Best Civil Lawyer in Massachusetts
Elizabeth L. Farley
Civil Lawyer
Liz grew up in Albany, New York, and moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 2017 to attend American University Washington College of Law. During law school, she interned at the American Diabetes Association, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, and was a student attorney in the Women and the Law Clinic at American University. After law school, Liz clerked for the Honorable Robert A. Greenberg in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Liz joined the firm’s litigation practice group in 2021. She is a member of the Montgomery County Bar Association and Montgomery County Inns of Court. In her free time, Liz enjoys working out, tennis, and playing with her dachshund.
Education:
- B.A., State University of New York at Geneseo (2017)
- J.D., American University Washington College of Law (2020), cum laude
William Thrush
Civil Lawyer
Bill Thrush is a shareholder and the Managing Partner of Friedman, Framme & Thrush. Bill is an experienced trial attorney and has tried cases at all levels of court throughout the state of Maryland, as well as the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bill’s practice is currently focused on Banking and Commercial Finance, Commercial Loan Workout, Creditor’s Rights, and Corporate General Counsel Portfolio Management. In addition to his current practice focus, Bill has substantial experience in Contract Law, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Family Law, and General Litigation. In his spare time, Bill enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, coaching youth lacrosse, scuba diving, and playing guitar.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Automobile Accidents
Banking
Business
Civil Litigation
Contract
Foreclosures
General Law
Personal Injury
Product Liability
Real Estate
Wrongful Death
Automobile Accidents
Banking
Business
Civil Litigation
Contract
Foreclosures
General Law
Personal Injury
Real Estate
Wrongful Death
Product Liability
PATRICK T. HAND
Civil Lawyer
Patrick Thomas Hand is a third-generation lawyer who has practiced since 1984, Mr. Hand has made his mark as a trial lawyer, as a fiduciary, and as an appellate advocate. In testament to his skill and adherence to the highest ethical standards, Mr. Hand is rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating, Moreover, he is included in “Super Lawyers” for the District of Columbia. Today, Mr. Hand provides legal services in Orange, Virginia and surrounding counties, and throughout the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. He also is available nationwide to serve as a private trustee to assist families in assuring the continuing care for loved ones who have challenges.
PRACTICE AREAS
Mr. Hand is a general practitioner who is highly experienced in Estates and Trust, Criminal Law, and Civil Litigation. As an Estates and Trusts attorney, he drafts Wills and other estate planning documents, assists Clients in opening and administering the estates of loved ones who have passed away, prosecutes and defends Will Contests, and manages trusts. Mr. Hand is an accomplished Mental Health lawyer, representing individuals who are the subject of civil commitment proceedings, as well as the families of mentally ill persons who are in need of involuntary treatment. Mr. Hand is an experienced and successful litigator who has won jury trials in all four divisions of the District of Columbia Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, Probate, and Family. He is a skilled appellate advocate who has argued before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals more than 25 times.
Anthony K. O'Connor
Civil Lawyer
Anthony is a Civil Litigation Attorney at Altman & Altman, LLP. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Emmanuel College in Boston with a concentration in Latin American History, and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University School of Law. Anthony began his career at Altman & Altman as a Summer Associate before coming on as a full-time attorney in November of 2014.
Anthony’s practice focuses on the handling of civil matters. He has a wide range of experience handling civil litigation matters including automobile accidents, MBTA accidents, slip and fall accidents, premises liability, and work injuries. Anthony is available around the clock and is always ready to answer questions from clients.
After years of working in and around the Fenway Park area, Anthony prides himself on his friendly demeanor and strong client relationships, striving to bring a personal touch to all of his cases.
Aside from being the office trivia champion, Anthony spends his free time cooking, traveling, and watching any and all Boston sporting events, much to the chagrin of his fiancé.
J.D., Suffolk University School of Law, 2012
B.A., Emmanuel College, 2006Major: History
Benjamin M. Flam
Civil Lawyer
Ben is one of the leading employment lawyers in Massachusetts with broad experience in domestic and international law and policy. Ben litigates before state and federal trial and appellate courts and administrative agencies, focusing on civil rights and a comprehensive range of employment law matters in the private workforce and for employees in state and federal government.
A substantial part of his practice focuses on executive advocacy. Ben is highly esteemed by peers and opposing counsel for his creative approach to resolving disputes while positioning his clients for their best outcomes. He solves today’s problems with an eye towards the future. Whether out front or behind the scenes, Ben negotiates employment agreements, deferred compensation agreements, equity grants/redemption agreements, non-solicitation/non-competition agreements, severance agreements, and corporate governance and merger/acquisition documents.
Ben also has a focused practice representing federal employees and contractors in security clearance matters, as well as other national security cases and concerns. His clients include a broad array of private employees, contractors, as well as special agents and investigative staff with federal agencies including: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the Office of Personnel Management (“OPM”), and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).
In addition to serving as Vice Chair of the Legislative Committee for the Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association and as a member of its MCAD/EEOC Committee, Ben was appointed by the MCAD Chairwoman to the Massachusetts Fair Housing Coalition (which works with the Massachusetts housing community, the MCAD, HUD, and the Civil Rights Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to promulgate effective housing discrimination regulations and guidelines, as well as MCAD training programs for landlords, and public housing and Section 8 housing providers throughout the Commonwealth).
Karina T. Krikorian
Civil Lawyer
As an Associate Attorney with the firm, Karina T. Krikorian concentrates her practice in the areas of residential and commercial real estate transactions representing buyers, sellers, investors, developers, and lenders. She has extensive experience in contract negotiation, lending, curing title issues and defects, settlement, and the closing process. Prior to joining Scafidi Juliano, Karina worked at two boutique law firms in Boston and Lexington, MA.
With almost ten years of experience, Karina prides herself on her attention to detail and accessibility to her clients in order to help them navigate one of the most important, exciting, and stressful financial transactions of their lives. She stays current on the latest developments in the world of real estate in order to provide her clients with the best representation possible.
Karina is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, is a licensed Massachusetts broker, and a Massachusetts Notary Public. She is an active member in Business Networking International (BNI), where she holds the real estate attorney seat for her chapter. She is also very active in the Armenian community in the Greater Boston area.
Karina grew up in Belmont, MA and is fluent in Armenian. She currently resides in Woburn, MA with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Mango. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, walking her dog, reading, and exercising.
Matthew M. Foti
Civil Lawyer
Matthew M. Foti is the principal attorney at Foti Law. Attorney Foti is a civil and criminal litigator who focuses his practice on personal injury. Matt has recovered millions of dollars for people injured in cases ranging from simple negligence to the most sophisticated and complex liability cases. Matt grew up in Malden and attending Malden Catholic (class of 2007). While living in Malden he played many sports including football, baseball, and lacrosse.
Matt is available 24 hours a day for his clients. He started his firm with the core principle of treating all clients as if they were family members. Every case and every client are treated with the outmost care and respect.
Matt received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Massachusetts in 2011 and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 2016. Matt is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Bar Association, Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, and the Free Masons.
Away from the office, Matt spends time with his wife and daughter. He is a die-hard Boston sports fan who prides himself on his knowledge of fantasy football.
Adam D. Schmaelzle
Civil Lawyer
Attorney Adam D. Schmaelzle received his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. In pursuit of that degree, he set out to expand his knowledge of Juvenile Law and Children and Families Law at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in Boston, MA, and the Department of Children and Families Law Department in Arlington, MA. He also developed a greater understanding of Adult Criminal Law during his time clerking for a well respected criminal defense attorney in Boston, MA.
Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management, Attorney Schmaelzle set up several corporations and company start-ups while attending law school in Boston. During that time he focused heavily on the legal aspects of the First and Fourteenth Amendments, outdoor advertising, billboard regulation, and private livery transportation for hire.
After passing the bar exam on his first attempt, Attorney Schmaelzle started his law practice in 2013, taking on a wide-range of legal matters in different areas of the law. During the firm’s inception, Attorney Schmaelzle handled various matters as an independent contractor for a highly regarded family law firm in Lexington, MA.
Today, Attorney Schmaelzle represents a wide-range of clients in criminal defense matters, personal injury matters, business related matters, landlord-tenant disputes and family law related matters. He also serves as a bar advocate in Worcester County Massachusetts, helping to protect and preserve the rights of indigent clients. In his spare time he enjoys working on cars and spending time with his dog Elwood
The Bay State’s Champion: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, known for its revolutionary spirit, demands the same strength when facing civil legal challenges. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in Massachusetts is crucial for maximizing your chances of success:
1. Mastering Massachusetts’ Civil Law Labyrinth:
Civil law intricacies can be daunting. A skilled lawyer is your guide:
- Deep Understanding of Massachusetts Law: Their in-depth knowledge of Massachusetts’ legal framework (including statutes and court precedents) ensures they effectively navigate your case, whether it’s a contract dispute, property issue, personal injury claim, or more. (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws)
2. Your Advocate in Massachusetts’ Legal Arena:
Your voice matters:
- Strong Legal Representation: A skilled lawyer is your champion, fiercely defending your rights and interests throughout negotiations, mediation, or courtroom proceedings. They will use their legal expertise to present a compelling case that maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome.
3. Demystifying Complex Legal Issues in Massachusetts:
Knowledge empowers informed decisions:
- Experienced Navigation of Legal Challenges: Civil law covers a broad range of legal disputes, including contract disputes, personal injury cases, property disputes, employment issues, and more. A skilled lawyer with extensive experience can navigate these complexities, explain your rights and options, and ensure you understand the legal landscape of your Massachusetts civil case.
4. Championing Your Rights in Massachusetts:
Your rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Rights and Interests: Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, a top-tier civil lawyer can protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process in Massachusetts. They can ensure that your side of the story is heard and that you receive fair treatment under the law.
5. Proven Track Record in Massachusetts Civil Cases:
Experience matters:
- Experience with Similar Cases: The best civil lawyers often have extensive experience in handling cases similar to yours in Massachusetts. This experience can be invaluable in developing effective strategies and anticipating potential challenges specific to the Bay State’s legal environment.
6. Resourceful Representation in Massachusetts:
Strength comes in numbers:
- Access to Valuable Resources: Leading civil lawyers typically have access to a network of experts, investigators, and other resources that can strengthen your Massachusetts civil case. They can bring in specialists when needed to build a strong and compelling argument.
7. Skilled Negotiation for Favorable Outcomes in Massachusetts:
Reaching settlements saves resources:
- Negotiation and Settlement Expertise: Many civil cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement before going to trial. A skilled civil lawyer can negotiate on your behalf with the opposing party to achieve a favorable settlement in your Massachusetts civil case.
8. Confident Trial Advocacy in Massachusetts Courtrooms:
Trial-ready and by your side:
- Strong Trial Representation: If your case does go to trial, having the best civil lawyer representing you is vital. Trial litigation requires a strong command of legal procedures, evidence presentation, and persuasive advocacy in Massachusetts courts. A seasoned civil lawyer can present your case effectively, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
9. Reduced Stress During Your Massachusetts Legal Challenge:
Focus on what matters most:
- Minimizing Stress and Anxiety: Legal disputes can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Having a capable civil lawyer on your side can ease the burden and allow you to focus on other aspects of your life while they handle the legal complexities of your Massachusetts civil case.
Finding the Right Fit:
Remember, the best civil lawyer for you may vary depending on your specific case and needs. Look for a lawyer specializing in the relevant area of civil law with a successful track record in handling cases similar to yours in Massachusetts. Recommendations, online reviews, and initial consultations can be helpful in finding the perfect match for your civil legal challenge.