617.482.8200

Our Firm

Conn Kavanaugh is a Boston law firm that represents individuals and organizations ranging from closely held and family businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Since our founding in 1988, clients have relied on us for practical and realistic strategies to resolve legal issues quickly and effectively, both in and out of the courthouse.

Leadership

Conn Kavanaugh attorneys hold leadership positions in many community and bar organizations, publish articles and speak at continuing legal education seminars. The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts appointed one of our founding partners to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (BBO), the official body that investigates and evaluates complaints against lawyers. Several other firm attorneys are hearing officers for the BBO.

Pro Bono Services

Our attorneys provide pro bono legal services in collaboration with a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Legal Food Hub, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, the Women's Bar Foundation, the Victim Rights Law Center, Volunteer Lawyers Project, Health Law Advocates and Discovering Justice.

Awards

  • 2015: Conn Kavanaugh has received a First Tier ranking in Boston for Employment Litigation by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” for 2015.
  • 2015: Four Conn Kavanaugh attorneys were listed in The Best Lawyers in America © 2015.
  • 2014: The publishers of Boston Magazine selected 16 Conn Kavanaugh attorneys as Massachusetts Super Lawyers. The publication also placed members of our team on its lists of Top 100 Massachusetts Lawyers, Top 100 New England Lawyers, Top 50 Massachusetts Women Lawyers, Top 50 New England Women Lawyers, and Massachusetts Rising Stars.
  • 2014: The American Bar Association's Tort Trial & Insurance Section honored one of our partners with the Edmund S. Muskie Pro Bono Service Award. 
  • 2013: Law & Politics selected 12 Conn Kavanaugh attorneys as Massachusetts Super Lawyers. The publication also placed members of our team on its lists of Top 100 Massachusetts Lawyers, Top 50 Massachusetts Women Lawyers, and Massachusetts Rising Stars.
  • 2013: The Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association (MDLA) honored one of our partners with the Defense Lawyer of the Year award.

Why Choose Conn Kavanaugh

Boston is home to dozens of excellent law firms. Why should you turn to Conn Kavanaugh for assistance with your legal needs?

Accessibility

Conn Kavanaugh offers a level of accessibility and responsive, attentive service that larger firms cannot match. Maintaining close contact and open communication with clients really matters here. We believe in listening to clients and advising them in specific terms to solve their legal challenges. And we aim to develop an ongoing relationship of trust and confidence with clients, becoming part of their team.

Specialized Expertise

We deliver many of the benefits you might associate with a larger firm — for example, breadth and depth of expertise. Each of our attorneys focuses on a select number of practice areas. Collectively, they give our firm the highly specialized expertise necessary to address wide-ranging client needs.

Transactional Experience

Our business attorneys have decades of experience negotiating deals for acquiring and selling companies through mergers, consolidations and asset and stock transactions. We are strong advocates and skilled negotiators. In addition, we bring considerable value to our clients in getting deals done efficiently and effectively while never losing sight of the importance of identifying and managing risk.

Litigation Experience

The Conn Kavanaugh team includes seasoned former prosecutors and a strong, deep bench of attorneys with civil and criminal trial experience, which equips us to solve complex litigation cases for clients. Some of our attorneys are fellows in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the nation's premier professional trial organization.

Cost-efficiency

One reason so many of our clients choose us is that we staff our cases leanly and charge reasonable fees. In addition, we provide practical and realistic strategies to resolve legal issues quickly and effectively, within budgetary constraints.

Please call us today at 617.482.8200 to learn more about what sets Conn Kavanaugh apart.

Search our Attorneys

    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z View All

    Business Litigation

    Our Business Litigation practice group offers the experience of seasoned lawyers who recognize the value of solving problems to promote your business success.

    Read More...

    Anthony V. Bova
    Anthony Bova
    Russell F. Conn
    Russell Conn
    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew Dennington
    Catherine M. DiVita
    Catherine DiVita
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel Fishman
    Kurt B. Fliegauf
    Kurt Fliegauf
    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas Gallitano
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin Higgins
    James F. Kavanaugh, Jr.
    James Kavanaugh, Jr.
    Julie  Martin
    Julie Martin
    Mary ('Beth') E. O'Neal
    Mary ('Beth') O'Neal
    Kathleen R. O'Toole
    Kathleen O'Toole
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas Peisch
    James B. Peloquin
    James Peloquin
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael Rossi
    Conor  Slattery
    Conor Slattery
    Carol A. Starkey
    Carol Starkey
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher Sweeney
    Alexis P. Theriault
    Alexis Theriault
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray Wagner

    Complex Tort Defense

    Since its founding in 1988, a staple of Conn Kavanaugh’s practice has been the defense of business entities in serious and complex personal injury or property damage actions.

    Read More...

    Anthony V. Bova
    Anthony Bova
    Russell F. Conn
    Russell Conn
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel Fishman
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin Higgins
    James F. Kavanaugh, Jr.
    James Kavanaugh, Jr.
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna Matloff
    Kathleen R. O'Toole
    Kathleen O'Toole
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas Peisch
    James B. Peloquin
    James Peloquin
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael Rossi
    Alexis P. Theriault
    Alexis Theriault
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray Wagner

    Construction

    Whether you are the owner, design professional, general contractor, project administrator, subcontractor, or supplier on a construction project, our Construction practice will assist you in achieving a successful project outcome.

    Read More...

    Russell F. Conn
    Russell Conn
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel Fishman
    James B. Peloquin
    James Peloquin
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher Sweeney
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray Wagner

    Corporate / Transactional

    Our Corporate/Transactional practice has a broad range of skills. This versatility allows them to remain a principal point of contact with our business clients and to move freely across multiple disciplines to ensure continuity of representation.

    Read More...

    Barry E. Gold
    Barry Gold
    Gregory J. Murphy
    Gregory Murphy
    Bob B. Rosenthal
    Bob Rosenthal
    Neil R. Schauer
    Neil Schauer

    Criminal / White Collar / Regulatory

    We have extensive experience advising businesses and individuals who are the subject of criminal or regulatory investigations or proceedings.

    Read More...

    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas Gallitano
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas Peisch
    Carol A. Starkey
    Carol Starkey
    Glen A. Tagliamonte
    Glen Tagliamonte
    Kirsten Z. Young
    Kirsten Young

    Employment Litigation / Counseling

    Employers and employees alike look to Conn Kavanaugh’s employment lawyers for advice in navigating the increasingly complex web of state and federal statutes,

    Read More...

    Anthony V. Bova
    Anthony Bova
    Russell F. Conn
    Russell Conn
    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew Dennington
    Catherine M. DiVita
    Catherine DiVita
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel Fishman
    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas Gallitano
    Barry E. Gold
    Barry Gold
    James F. Kavanaugh, Jr.
    James Kavanaugh, Jr.
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna Matloff
    Mary ('Beth') E. O'Neal
    Mary ('Beth') O'Neal
    Kathleen R. O'Toole
    Kathleen O'Toole
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael Rossi
    Conor  Slattery
    Conor Slattery
    Carol A. Starkey
    Carol Starkey
    Alexis P. Theriault
    Alexis Theriault

    Estate Planning / Administration

    Our Estate Planning attorneys help individuals and their families plan for the future and protect their assets. We handle all aspects of estate planning.

    Read More...

    George M. Ford
    George Ford
    Sheila B. Giglio
    Sheila Giglio
    Gregory J. Murphy
    Gregory Murphy
    Neil R. Schauer
    Neil Schauer
    Kirsten Z. Young
    Kirsten Young

    Family Law / Probate Litigation

    Our experienced Family Law/Probate Litigation attorneys work zealously to ensure rightful asset distributions in these emotionally charged proceedings. Our group handles a wide range of areas including prenuptial agreements, custody disputes, and post-divorce support or estate modifications.

    Read More...

    Steven O. Anderson-Garrison
    Steven Anderson-Garrison
    George M. Ford
    George Ford
    Sheila B. Giglio
    Sheila Giglio
    Laurel K.  Koes
    Laurel K. Koes
    Christina  Pashou
    Christina Pashou
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray Wagner
    Kirsten Z. Young
    Kirsten Young
    Lindsay  Zelek-Thompson
    Lindsay Zelek-Thompson

    Insurance Litigation

    Read More...

    Russell F. Conn
    Russell Conn
    Catherine M. DiVita
    Catherine DiVita
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel Fishman
    Kurt B. Fliegauf
    Kurt Fliegauf
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin Higgins
    James F. Kavanaugh, Jr.
    James Kavanaugh, Jr.
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna Matloff
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas Peisch

    Land Use / Real Estate Litigation

    Our Land Use/Real Estate Litigation practice has extensive experience in handling real estate disputes of all kinds and at all levels. We can develop a strategy for your dispute.

    Read More...

    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew Dennington
    George M. Ford
    George Ford
    James B. Peloquin
    James Peloquin
    Conor  Slattery
    Conor Slattery
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher Sweeney
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray Wagner

    Mediation / Arbitration

    Having litigated hundreds of cases, the Mediation/Arbitration practice is well-equipped to effectively value cases to resolve disputes according to your needs and goals.

    Read More...

    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas Peisch
    James B. Peloquin
    James Peloquin

    Product Liability

    Conn Kavanaugh’s lawyers regularly represent manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in defending against product liability claims.

    Read More...

    Russell F. Conn
    Russell Conn
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel Fishman
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin Higgins
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna Matloff
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas Peisch
    James B. Peloquin
    James Peloquin
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael Rossi

    Professional Liability

    Our trial attorneys are accomplished in defending claims against attorneys, health care professionals, insurance agents and brokers, and other professionals.

    Read More...

    Anthony V. Bova
    Anthony Bova
    Russell F. Conn
    Russell Conn
    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew Dennington
    Catherine M. DiVita
    Catherine DiVita
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel Fishman
    Kurt B. Fliegauf
    Kurt Fliegauf
    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas Gallitano
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin Higgins
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna Matloff
    Kathleen R. O'Toole
    Kathleen O'Toole
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas Peisch
    James B. Peloquin
    James Peloquin
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael Rossi
    Carol A. Starkey
    Carol Starkey
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher Sweeney
    Glen A. Tagliamonte
    Glen Tagliamonte
    Alexis P. Theriault
    Alexis Theriault
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray Wagner

    Real Estate

    Our Real Estate practice provides skilled representation in a variety of transactions, including the financing, leasing, acquisition and disposition of commercial properties.

    Read More...

    Barry E. Gold
    Barry Gold
    Bob B. Rosenthal
    Bob Rosenthal
    Neil R. Schauer
    Neil Schauer

    Architects/Engineers

    Conn Kavanaugh has a wealth of experience advising and representing architects and engineers in many aspects of their businesses.

    Read More...

    Russell F. Conn
    Russell ConnPartner
    James B. Peloquin
    James PeloquinPartner
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher SweeneyAssociate
    Glen A. Tagliamonte
    Glen TagliamonteSenior Counsel

    Cannabis

    Read More...

    Anthony V. Bova
    Anthony BovaAssociate
    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew DenningtonPartner
    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas GallitanoPartner
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin HigginsPartner
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna MatloffPartner
    Gregory J. Murphy
    Gregory MurphySenior Counsel
    Mary ('Beth') E. O'Neal
    Mary ('Beth') O'NealOf Counsel
    Kathleen R. O'Toole
    Kathleen O'TooleAssociate
    Bob B. Rosenthal
    Bob RosenthalPartner
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael RossiPartner
    Conor  Slattery
    Conor SlatteryAssociate
    Glen A. Tagliamonte
    Glen TagliamonteSenior Counsel
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray WagnerPartner

    Closely Held/Family Businesses

    Conn Kavanaugh’s business attorneys have a broad range of skills and are very experienced in providing legal services to family-owned and other closely-held businesses.

    Read More...

    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel FishmanAssociate
    Barry E. Gold
    Barry GoldPartner
    Bob B. Rosenthal
    Bob RosenthalPartner
    Neil R. Schauer
    Neil SchauerPartner

    Construction

    Conn Kavanaugh has provided an array of services to private and public clients in the construction industry, including the manufacturers of building materials and systems.

    Read More...

    Kurt B. Fliegauf
    Kurt FliegaufPartner
    James B. Peloquin
    James PeloquinPartner
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher SweeneyAssociate
    Glen A. Tagliamonte
    Glen TagliamonteSenior Counsel
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray WagnerPartner

    Financial Services

    Conn Kavanaugh draws upon a wide range of disciplines to meet the needs of individual and institutional clients in the financial services industry.

    Read More...

    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew DenningtonPartner
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel FishmanAssociate
    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas GallitanoPartner
    Carol A. Starkey
    Carol StarkeyPartner

    Food and Beverage

    Our decades of work in the food and beverage industry, including alcohol regulatory and distribution, have permitted us to gain expertise and insight into the typically fast paced and challenging world of our clients engaged in the food and beverage industry.

    Read More...

    Anthony V. Bova
    Anthony BovaAssociate
    James F. Kavanaugh, Jr.
    James Kavanaugh, Jr.Partner
    Mary ('Beth') E. O'Neal
    Mary ('Beth') O'NealOf Counsel
    Kathleen R. O'Toole
    Kathleen O'TooleAssociate
    Conor  Slattery
    Conor SlatteryAssociate

    Government

    Conn Kavanaugh provides an array of services to clients in the public sector, including state agencies, municipalities, and public officials.

    Read More...

    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew DenningtonPartner
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel FishmanAssociate
    Kurt B. Fliegauf
    Kurt FliegaufPartner
    J. P. Christian MildeAssociate
    Carol A. Starkey
    Carol StarkeyPartner

    Healthcare

    The Conn Kavanaugh team has the skills and experience necessary to successfully maneuver our clients through the increasingly complex and highly regulated environment of the health care industry.

    Read More...

    Andrew R. Dennington
    Andrew DenningtonPartner
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel FishmanAssociate
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna MatloffPartner
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas PeischOf Counsel
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael RossiPartner
    Carol A. Starkey
    Carol StarkeyPartner

    Insurance

    Our lawyers work with our insurance industry clients in a variety of ways. We represent their insureds in virtually every type of lawsuit for which insurance coverage is available. We represent insurance companies directly in bad faith actions, and in high-exposure losses or losses that present unusual or challenging coverage issues.

    Read More...

    Russell F. Conn
    Russell ConnPartner
    Catherine M. DiVita
    Catherine DiVitaAssociate
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel FishmanAssociate
    Kurt B. Fliegauf
    Kurt FliegaufPartner
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin HigginsPartner
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna MatloffPartner
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas PeischOf Counsel
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael RossiPartner
    Alexis P. Theriault
    Alexis TheriaultAssociate
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray WagnerPartner

    Law Firms

    Since the firm was founded in 1988, our attorneys have been known as “lawyers’ lawyers.”

    Read More...

    Russell F. Conn
    Russell ConnPartner
    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel FishmanAssociate
    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas GallitanoPartner
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin HigginsPartner
    Julie  Martin
    Julie MartinAssociate
    J. P. Christian MildeAssociate
    Thomas E. Peisch
    Thomas PeischOf Counsel
    Bob B. Rosenthal
    Bob RosenthalPartner
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael RossiPartner
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher SweeneyAssociate

    Manufacturing

    Conn Kavanaugh has broad experience in representing the interests and needs of various manufacturers.

    Read More...

    Russell F. Conn
    Russell ConnPartner
    Barry E. Gold
    Barry GoldPartner
    Erin K. Higgins
    Erin HigginsPartner
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna MatloffPartner

    Real Estate

    Conn Kavanaugh has a wealth of experience in the real estate field.

    Read More...

    George M. Ford
    George FordOf Counsel
    Bob B. Rosenthal
    Bob RosenthalPartner
    Michael J. Rossi
    Michael RossiPartner
    Neil R. Schauer
    Neil SchauerPartner
    Christopher K. Sweeney
    Christopher SweeneyAssociate
    James Gray  Wagner
    James Gray WagnerPartner

    Staffing and Recruiting

    Staffing companies and Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) are playing an increasingly important role in many aspects of human resource management, as employers are relying more and more on staffing companies and PEOs for payroll and employee benefit administration, risk management, and other increasingly complex administrative burdens.

    Read More...

    Daniel R. Fishman
    Daniel FishmanAssociate
    Thomas J. Gallitano
    Thomas GallitanoPartner
    Barry E. Gold
    Barry GoldPartner
    Johanna L. Matloff
    Johanna MatloffPartner
    Mary ('Beth') E. O'Neal
    Mary ('Beth') O'NealOf Counsel

    Our Community Work

    Bar Leadership

    Conn Kavanaugh believes that each of its attorneys has a professional obligation to contribute legal services on a pro bono basis to the Greater Boston community.  The firm has enacted a pro bono policy that comports with Rule 6.1 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, and encourages each lawyer to provide annually at least 25 hours of legal services to persons of limited means or to organizations serving persons of limited means. 

    Conn Kavanaugh only accepts pro bono cases through referrals from qualified legal services organizations.  

    Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have demonstrated their commitment to pro bono work through their work with the following organizations and on the following matters:


    The Legal Food Hub

    The Legal Food Hub is one of Conn Kavanaugh's newer partnerships. The Legal Food Hub matches low-income farmers and food “startups” with volunteer lawyers to assist with a variety of legal needs.  Legal Food Hub connected Waltham Fields Community Farm with Mary (Beth) E. O’Neal and Kathleen R. O’Toole. Beth and Kate successfully prepared the organization to comply with new overtime law requirements. Additionally, Mary (Beth) E. O’Neal and Andrew R. Dennington are working with the Food Hub on an employment law booklet for farmers, to be presented at a series of seminars.

    Massachusetts Advocates for Children

    Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have worked with attorneys from Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) to represent the interests of children with special needs in obtaining equal access to educational and other opportunities. In 2006, the firm's attorneys assisted MAC in negotiating with the Department of Mental Health and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to ensure that state agencies complied with legislative mandates requiring that funds be directed to intensive in-home services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  In 2007, the firm's attorneys assisted a Boston family in negotiating an appropriate private school placement for a young boy with special needs.


    Victim Rights Law Center


    Conn Kavanaugh represents clients referred by the Victim Rights Law Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free legal representation to victims of domestic violence in civil matters arising out of the assaults.  Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have assisted clients in obtaining and extending civil restraining orders against their assailants.  Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys also have represented victims of sexual assault in negotiating changes to their housing, employment, and custody arrangements in the wake of traumatic assaults.


    Women's Bar Foundation


    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers are actively involved with the Women's Bar Foundation (WBF), the pro bono affiliate of the Women's Bar Association.  The WBF runs five pro bono programs in Massachusetts, providing free legal services to some of our most vulnerable and underserved populations. Erin K. Higgins served as President of the Women's Bar Foundation for the 2009 term, and Conn Kavanaugh lawyers regularly represent clients referred by the WBF.  


    Volunteer Lawyers Project


    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers regularly take cases referred by the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP).  Recently,  Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented VLP clients in the following matters:

    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a married couple who formerly worked in the kitchen at a South Shore banquet facility in a claim for back overtime wages.  Conn Kavanaugh invested over 170 hours of attorney time on the matter. After three years of litigation, Conn Kavanaugh tried the case jury-waived to the Superior Court in September 2010.  The Superior Court awarded Conn Kavanaugh's clients over $60,000 in back overtime wages, prejudgment interest, and punitive damages;
    • Conn Kavanaugh assisted a low-income, working mother in obtaining Social Security Disability benefits for her disabled daughter, who will now be able to receive intensive care and support in after-school hours while her mother is at work;
    • Conn Kavanaugh filed a complaint in Land Court on behalf of a low-income property owner in Roxbury, seeking to clear her title to the property.  The case was tried before a Land Court judge in early 2007, and the firm's client currently is awaiting a decision;
    • Conn Kavanaugh currently is representing another low-income, elderly property owner in Dorchester, and has assisted the client in negotiating a division of interests with a co-owner, in forestalling a scheduled foreclosure sale on the property, and in negotiating a sale of the property to a third party.  Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also prepared a will and other end-of-life documents for the client, ensuring that his interest in the property will pass without incident to his daughter;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers assisted an elderly woman in Boston public housing in eviction proceedings resulting from an inadvertent failure to report income, and successfully negotiated a repayment plan that allowed the client to remain in her apartment;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented a low-income tenant in Boston Housing Court, preventing her eviction, and negotiating a favorable resolution with the landlord;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented several clients in obtaining unemployment benefits.  Conn Kavanaugh's representation of these clients included appearances at multi-day evidentiary hearings and appeals, and all ultimately were resolved in favor of Conn Kavanaugh's clients.


    Health Law Advocates

    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also receive cases from the Health Law Advocates (HLA), which provides legal assistance to income-eligible individuals who live or work in Massachusetts and have difficulty obtaining health care or insurance coverage. In 2008, HLA recognized Conn Kavanaugh lawyers for their "superior legal representation in HLA referral matters involving one of HLA's fastest growing areas of practice - consumer medical debt." By way of example, Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented HLA clients in the following matter:

    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a 52 year old uninsured Massachusetts woman who was treated at a Lowell hospital for an emergency abdominal surgery.  The client incurred $8,183 in medical debt. Andrew R. Dennington negotiated reduction of the client's remaining medical debt to under $800.
    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a 57 year old Maine man who was flown to a Boston hospital for emergency medical care after he lost several fingers in a carpentry accident.  Because he lacked health insurance, the client ended up with over $130,000 in medical bills.  The Conn Kavanaugh attorney successfully negotiated a full waiver of one hospital bill for over $100,000 and negotiated for the reduction of the remaining physician bills from $33,000 to $6,000. 


    Lawyer for the Day Programs

    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also participate in Lawyer-for-the-Day programs run by the Probate and Family Court and by the Essex County Housing Court.  As part of these programs, Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers dedicate an entire day to providing on-the-spot legal assistance to low-income clients with pending family law or housing court matters. 

    Civic Engagement

    Conn Kavanaugh believes that each of its attorneys has a professional obligation to contribute legal services on a pro bono basis to the Greater Boston community.  The firm has enacted a pro bono policy that comports with Rule 6.1 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, and encourages each lawyer to provide annually at least 25 hours of legal services to persons of limited means or to organizations serving persons of limited means. 

    Conn Kavanaugh only accepts pro bono cases through referrals from qualified legal services organizations.  

    Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have demonstrated their commitment to pro bono work through their work with the following organizations and on the following matters:


    The Legal Food Hub

    The Legal Food Hub is one of Conn Kavanaugh's newer partnerships. The Legal Food Hub matches low-income farmers and food “startups” with volunteer lawyers to assist with a variety of legal needs.  Legal Food Hub connected Waltham Fields Community Farm with Mary (Beth) E. O’Neal and Kathleen R. O’Toole. Beth and Kate successfully prepared the organization to comply with new overtime law requirements. Additionally, Mary (Beth) E. O’Neal and Andrew R. Dennington are working with the Food Hub on an employment law booklet for farmers, to be presented at a series of seminars.

    Massachusetts Advocates for Children

    Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have worked with attorneys from Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) to represent the interests of children with special needs in obtaining equal access to educational and other opportunities. In 2006, the firm's attorneys assisted MAC in negotiating with the Department of Mental Health and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to ensure that state agencies complied with legislative mandates requiring that funds be directed to intensive in-home services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  In 2007, the firm's attorneys assisted a Boston family in negotiating an appropriate private school placement for a young boy with special needs.


    Victim Rights Law Center


    Conn Kavanaugh represents clients referred by the Victim Rights Law Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free legal representation to victims of domestic violence in civil matters arising out of the assaults.  Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have assisted clients in obtaining and extending civil restraining orders against their assailants.  Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys also have represented victims of sexual assault in negotiating changes to their housing, employment, and custody arrangements in the wake of traumatic assaults.


    Women's Bar Foundation


    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers are actively involved with the Women's Bar Foundation (WBF), the pro bono affiliate of the Women's Bar Association.  The WBF runs five pro bono programs in Massachusetts, providing free legal services to some of our most vulnerable and underserved populations. Erin K. Higgins served as President of the Women's Bar Foundation for the 2009 term, and Conn Kavanaugh lawyers regularly represent clients referred by the WBF.  


    Volunteer Lawyers Project


    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers regularly take cases referred by the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP).  Recently,  Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented VLP clients in the following matters:

    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a married couple who formerly worked in the kitchen at a South Shore banquet facility in a claim for back overtime wages.  Conn Kavanaugh invested over 170 hours of attorney time on the matter. After three years of litigation, Conn Kavanaugh tried the case jury-waived to the Superior Court in September 2010.  The Superior Court awarded Conn Kavanaugh's clients over $60,000 in back overtime wages, prejudgment interest, and punitive damages;
    • Conn Kavanaugh assisted a low-income, working mother in obtaining Social Security Disability benefits for her disabled daughter, who will now be able to receive intensive care and support in after-school hours while her mother is at work;
    • Conn Kavanaugh filed a complaint in Land Court on behalf of a low-income property owner in Roxbury, seeking to clear her title to the property.  The case was tried before a Land Court judge in early 2007, and the firm's client currently is awaiting a decision;
    • Conn Kavanaugh currently is representing another low-income, elderly property owner in Dorchester, and has assisted the client in negotiating a division of interests with a co-owner, in forestalling a scheduled foreclosure sale on the property, and in negotiating a sale of the property to a third party.  Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also prepared a will and other end-of-life documents for the client, ensuring that his interest in the property will pass without incident to his daughter;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers assisted an elderly woman in Boston public housing in eviction proceedings resulting from an inadvertent failure to report income, and successfully negotiated a repayment plan that allowed the client to remain in her apartment;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented a low-income tenant in Boston Housing Court, preventing her eviction, and negotiating a favorable resolution with the landlord;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented several clients in obtaining unemployment benefits.  Conn Kavanaugh's representation of these clients included appearances at multi-day evidentiary hearings and appeals, and all ultimately were resolved in favor of Conn Kavanaugh's clients.


    Health Law Advocates

    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also receive cases from the Health Law Advocates (HLA), which provides legal assistance to income-eligible individuals who live or work in Massachusetts and have difficulty obtaining health care or insurance coverage. In 2008, HLA recognized Conn Kavanaugh lawyers for their "superior legal representation in HLA referral matters involving one of HLA's fastest growing areas of practice - consumer medical debt." By way of example, Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented HLA clients in the following matter:

    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a 52 year old uninsured Massachusetts woman who was treated at a Lowell hospital for an emergency abdominal surgery.  The client incurred $8,183 in medical debt. Andrew R. Dennington negotiated reduction of the client's remaining medical debt to under $800.
    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a 57 year old Maine man who was flown to a Boston hospital for emergency medical care after he lost several fingers in a carpentry accident.  Because he lacked health insurance, the client ended up with over $130,000 in medical bills.  The Conn Kavanaugh attorney successfully negotiated a full waiver of one hospital bill for over $100,000 and negotiated for the reduction of the remaining physician bills from $33,000 to $6,000. 


    Lawyer for the Day Programs

    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also participate in Lawyer-for-the-Day programs run by the Probate and Family Court and by the Essex County Housing Court.  As part of these programs, Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers dedicate an entire day to providing on-the-spot legal assistance to low-income clients with pending family law or housing court matters. 

    Pro Bono Assistance

    Conn Kavanaugh believes that each of its attorneys has a professional obligation to contribute legal services on a pro bono basis to the Greater Boston community.  The firm has enacted a pro bono policy that comports with Rule 6.1 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, and encourages each lawyer to provide annually at least 25 hours of legal services to persons of limited means or to organizations serving persons of limited means. 

    Conn Kavanaugh only accepts pro bono cases through referrals from qualified legal services organizations.  

    Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have demonstrated their commitment to pro bono work through their work with the following organizations and on the following matters:


    The Legal Food Hub

    The Legal Food Hub is one of Conn Kavanaugh's newer partnerships. The Legal Food Hub matches low-income farmers and food “startups” with volunteer lawyers to assist with a variety of legal needs.  Legal Food Hub connected Waltham Fields Community Farm with Mary (Beth) E. O’Neal and Kathleen R. O’Toole. Beth and Kate successfully prepared the organization to comply with new overtime law requirements. Additionally, Mary (Beth) E. O’Neal and Andrew R. Dennington are working with the Food Hub on an employment law booklet for farmers, to be presented at a series of seminars.

    Massachusetts Advocates for Children

    Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have worked with attorneys from Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) to represent the interests of children with special needs in obtaining equal access to educational and other opportunities. In 2006, the firm's attorneys assisted MAC in negotiating with the Department of Mental Health and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to ensure that state agencies complied with legislative mandates requiring that funds be directed to intensive in-home services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  In 2007, the firm's attorneys assisted a Boston family in negotiating an appropriate private school placement for a young boy with special needs.


    Victim Rights Law Center


    Conn Kavanaugh represents clients referred by the Victim Rights Law Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free legal representation to victims of domestic violence in civil matters arising out of the assaults.  Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys have assisted clients in obtaining and extending civil restraining orders against their assailants.  Conn Kavanaugh's attorneys also have represented victims of sexual assault in negotiating changes to their housing, employment, and custody arrangements in the wake of traumatic assaults.


    Women's Bar Foundation


    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers are actively involved with the Women's Bar Foundation (WBF), the pro bono affiliate of the Women's Bar Association.  The WBF runs five pro bono programs in Massachusetts, providing free legal services to some of our most vulnerable and underserved populations. Erin K. Higgins served as President of the Women's Bar Foundation for the 2009 term, and Conn Kavanaugh lawyers regularly represent clients referred by the WBF.  


    Volunteer Lawyers Project


    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers regularly take cases referred by the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP).  Recently,  Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented VLP clients in the following matters:

    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a married couple who formerly worked in the kitchen at a South Shore banquet facility in a claim for back overtime wages.  Conn Kavanaugh invested over 170 hours of attorney time on the matter. After three years of litigation, Conn Kavanaugh tried the case jury-waived to the Superior Court in September 2010.  The Superior Court awarded Conn Kavanaugh's clients over $60,000 in back overtime wages, prejudgment interest, and punitive damages;
    • Conn Kavanaugh assisted a low-income, working mother in obtaining Social Security Disability benefits for her disabled daughter, who will now be able to receive intensive care and support in after-school hours while her mother is at work;
    • Conn Kavanaugh filed a complaint in Land Court on behalf of a low-income property owner in Roxbury, seeking to clear her title to the property.  The case was tried before a Land Court judge in early 2007, and the firm's client currently is awaiting a decision;
    • Conn Kavanaugh currently is representing another low-income, elderly property owner in Dorchester, and has assisted the client in negotiating a division of interests with a co-owner, in forestalling a scheduled foreclosure sale on the property, and in negotiating a sale of the property to a third party.  Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also prepared a will and other end-of-life documents for the client, ensuring that his interest in the property will pass without incident to his daughter;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers assisted an elderly woman in Boston public housing in eviction proceedings resulting from an inadvertent failure to report income, and successfully negotiated a repayment plan that allowed the client to remain in her apartment;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented a low-income tenant in Boston Housing Court, preventing her eviction, and negotiating a favorable resolution with the landlord;
    • Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented several clients in obtaining unemployment benefits.  Conn Kavanaugh's representation of these clients included appearances at multi-day evidentiary hearings and appeals, and all ultimately were resolved in favor of Conn Kavanaugh's clients.


    Health Law Advocates

    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also receive cases from the Health Law Advocates (HLA), which provides legal assistance to income-eligible individuals who live or work in Massachusetts and have difficulty obtaining health care or insurance coverage. In 2008, HLA recognized Conn Kavanaugh lawyers for their "superior legal representation in HLA referral matters involving one of HLA's fastest growing areas of practice - consumer medical debt." By way of example, Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers represented HLA clients in the following matter:

    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a 52 year old uninsured Massachusetts woman who was treated at a Lowell hospital for an emergency abdominal surgery.  The client incurred $8,183 in medical debt. Andrew R. Dennington negotiated reduction of the client's remaining medical debt to under $800.
    • Conn Kavanaugh successfully represented a 57 year old Maine man who was flown to a Boston hospital for emergency medical care after he lost several fingers in a carpentry accident.  Because he lacked health insurance, the client ended up with over $130,000 in medical bills.  The Conn Kavanaugh attorney successfully negotiated a full waiver of one hospital bill for over $100,000 and negotiated for the reduction of the remaining physician bills from $33,000 to $6,000. 


    Lawyer for the Day Programs

    Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers also participate in Lawyer-for-the-Day programs run by the Probate and Family Court and by the Essex County Housing Court.  As part of these programs, Conn Kavanaugh's lawyers dedicate an entire day to providing on-the-spot legal assistance to low-income clients with pending family law or housing court matters. 

    Message from

    Managing Partner

    Thomas J. Gallitano

    Welcome to Conn Kavanaugh. We are pleased to have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you and explain our commitment to our clients and community.

    We are a disciplined, dedicated, and loyal team of professionals with a singular goal: to provide our clients with the highest caliber of legal service in an intelligible and cost effective manner. Our lawyers, staff, and assistants understand that treating all clients with respect is the cornerstone of our success. There is a remarkable sense of teamwork and camaraderie within the firm and an ever-present satisfaction that comes from knowing that what we do makes a difference. We are exceptionally proud of our many trial and business successes, the leadership positions taken by our lawyers in both Bar and community activities, and the measurable impact we have in changing lives for the better by providing pro-bono services to those most in need.

    As Managing Partner, it is my privilege to assure that our core values remain intact and that, as a Firm, we continue to meet the needs of our clients. We know that clients have a choice when it comes to legal services, and it is incumbent upon our team to prove each and every day that your confidence in us is well-placed.

    To our existing clients, I would like to say thank you for your trust and confidence. To our prospective clients who may be viewing this website for the first time, we look forward to having the opportunity to earn your trust and to exceed your expectations.