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Bulkley Richardson defined by expertise, experience and community commitment

Issue July/August 2016

What types of law does your firm handle?

Bulkley Richardson provides high-quality legal services to clients. The majority of our 40-plus lawyers are involved in litigation, business and finance, and health law.

Are there any areas where the firm has made a name for itself?

We have a long-standing reputation for successful litigation, including complex business disputes, professional malpractice defense and white collar criminal defense. On the corporate side, for decades our health law practice has been very strong, and we have assisted clients in completing numerous business acquisitions and sophisticated financing transactions. More recently, we have developed an excellent reputation for our work with startups and entrepreneurs. We also are known for our expertise in assisting tax exempt organizations.

What firm attribute do clients find most attractive?

Our clients understand that their goals are our goals. We take the time to understand their businesses and objectives. We partner with them to achieve what is important to them. Obviously, the expertise and experience of our lawyers are critical to implementing this approach, and to delivering desired results efficiently. Finally, our clients appreciate that our integrity is beyond question, and that our commitment to our community is an essential element of our firm culture.

Briefly describe a recent "win" or client success story that the firm is proud of.

A number of our lawyers recently assisted our client Baystate Health, Inc. in the development of a new combined heat and power plant. Part of the $27 million cost will be funded through a resiliency grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The plant will result in a significant reduction of greenhouse gases, provide substantial savings in energy costs to the health system and allow the health system to operate without interruption in the event of a utility crisis.

We also are proud of our involvement in the development by Amherst College of a new Science Center.

Describe a recent pro bono project the firm has undertaken.

We recently helped the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Inc. merge with the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc. to become the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, Inc. This helped the chambers implement a strategic objective to streamline operations into a single entity, so that services could be delivered more efficiently.

Is your firm regularly active with any organizations outside of the MBA?

Our firm, and our attorneys individually, are involved in many different charitable and civic organizations. Jeffrey Poindexter serves on the Judicial Nominating Commission, John Pucci serves on the Special Judicial Nominating Committee for the Supreme Judicial Court, and David Parke is a director and clerk of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and a member of the MCLE business and commercial curriculum advisory committee. Scott Foster is a director and president of Valley Venture Mentoring Service, Inc. Melinda Phelps is clerk of the Spirit of Springfield, Inc. Bulkley Richardson is also proud to partner with and support Friends of the Homeless and Springfield School Volunteers. Bulkley Richardson lawyers serve on many other boards and chair many committees throughout the communities we serve.

Anything exciting announcements for the firm?

Bulkley Richardson is pleased that Justice John M. Greaney, former Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court justice, has joined the firm. As counsel, Greaney will provide advice to the firm's Litigation Practice Group, contributing his extensive experience as a lawyer and a judge in a range of areas, including trial and appellate advocacy and professional responsibilities.

What's one thing about the firm that people might be surprised to learn?

The firm organizes an annual outing in the fall for its staff and their families at Mike's Maze at the Warner Farm in Sunderland, Massachusetts. Mike's Maze is a highly acclaimed corn maze that displays world famous corn art. For more than a decade, the maze has been designed by artist Will Sillin, who is married to Bulkley Richardson partner Liz Sillin.

Why is it important to have all the lawyers in your firm members of the MBA?

MBA provides a medium for lawyers to stay on top of their fields through the outstanding educational offerings, seminars, newsletters and publications. The MBA On Demand allows flexibility in educating attorneys, a benefit our firm finds extremely valuable. The availability of MBA sections and divisions allows attorneys networking opportunities with other top lawyers in their field from across the state.

How has the MBA benefitted lawyers in your firm?

The MBA has provided an opportunity for lawyers in the firm to chair MBA sections, and participate at MBA CLE programs and conferences. As the only organization that represents lawyers throughout the commonwealth the MBA has been a great vehicle through which to pursue legislative initiatives of importance to attorneys.

Are there any specific MBA programs you find particularly helpful?

We have been involved with the MBA In-house Counsel Conference and other conferences for a number of years. These conferences have provided much information that is helpful to our practices.