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.