What types of law does your firm handle?
Plaintiff's personal injury litigation.
Any particular areas of specialization, niche (type of
law, geography) where the firm has made a name for
itself?
SUGARMAN is one of the oldest firms in New England that devotes
its practice almost exclusively to plaintiff's personal injury
litigation, handling cases from the claim stage through trial and,
when necessary, through appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court and
the federal appellate courts.
What firm attribute do clients find most
attractive?
The firm provides a very personal and attentive approach, where
clients are in direct contact with the partners handling their
case. SUGARMAN attorneys consistently achieve outstanding results
for their clients, while providing compassionate and ethical
representation.
Briefly describe a recent "win" or client success story
that the firm is proud of.
SUGARMAN partners have obtained several multi-million dollar
awards and settlements in the past year, and are proud of every
successful settlement, judgment or award, regardless of its size.
Examples from this past year include a $5 million settlement to the
family of a woman killed by a runaway tire, a $5.5 million
settlement obtained by partner Ben Zimmermann for a 60-year-old
career teacher and school administrator who suffered serious
injuries when he was struck by a driverless bus, and a $2.2 million
arbitration award obtained by partner David McCormack for the
family of a 68-year-old man who died as a result of complications
of narcotic pain medications following routine hip surgery.
Describe a recent pro bono project the firm has
undertaken.
As a small firm, SUGARMAN encourages its attorneys to volunteer
their individual time to pro bono efforts important to them.
Managing partner Benjamin R. Zimmermann recently joined the Board
of Directors for Greater Boston Legal Services, an organization
which provides free legal assistance and representation on civil
matters to hundreds of needy residents in the area. Newest partner,
Stacey L. Pietrowicz, is currently involved with the Women's Bar
Foundation Family Law Project, representing victims of domestic
violence in family law matters on a pro bono basis. These are some
recent examples, however, pro bono work and civic engagement are
important to all SUGARMAN attorneys.
Is your firm regularly active with any charitable or
civic organization outside of the MBA?
The firm has been active with The Home for Little Wanderers, an
organization providing services to children, for many years and in
many ways. Each year the firm supports and attends The Home's
Annual Voices and Visions Event, fulfills a "wish list" for
children at the Harrington House, and provides backpacks and school
supplies to the children. As the opportunity arises, SUGARMAN will
close its doors and attorneys and staff will spend the day at the
Harrington House, working on projects to improve the home and the
lives of its residents, and getting to know the children who live
there. Past projects include creating a playroom, stocking it with
books, games and furniture and an art room, complete with donated
easels and art supplies.
Anything to announce in the coming year?
SUGARMAN, as of 2016, has engaged in a collaboration with
Shapiro & Associates, to provide expanded legal representation
for federal workers seeking benefits under the Federal Employees
Compensation Act. Daniel Shapiro, founder and principal of Shapiro
& Associates, has grown the firm into one of the country's
largest single providers of legal services for injured federal
employees. The two firms will now collaborate to provide additional
resources to this robust practice, while holding true to SUGARMAN's
primary mission, which is to provide top-of-the line representation
to personal injury victims. In addition, SUGARMAN is pleased to
announce that Suffolk University Law School graduate, Rosa M.
Guambana, will become the firm's newest associate, following the
February 2017 bar exam.
Name at least one fact about the firm that people might
be surprised to learn?
SUGARMAN founder Paul Sugarman, who was honored to serve as Dean
of Suffolk University Law School from 1990-1994, tried and appealed
cases that to this day form the basis of product liability and
wrongful death law in Massachusetts. His SUGARMAN partners have
followed in this tradition and continue to make precedent-setting
law in the field of personal injury as recently as 2016.
Why is it important to have all the lawyers in your firm
members of the MBA?
The MBA vigorously promotes access to justice, is committed to
preserving the integrity of the jury system guaranteed by the
constitution, and encourages attorneys to be involved in the legal
and non-legal communities. All of the attorneys at SUGARMAN are
proud to be a part of the MBA.
In what way(s) do you find the MBA beneficial to the
lawyers in your firm?
On an individual basis, SUGARMAN attorneys enjoy involvement as
committee members, in leadership roles, as educators and as
volunteers. Firm founder Paul Sugarman is a past president of the
MBA, while other partners have served appointments and leadership
roles within the Civil Litigation Section Council. SUGARMAN
attorneys frequently lecture on personal injury topics at MBA
continuing legal education programs. For newer associates, MBA
membership provides networking and relationship-building
opportunities with new and seasoned lawyers, and consistent access
to high-quality continuing legal education.
Are there any specific MBA programs you find
particularly helpful to your firm?
Having on-demand access to continuing legal education forums and
new and important developments in personal injury law and other
areas of law are valuable benefits to SUGARMAN attorneys.