BHPK’s Erica Brody was named a 2023 Lawyer of the Year by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for her fierce advocacy on behalf of child abuse survivors and her determination in bringing those responsible to justice.
https://masslawyersweekly.com/2024/02/08/lawyers-of-the-year-erica-l-brody/
BHPK attorney Francesca Papia argued before the Massachusetts Appeals Court this week on behalf of Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur, arguing that an unintentional disclosure of information cannot form the basis for an invasion of privacy claim under common law immunity principles.
BHPK’s Michael Stefanilo, Jr. spoke on behalf of his client in response to the Commonwealth’s proposal to reimburse LGBTQ+ veterans who were wrongfully denied IVF services by the VA, and the federal government’s forthcoming amendments to its policy, ending several years of disparate treatment against a marginalized group of veteran heroes.
“Ms. Sheffield is extremely moved by the Healey Administration’s dedication to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ veterans, and is honored to learn that her bravery in coming forward has inspired the creation of a pilot program that will serve to protect a vulnerable subset of the veteran population from acts of invidious discrimination,” her attorney, Michael Stefanilo Jr., wrote in an email to GBH News.
BHPK’s Michael Stefanilo, Jr. and Leonard Kesten prevailed on summary judgment in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in favor of their municipal client against claims of alleged bias in the marijuana licensing process. Another federal court victory for the legal team at BHPK!
As a direct result of impact litigation filed by BHPK partner Michael Stefanilo, Jr. in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has proposed legislation initiating a pilot program for LGBTQ+ couples denied IVF reimbursement by the VA.
Michael is prosecuting the subject class action lawsuit along with prestigious co-counsel from the National Veterans Legal Services Project and Peter Romer-Friedman Law in D.C.
The Governor’s press release can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-unveils-historic-legislative-package-for-veterans-in-massachusetts
On September 25, the U.S. Distruct Court for the District of Massachusetts granted summary judgment in favor of BHPK’s client . . .
BHPK partner Michael Stefanilo, Jr. was featured in an American Bar Association publications for their respective articles. Michael addressed the balance between patient rights and hospital policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Link below.
BHPK partner Greg Pagnini, with Lenny Kesten serving as co-counsel, prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in federal court, obtaining dismissal of a First Amendment retaliation claim filed by a former school teacher. At issue were six social media memes posted on TikTok by the plaintiff containing themes of homophobia, transphobia, and racism.
Following a storm of controversy in the community and after conducting an investigation, the Hanover Public School District terminated the plaintiff, noting that her continued employment in light of the social media posts would have a significantly negative impact on learning at the high school.
The court agreed. While taking into consideration the time, place, and manner of the plaintiff’s speech — having been posted on a private TikTok account and prior to her hire — the court held that the District had a legitimate government interest in terminating her employment due to its reasonably related concerns that the posts were, and would continue to be, a disruption to student learning. Further, the court found that the posts reflected an intolerance to groups of people who were represented among both staff and the student body, which undermined the District’s goal of ensuring a safe learning environment and respect for human differences. The termination was upheld and the retaliation claim rejected.
Congratulations to the BHPK team on its victory.
BHPK partner Erica L. Brody was included in Forbes Advisor’s 2023 list of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Boston for her tireless effort vindicating the rights of four sexual abuse survivors against their abusers and the state to the tune of $7 million.
Read more here.
BHPK proudly shares that two of the firm’s attorneys have been included in the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch® list.
The Best Lawyers in America list is based solely on a peer-review survey process in which thousands of leading attorneys confidentially evaluate other attorneys from their region in their own practice areas.
BHPK partner Michael Stefanilo, Jr. (Litigation – Employment) and associate Monica B. Towle (Commercial Litigation) were both recognized by Best Lawyers® as Ones to Watch in their respective fields for 2024. A link to The Best Lawyers in America press release® is below.
https://www.bestlawyers.com/press/best-lawyers-publishes-milestone-legal-rankings
