Esdaile, Barrett, Jacobs & Mone has a well-earned reputation
as one of Boston's most successful firms. A longtime supporter of
the Massachusetts Bar Association, the firm has also produced
several MBA leaders, including Michael E. Mone, a past president.
Lawyers Journal recently caught up with attorney Patricia
L. Kelly to talk about the firm and its still-active commitment to
the MBA.
Just the facts
Firm Name: Esdaile, Barrett, Jacobs &
Mone
Year founded: 1938
Location: Boston
Number of attorneys: 12
What types of law does Esdaile, Barrett, Jacobs &
Mone handle?
We handle a broad-spectrum of civil litigation, ranging from
complex tort and matrimonial law to business litigation.
In what areas of law has the firm made a name for
itself?
The firm is most well known for its success in representing
plaintiffs in catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice
cases, and in representing high net worth clients in matrimonial
law matters. We have obtained some of the largest verdicts and
settlements in the state, and we have established the law in the
appellate courts of Massachusetts in groundbreaking cases, such as
the case that adopted the discovery rule for determining when a
cause of action accrues in a medical malpractice action and for
bringing M.G.L. c. 93A cases against an insurance company for
unfair claims settlement practices.
What firm attribute do clients find most
attractive?
Our most attractive attribute is clearly the results that we
obtain for our clients, whether by jury verdict, settlement,
arbitrator's award or mediation. We take great pride in achieving
these results without compromising our integrity and civility.
Describe a recent pro bono project the firm has
undertaken.
Michael E. Mone has worked pro bono for years,
representing lawyers and judges accused of misconduct and other
professional lapses.
In addition, Michael E. Mone Jr. spent 10 years representing two
Guantanamo Bay detainees on a pro bono basis. He worked
relentlessly to free the men who had been imprisoned for years by
the U.S. government, without charge or trial. He was finally able
to persuade Ireland and Uruguay to accept his clients for
resettlement.
What's one thing about the firm that people might be
surprised to learn?
Earlier in his career, Norman Jacobs represented a number of
rock and roll bands when they were first starting out, including
AC/DC and local rock legends Aerosmith.
Why is it important to have all the lawyers in your firm
members of the MBA?
The high quality educational offerings are one of the primary
reasons that it is important for the lawyers to become members of
the MBA. The seminars and the publications are the best way for a
lawyer to keep abreast of changes in the law and to increase their
knowledge or skills in a particular area. In addition, the MBA
provides networking opportunities for lawyers to meet and stay
connected with other lawyers in every area of the law.
Lawyers throughout the state, the judiciary and the public all
look to the MBA and rely on the MBA to promote the efficient
administration of justice. Members of our firm have taken
leadership roles in the MBA to help shape the direction of MBA that
help achieve that goal.
Are there any specific MBA programs you find
particularly helpful to your firm?
The MBA Bench/Bar programs are very informative, as it is always
very interesting to hear from judges concerning their view of trial
practice and new developments in the law.
The MBA -- your firm's
partner
MBA Honor Roll firms have five or more Massachusetts lawyers and
enroll 100 percent of their attorneys in the MBA within an
association year. Learn more about the many ways the MBA can
work for your firm at www.massbar.org/honorroll.
Join our growing list of Honor Roll firms by contacting MBA
Member Services at (617) 338-0530 or [email memberservices].