June 4, 2026 (Boston, MA) – Chambers USA, the prestigious legal industry ranking that highlights top lawyers and law firms across the United States, has recognized three of Conn Kavanaugh’s practices and three of its attorneys in its 2026 guide to the country’s leading law firms. Conn Kavanaugh expanded its rankings this year with two new practice area listings and two attorneys recognized for the first time. The rankings are based upon an in-depth research methodology involving detailed interviews and analysis of capabilities, achievement and sector presence.
“On behalf of the firm, I congratulate Jim Peloquin, Tom Gallitano, and Chris Sweeney for their recognition in Chambers USA this year. Known as the gold standard in the legal sector, a Chambers ranking acknowledges the positive impact these lawyers have on their clients’ business operations,” said Erin K. Higgins, Managing Partner of Conn Kavanaugh. “The firm is also honored to have three practice groups ranked in the Chambers USA Guide – Construction, Labor & Employment, and Litigation: General Commercial. I am extremely proud of the teams whose hard work and smart lawyering serves to advance our clients’ interests.”
The Conn Kavanaugh attorneys ranked in Chambers USA 2026 include:
James B. “Jim” Peloquin: Construction – Massachusetts, Band 3
Recognized in Band 3 of the Construction – Massachusetts category for the second year, Peloquin leads the firm’s Construction and Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Groups. This year, Chambers researchers quoted market sources who said that “James is a seasoned lawyer who has breadth and depth” and “James’s knowledge of the construction industry is impeccable.”
With more than 40 years of experience, Peloquin handles complex construction disputes, business disputes, torts, and professional liability matters, and serves as a neutral mediator and arbitrator in the construction and commercial litigation space. He often serves as special counsel to towns, cities, and state agencies, preparing bid and contract documents for substantial public construction projects, and handling diverse public construction claims.
Active in the Boston Bar Association’s Civil Litigation Section, the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Civil Litigation and Public Construction Law Section, Peloquin is also a member of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. Since 2018, he has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® and was recognized as 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” in Construction, Boston. Since 2004, he has been recognized by Massachusetts Super Lawyers, including receiving “Top 100” in Construction Litigation for three of those years.
Christopher K. Sweeney: Construction – Massachusetts, Up and Coming
Recognized in the Construction – Massachusetts category for the first time, Sweeney is a partner and co-chair of the Firm’s Construction Practice Group. Chambers researchers quoted market sources who said that “Christopher provides us with expert and knowledgeable service in a timely manner” and “Christopher excels in his expertise and his ability to talk on a technical level.”
Sweeney represents engineers, architects, owners, general contractors, and subcontractors in construction defect and personal injury cases. He also advises owners and property managers in commercial real estate disputes and defends professionals accused of malpractice. While his first instinct is to fight hard for the client, Sweeney understands the value of a dollar and seeks opportunities to resolve matters quickly and efficiently.
His blue-collar work ethic, instilled by his grandfather, drives his tenacity and determination in tackling legal challenges. Sweeney has been selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Star list from 2015 to 2024, a designation awarded based on peer recognition and professional achievement. He is a steering committee member for the Defense Research Institute (DRI) Construction Law Committee.
Thomas J. Gallitano: Labor & Employment – Massachusetts, Band 5
Inaugurally recognized this year in the Labor & Employment – Massachusetts category, in Band 5, Gallitano is partner and civil trial lawyer with nearly 40 years of experience. Chambers researchers quoted market sources who said that “Tom stands out for his exceptional judgment, calm demeanor and practical approach to even the most complex employment matters.”
Gallitano represents employers in civil litigation, federal and state investigations, and compliance with workforce-related statutes and regulations. His deep understanding of employment law has enabled him to adeptly navigate clients through complex legal landscapes, often negotiating critical employment, separation, and equity agreements for executives across fields including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and banking.
The Conn Kavanaugh practice areas ranked in Chambers USA 2026 include:
Conn Kavanaugh’s Construction Practice Group: Construction – Massachusetts, Band 3
Conn Kavanaugh’s Construction Practice Group has been recognized by Chambers USA in both 2025 and 2026 in the Construction – Massachusetts category, and Chambers researchers quoted market sources who said:
- “With Conn Kavanaugh, all questions and issues are answered with meaningful responses.”
- “The firm is extremely experienced in the construction sector.”
- “The team is distinguished by the timeliness of its communications over extended matters.”
Conn Kavanaugh’s Construction practice group represents owners, design professionals, general contractors (GCs), project administrators, subcontractors, and suppliers, assisting clients in achieving successful project outcomes. The firm also has a niche practice as outside construction counsel to state agencies, school districts, and towns, where complexities around construction exceed their internal legal capabilities. These public entities trust the team’s depth of experience to negotiate, draft, and review documents and represent their interests in disputes.
Conn Kavanaugh holds a National Tier 1 ranking in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® in the area of Litigation – Construction, as well as Tier 1 Metropolitan rankings in Boston for Construction Law and Litigation – Construction.
Employment Litigation/Counseling Practice Group: Labor & Employment – Massachusetts, Band 5
Conn Kavanaugh’s Employment Litigation/Counseling Practice Group has been inaugurally recognized by Chambers USA 2026 in Band 5 of the Labor & Employment – Massachusetts category. Chambers researchers quoted market sources who said: “The firm is truly client-focused, bringing strong expertise, listening skills and practical advice.”
On the advisory side, the Employment Litigation/Counseling Practice Group guides clients on all aspects of employment risk and compliance, from drafting handbooks and establishing workplace policies to overseeing internal investigations and negotiating executive compensation and severance agreements.
At the same time, Conn Kavanaugh’s attorneys are trial-tested litigators who regularly handle matters principally for employers, in disputes involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation, wage and hour violations, and employment-related contract and tort claims.
The group’s client base spans small businesses to Fortune 500 companies in industries such as insurance, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, consumer products, construction, and professional services.
Business Litigation Practice Group: Litigation: General Commercial – Massachusetts, Band 5
Conn Kavanaugh’s Employment Litigation/Counseling Practice Group has been inaugurally recognized by Chambers USA 2026 in Band 5 of Litigation: General Commercial – Massachusetts, with Chambers researchers quoting market sources who said:
- “Conn Kavanaugh is highly regarded.”
- “The team is distinguished by its depth of experience in defending legal malpractice actions.”
- “Their willingness to try cases gives them and their clients a position of strength in litigation.”
- “The team’s biggest strength is the sheer quality of its lawyers. They are all exceptional.”
The group handles complex contract disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, unfair business and trade practice claims, trade secret claims, insurance coverage issues, and other business-related disputes. Extensive trial experience in state and federal courts and before arbitration panels enables attorneys to offer clients aggressive and efficient representation at a reasonable cost.
About Chambers
Recognition in Chambers USA is based on extensive research conducted by a dedicated team of independent researchers, providing impartial intelligence and insight to compile trusted and credible results. Chambers USA results are issued by Chambers and Partners. A description of the selection methodology for Chambers is available here.
About Conn Kavanaugh
Founded in 1988, Conn Kavanaugh is a mid-size Boston-based law firm with the sophistication and talent of a large firm but with the leanness and nimbleness of a smaller firm. Specializations include Business Litigation (defense), Construction, Employment, Technology & Outsourcing transactions, Professional & Product Liability, and Personal legal services. We operate on principles of respect for our clients, each other, and the integrity of the profession.
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