Mike regularly defends attorneys and other professionals in malpractice actions and disciplinary proceedings. He also advises lawyers and law firms on risk management issues. His business litigation practice includes contract disputes, shareholder and partnership conflicts, and insurance coverage matters. He also has considerable experience litigating employment discrimination and retaliation claims, unfair competition disputes, and wage/hour matters.
Mike works with clients in a range of industries including insurance, education, real estate, and professional services. He has particular experience representing clients in the alcoholic beverages industry in franchise litigation, regulatory investigations, licensing, and distribution matters. No matter the industry, Mike enjoys serving as an advisor to his clients on a broad range of legal matters impacting their businesses.
An experienced courtroom advocate, Mike has successfully tried cases before judges and juries and has argued appeals before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He also appears regularly before state administrative agencies including the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
At Conn Kavanaugh, Mike is a member of the firm’s Management Committee and serves as the firm’s Risk Management Partner and General Counsel.
Mike is an active member of the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC). He is currently the Chair of the IADC’s Professional Liability Committee and also serves as the Co-Chair of the Ethics Section of the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts. He previously served as a hearing officer for the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. He speaks and writes regularly on legal topics, including on what lawsuit pleadings tell us about life in a rock band.
Outside of work, Mike is active in his community. He currently serves as the Chair of the City of Newton Zoning Board of Appeals and is a long-time member of the board. He is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Newton Cemetery & Arboretum. He enjoys spending time with his family, running, and playing guitar.
