills outside of the boardroom
transactions that at times break records and make (virtual or not) and the law firm, because a key part
headlines. I take my position very seriously, and to of the job is being a business developer and a client
me, that goes hand-in-hand with how enjoyable it is. I relationship manager.
am the type of person who thrives with responsibility, Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
and nothing energizes me more than the challenge of A. First and foremost, there is no substitute for
driving an important deal to close.
Q. What’s one thing about you that might
continually focusing on doing excellent work for
clients. Other than that, I’d say being a well-rounded
“Engage effectively, roll with the punches
surprise people?
A. When I was in high school, I was a nationally
individual with a self-starter attitude. While it is
helpful to have expertise in a particular area of the and come up with creative solutions for
law, every matter is unique, so it is also important to
recognized speech and debate champion. My dream
career outside of being an attorney would be becoming be able to showcase flexibility for a broad range of clients.”
a talk show host or news correspondent. I treat success. Being able to engage effectively, roll with the
preparing for Zoom meetings as I would a special punches and come up with creative solutions for clients
appearance on Good Morning America! is tantamount to being an effective lawyer. MLW
Chair, University of Pennsylvania Asian Alumni Network, Boston chapter; mentorship circle leader, Asian Attorneys @ Weil; member, Harvard Alumni Association; member, Asian American Lawyers of Massachusetts;
member, Boston Bar Association; member, Women @ Weil
JESSICA K. LANG
Associate, Jackson Lewis, Boston
New England Law | Boston, 2014
A
s a member of the immigration team at Jackson Lewis, Jessica K. Lang counsels clients
ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-up businesses to facilitate their ability to
attract and retain top foreign talent. Over the last year, she has also worked to develop
guidance and updates related to the ever-evolving immigration rules, policies and regulations
issued in response to COVID-19.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve Q. How has the pandemic affected your life
worked on so far? and career?
A. The most rewarding cases I have worked on as an A. The pandemic has posed numerous challenges
immigration lawyer are those for individuals who have for foreign nationals in the U.S., as they have faced
come to the U.S. to pursue their passions and contribute travel and border restrictions, reductions in staff, and
to society in meaningful ways, such as internationally closures of immigration agencies and consulates abroad
renowned researchers and professors, international resulting in significant delays, remote-working hurdles
(requiring urgent amended visa applications), labor
transferees looking to establish and expand their
issues and reductions in force, and in general, an overall
businesses, and top talent in tech/life sciences/
sense of uncertainty being in a country that is not yet
healthcare, etc., pushing boundaries and disrupting their own.
the status quo. Helping corporate clients navigate the
complex immigration system and creating pathways Q. As a lawyer, what are you most afraid of?
for their future in the U.S. is incredibly satisfying, but I A. Fear of a case denial keeps me up at night; the idea
also relish the opportunity to work on pro bono matters that a misstep could impact an individual or their
for clients whose journeys to the U.S. have been much family’s livelihood or life as they know it in the U.S.
different – many are from poverty-stricken or war-torn
is a major incentive to remain vigilant, stay abreast
of the ever-evolving immigration laws, and consult
“I enjoy the opportunity to think
countries – in the hopes that we can be a beacon of
light and smooth the road ahead.
with colleagues and senior partners to ensure you are
providing clear guidance. through everyday hurdles that clients
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you
ever received?
Q. Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
A. To solve problems. I really enjoy the opportunity to
face, and develop creative strategies so
A. Ask questions! There is relief in the realization that
no one has all of the answers, and that no one expects
think through everyday hurdles that clients face and
develop creative strategies and solutions to remove they can focus on the big picture.”
you to have all of the answers. barriers so they can focus on the big picture. MLW
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Massachusetts RMV Committee; member, Women’s Bar Association Communications Committee; member, Victim Rights Law Center Young Leadership Council; member, Shining Star Gala CommitteeUp & Coming
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022 • B11
Lawyers
JESSICA LEWIS
Staff Attorney, ACLU of Massachusetts, Boston
Harvard Law School, 2017
I
n just a short time at the ACLU, Jessica Lewis has spearheaded the relaunch of Living While
Black, a program to develop recommendations for policing reform on college and university
campuses. She is highly engaged in advocacy efforts, including the publication of Know Your
Rights materials, and has co-authored several amicus briefs filed before the Supreme Judi-
cial Court.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve A. Working in public interest means that you are
worked on so far? working with some of the most vulnerable people in
A. That would probably be the amici brief submitted our society or that you’re working on an area of law
by the ACLU of Massachusetts and Massachusetts that impacts people’s basic civil rights and liberties. The
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in In the outcome of the case can be immensely rewarding or
Matter of a Grand Jury Investigation. A district attorney immensely devastating.
asked the court to decide whether it was permitted to Q. What’s one thing about you that might
release grand jury testimony by officers in which those
surprise people?
officers admitted to filing false reports to conceal a
A. I think winter is the best part of the year, and
fellow officer’s unlawful use of force. In its decision, the
that’s one thing that drew me to New England from
SJC made clear that under the state rules of criminal
the South.
procedures, DAs are to turn over all evidence that
might be exculpatory without heed to the “materiality” Q. What the most important thing you’ve learned since
standard imposed in Brady v. Maryland. The SJC you started practicing law?
recognized that the materiality standard is necessarily A. That there is no universality in experience. People
a post-conviction standard that cannot be adequately have their own truth; your job is to listen and help them
applied pre-trial as it looks backwards in time at the assert it.
withheld evidence’s effect on the trial. The case was a
wonderful re-articulation of the law, and we have seen
many DAs revise their policies in light of the ruling.
Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
A. A willingness to continue to learn and be wrong. “People have their own truth; your job
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you
ever received?
Q. As a lawyer, what are you most afraid of?
A. I would be afraid of working on a case in, or
is to listen and help them assert it.”
advocating a position for, which the unintended
A. Make sure you at least have a hobby, so that there’s a
consequences are absolutely catastrophic or devastating.
clear break between your life and your work.
I think that’s why as lawyers, we take care to try to
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job? understand both sides of an argument. MLW
Member, Black Lawyers Association and Women’s Bar Association
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B12 • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022
Lawyers
KEVIN K. LOWNDS
Deputy Chief, Medicaid Fraud Division, Office of the Attorney General, Boston
Georgetown University Law Center, 2012
K
evin K. Lownds has led several of the Office of the Attorney General’s largest investigations
and litigations as deputy chief of the Medicaid Fraud Division, including the first indict-
ments related to the COVID-19 outbreak at long-term care facilities, and the largest national
settlement involving private equity liability under the False Claims Act..
Q. What do you consider your biggest achievement as the disproportionate impact suffered by communities
a lawyer to date? of color throughout the last two years. Programs like
A. As I’ve moved into a management role at the AG’s Medicaid that serve communities of color are more
Office, I’ve had the opportunity to supervise and important than ever. As we go after fraud and abuse
mentor junior AAsG, some of whom are recent law within the Medicaid system, we are even more mindful
school graduates. Helping other AAsG develop skills of the importance of ensuring access to care within
over time has helped me grow, too. It’s been the best the program. That is why our office has increasingly
professional experience to help newer lawyers find focused not just on recovering dollars for the program,
their stride. but bringing providers that broke the rules into
compliance going forward to ensure that Medicaid
Q. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve providers are delivering high-quality services to
made professionally? their patients.
A. When I worked at WilmerHale in Washington, D.C., Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
I was colleagues with a lot of incredibly talented people.
since you started practicing law?
But I didn’t work with that many of them. Even though A. Your abilities as a lawyer are not measured by your
I was at the firm for five years, I mostly worked with win/loss record.
a few select partners (whom I loved, and from whom
I learned a great deal). I believe it’s critical that young Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
A. I think the two traits that are most underrated when
lawyers, especially young lawyers at large law firms,
get to experience a variety of different lawyering styles, it comes to being a lawyer in 2022 are organization
and responsiveness. All of us are constantly
“Your abilities as a lawyer are not
because you learn which approaches work for you and
which don’t. I didn’t do that very well. bombarded with emails, alerts, new tasks and changing
priorities. Of course lawyers need to be savvy and
measured by your win/loss record.”
Q. How has the pandemic affected your life have good judgment, but if you can stay organized,
and career? respond to emails and calls in a timely manner, and
A. I think the pandemic has exposed the glaring keep your to-do list moving and up to date, you really
inequities within our health care system, as we’ve seen are winning half the battle. MLW
Co-chair, Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School Governing Board; lecturer, Boston University School of Law L.L.M. program
ELIZABETH S. MARCH
Associate, Wilson, Marino & Bonnevie, Newton
Northeastern University School of Law, 2013
E
lizabeth S. March’s practice encompasses all areas of family law, including representation
of non-traditional families of all shapes and sizes, with a niche practice area working with
parents of transgender or gender non-conforming youth. She recently helped to secure pa-
rental rights via a three-parent adoption, believed to be the first time a birth certificate was issued
to three parents in Massachusetts.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve and balancing caring and advocating for clients while
worked on so far? not taking that mental and emotional load personally.
A. Working in family law means that even though the Q. What’s one thing about you that might
issues can be really tough and emotionally draining, surprise people?
almost every case provides a satisfying resolution in A. I have a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu
the end, because it is a honor to help people through in London.
a really tough time and see them have hope or at least
closure and a fresh start on the other side. Personally, Q. How has the pandemic affected your life
I really find the family-formation matters to be very and career?
meaningful where we formalize and protect legal A. The pandemic has been extremely challenging
family relationships (co-parent adoptions, surrogacy/ personally. In March 2020 I was newly pregnant with
parentage orders). my third child, and when we went into lockdown I
had two little ones at home. It was basically impossible
Q. What’s the best piece of professional advice you to work and care for the children at the same time,
ever received? while also trying to do basic things like keep us fed
A. A really great piece of advice I received was that as and supplied with toilet paper. The stress of trying
family law attorneys, we should always come to the to work and properly represent clients under those
table armed with a calculator and some empathy, which circumstances was enormous, but I was lucky to
I think really sums up our job. have an extremely supportive and caring firm who
understood and allowed me to hang in there.
“As family law attorneys, we should
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job?
A. The hardest part of my job is probably dealing with Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer? always come to the table armed with a
the challenging emotions our clients are dealing with, A. A really good listener. MLW
calculator and empathy.”
Member, Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, RESOLVE New England; Volunteer Attorney Representing Children; member, Economic Vitality Committee, Jamaica Plain South Centre Main StreetsUp & Coming
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly • February 28, 2022 • B13
Lawyers
MELICIA N. LANCEE MORRIS
Associate, Ropes & Gray, Boston
Cornell Law School, 2016
A
s counsel to private equity funds, investment managers, fund sponsors and banking institu-
tions, Melicia N. Lancee Morris helps clients form and market funds investing in unique pri-
vate equity opportunities across both public and private sectors. A 2021 Pathfinder Fellow of
the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, she has also facilitated a series of successful fund launch-
es that have translated to ensuring the safety of investors and consumers in the private market.
Q. What do you consider your biggest achievement as counselor. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
a lawyer to date? Remember that every lawyer was once in your shoes.
A. My biggest achievement has been my involvement Q. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve
in various community engagement and pro bono made professionally?
projects at the firm. Specifically, for the past four years, A. Over-committing to projects was something I
I have served as the lead liaison for the Ropes & Gray struggled with early in my career. I would take on lots
volunteer group for BizGrow, a free conference that of assignments with conflicting timelines, which would
offers hundreds of underrepresented, woman and make it very difficult to devote the proper time and
immigrant-owned small businesses one-on-one legal attention to any one project. I now have a better sense
consultation and technical workshops on topics from of my work capacity, so I am able to dedicate more
entity formation to leases and contracts. energy to each of my projects and provide thoughtful
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve advice without stretching myself too thin.
worked on so far? Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
A. Most recently, I executed a fund formation in my A. A really good lawyer is someone that is curious
role as counsel to one of our clients, primarily focused and eager to learn, thoughtful in advising, and
on investments in private companies and other private compassionate in interacting with colleagues
funds led by underrepresented and Black founders.
Q. What advice would you offer new law
and clients.
Q. As a lawyer, what are you most afraid of?
“Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
school graduates?
A. Treat every day on the job as an extension of your
A. Encountering new and difficult client issues
is sometimes scary, but I always try to turn these
Remember that every lawyer was once
law school training. Each day is a learning opportunity
that will eventually make you a stronger advocate and
occasions into learning opportunities to add to my
knowledge and experience base. MLW in your shoes.”
Member, Boston Bar Association, section leader, Ropes & Gray Multicultural Forum; member, Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association, Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys, Cornell Law School Black Alumni Network
FRANCIS R. MULÉ
Associate, Samuel, Sayward & Baler, Dedham
Northeastern University School of Law, 2013
F
rancis R. Mulé concentrates his practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration
and elder law, and has substantial experience in advising clients regarding long-term care
planning and assisting clients through the MassHealth application process. He is heavily
involved with the Massachusetts Bar Association, for which he serves as board chair-elect of the
Young Lawyers Division.
Q. What’s the most satisfying case or matter you’ve clients to determine and memorialize their wishes in
worked on so far? a variety of grim scenarios (“What would you want
A. I have worked on a number of complex estate plans to happen if you and all of your loved ones all die at
for clients with unique situations and desires, and it is the same time?” is not a question most people like to
always very intellectually satisfying to be able to come think about), and being able to do so consistently in a
up with a truly customized plan that accomplishes their compassionate, thoughtful and effective manner can be
goals. I like to think of it as doing a puzzle in reverse: very challenging, but is an essential part of what I do.
the final picture is there, but the trick is in crafting the
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
individual pieces that make up that picture.
since you started practicing law?
That said, when I think about the cases that have A. It is always important to acknowledge clients’ pain,
been truly satisfying to me on a personal level, I anger, frustration, etc., even if there is not much you
tend to think about the cases where I’ve assisted can offer in the way of a solution or you may think the
family members with getting a loved one admitted client’s feelings are unwarranted or misplaced.
to a nursing home and qualified for long-term
care benefits through Medicaid. Being able to Q. What makes someone a really good lawyer?
shoulder some of that burden on their behalf is
incredibly rewarding.
A. Being able to communicate complex issues clearly,
effectively, compassionately and without condescension
“If my clients don’t trust or have confidence
Q. What’s the toughest part of your job?
A. Estate planning is, at its core, about preparing
to clients who are likely encountering them for the
first time. in me and my abilities, I can’t do my job
for the eventuality of death and the possibility of
debilitating illness or injury, both of which are topics
Q. As a lawyer, what are you most afraid of?
A. Losing a client’s confidence and/or trust. If my
effectively.”
most people try to avoid thinking about on a day-to- clients don’t trust or have confidence in me and my
day basis. My job as an estate planner is to work with abilities, I can’t do my job effectively. MLW
Co-chair, Education Committee, MBA Young Lawyers Division; member, MBA Probate Section Council, fellow, Massachusetts Bar Foundation; fellow, MBA Leadership Academy; member, Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Bar AssociationYou can also read
