Gardner Appeals & Appellate Lawyers

Attorney William S. Smith is the co-author of “Warrantless Searches of Persons or Places” in the award-winning reference manual used by attorneys, “Trying Drug Cases in Massachusetts.” He has been an invited lecturer and instructor at many continuing legal education seminars and conferences for attorneys. The founder of the first and only website for appellate criminal defense attorneys in the state, he was also a guest on a major television talk show in Boston. As a bar association leader, Attorney Smith has testified before the Massachusetts Judiciary Committee in the Statehouse multiple times with respect to criminal justice legislation. He...

Attorney Stephen Neyman was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Lehigh University earning a degree in government. He went on to law school in San Francisco at Golden Gate University School of Law. After law school Mr. Neyman was employed by the Law Offices of Wilhelm, Thompson, Wentholt and Gibbs where he was part of a criminal defense team. One year later Steve secured a highly coveted position as a Deputy District Attorney at the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. There, Attorney Neyman prosecuted countless cases including drug crimes, sex crimes and murders. Street gang prosecutions were also a focus...

Appellate Attorney William Driscoll credits his professional success to superior research and analytical skills, a keen attention to detail, the tenacity to examine every angle, and the ability to explain complex information simply. He identifies the personal and legal issues and implements creative solutions for his clients best interests.

Attorney Driscoll takes the time to explain the law in simple to understand terms. He explains how our legal system works, from the Massachusetts trial court to the Supreme Court of the United States. He explains your rights and offers options. Ultimately it is his client who must choose his own path,...

Since graduating from Harvard Law School, my practice has concentrated in litigation and other forms of complex dispute resolution. Initially, I worked primarily in constitutional test litigation in New York. Since then, my practice has included a wide variety of substantive matters, including major criminal cases, novel banking matters, legal and medical malpractice, professional licensing disputes for doctors, lawyers and other professionals, real estate and construction disputes, and the representation of high net worth individuals in domestic relations matters such as property division and alimony. I was the managing partner of my previous firm's branch representative office in...

I have been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1984, and have devoted my career to helping people who have been injured as a result of negligence. My practice includes all types of personal injury matters. I also handle cases against insurance companies for bad faith and unfair claims practices; I represent lawyers in disputes with their firms; and I handle business litigation, including claims by businesses against insurance brokers. It is my goal to serve the needs of my clients, and to solve their problems as best I can. I have successfully handled personal injury cases of all types, including...

Marc Breakstone has established a reputation as one of the top personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers in Massachusetts and New England. He has practiced law in Massachusetts since 1986 and is a partner at Breakstone, White & Gluck. Mr. Breakstone works tirelessly to ensure his clients receive full and fair compensation as well as achieve the most favorable medical result. He has been recognized as a Top 100 New England Super Lawyer, a Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyer and a Massachusetts Super Lawyer in Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice. Mr. Breakstone has also been recognized with a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating...

Sean is a partner and founder of the firm, O'Connor, Carnathan and Mack, LLC and focuses his practice in complex business litigation with a particular emphasis on insurance coverage, closely held businesses and trust and estate litigation.

Since 1993, although Massachusetts based, Sean has been litigating cases all over the country, from Texas to Minnesota and from California to Maine. He has tried or arbitrated over 25 cases in the state and federal courts of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Sean has secured millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients. He regularly advises corporate executives in transition regarding their...

Peter Vickery focuses on landlord-tenant cases (landlord side). He also welcomes clients with claims of religious discrimination. As Legislative Affairs Counsel for MassLandlords (the statewide membership organization that represents housing providers across Massachusetts) Peter drafts bills, bill summaries, and testimony in the area of housing law, and writes amicus briefs in cases that have strategic significance for rental-property owners. Peter is a graduate of Oxford University (Jesus College), the University of the West of England, Boston University School of Law, and the Center for Public Policy & Administration at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is a former member of the Governor’s...

Attorney Cappetta is a Juvenile and Criminal Defense Attorney dedicated to fighting for the rights of his clients. Attorney Cappetta is committed to providing high quality defense services to his clients at a price that is fair and reasonable. All fees are charged on a flat fee basis so that clients always know the total cost of representation before making a decision about hiring him. Attorney Cappetta is a graduate of Stonehill College in North Easton, MA. After college he graduated from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, MA. He has spent almost...

Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis is a very experienced criminal defense lawyer handling all misdemeanor and major felony crimes. Over the last 20 years, he has successfully represented hundreds of clients and obtained acquittals in extremely complex and serious cases, including murder.

Attorney Travayiakis' trial litigation practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, including major felony crimes such as homicide/murder and related crimes of violence; rape and other sex crimes; gun crimes; drugs crimes; and OUI/DUI.

Additionally, Attorney Travayiakis also handles appeals and post-conviction matters before the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court.

By any objective measure, Attorney David R. Yannetti has reached the top of his profession. Attorney Yannetti has achieved an acquittal in a first-degree murder case after first obtaining a new trial for his client, who had served sixteen years in state prison after being wrongfully convicted. Later in the year, Attorney Yannetti was selected to compete in the annual "Battle of the Lawyers," sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Attorney Yannetti's re-creation of his famous closing argument in the Jeffrey Curley murder case earned him top honors, as he took home the trophy for having presented the...

Attorney Brian Simoneau is a recognized expert regarding Massachusetts license suspensions, revocations, hardship licenses and other related matters involving the Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles and Division of Insurance Board of Appeal. He serves as a resource for other lawyers who need information and assistance regarding Massachusetts License Suspension Laws. He regularly achieves excellent results for his clients in the form of full license reinstatements and hardship licenses. Attorney Simoneau is a co-author of the MCLE publication Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Offenses: Obtaining, Losing, and Seeking Reinstatement of Driver’s Licenses.

Thomas Estes has in the practice of law for over 22 years in various capacities, including Associate Justice of the District Court in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

After receiving his law degree from William & Mary School of Law, He was a successful Patent and Trademark Litigation Attorney in Virginia, then moved on to becoming a Public Defender in Northern Virginia, where he very passionately defended indigent clients.

Thomas moved to Massachusetts in 2002 where he first worked as a Public Defender and in 2006 was promoted to Attorney-in-Charge for Committee for Public Counsel Services.

In 2014, Thomas became a District...

I founded Boston Employment Law PC in 2016, continuing my practice in employment law, business litigation and appeals, which began in 1986. In the employment area, I represent both employers and employees before state and federal administrative agencies and courts in cases involving: wage payment and overtime claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Massachusetts law; sexual harassment; age, race, disability and sex discrimination; wrongful termination; and trade secrets and non-competition agreements. I also counsel clients regarding day-to-day employment law issues involving COBRA; the Family and Medical Leave Act; reasonable accommodation to disabled employees; employment contracts; severance;...

I am an experienced Trial Lawyer with significant trial and litigation experience in both the U.S. Bankruptcy, U.S. District, and State Superior & Appellate Courts. I represent businesses, high net-worth individuals and families, and corporations both in and out of Court. As a season trial attorney and bankruptcy practitioner, I handle high-profile and serious federal, internal, state and local investigations.

My experience from both sides of the courtroom aisle brings a significant layer of insight to the advice I provide clients. I have experience prosecuting embezzlement and corporate shareholder disputes as well as defending felonies, securities fraud, and homicide cases. I...

Mr. Plante is the founder of General Counsel LLC. He was General Counsel at Perkins School for the Blind, where he handled all legal affairs of the organization. He performed legal work including contract, employment, regulatory, education and litigation. He drafted, reviewed and negotiated private and governmental agreements. Mr. Plante advised the Board of Trustees, the President and CEO, the CFO and Senior Management on legal and business issues. He served as Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Plante supervised and managed all outside counsel. He handled all disputes including litigation, administrative proceedings, settlements and internal investigations. He regularly...

Brad Bailey, a Massachusetts native, graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1980. He received his J.D. in 1983 from the University of Virginia, one of America’s premier (top 10) law schools. He began his legal career working for the New York County (Manhattan) D.A. as an Assistant District Attorney in the Nation’s largest and busiest D.A.’s Office. From there, he returned home to Massachusetts and joined the Middlesex County D.A.’s Office, where he continued his career as an Assistant District Attorney. Brad moved on from the Middlesex D.A.’s Office to the prestigious United States Attorney’s Office for the District...

Marissa Elkins is a proven litigator, comfortable in any courtroom environment. Whether a case involves a trial before a jury of twelve in Superior Court or six in District Court, or complicated legal motions and arguments before a judge, Attorney Elkins has the experience and legal expertise to represent clients zealously and with integrity. With experience in courts throughout Western Massachusetts and the rest of the Commonwealth, she is an attorney that commands respect for her clients and works to get them favorable results at every stage of litigation.

Cynthia Grover Hastings is a partner at Perocchi Family Law Group LLP, where she provides representation to individuals in Massachusetts for family law matters at both the trial court and appellate court levels. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Grover Hastings served as a law clerk to the justices of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. As a law clerk, she worked on a variety of family law, probate, and equity matters in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester counties.

Stephen Spelman is an experienced civil and criminal trial attorney. Stephen served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Unit of the Hampden County District Attorney's Office. He has tried more than 200 cases in state and federal court. Stephen served as a JAG Colonel in the Army Reserve, including two tours in Iraq and one tour as the senior criminal defense attorney for the Army, supervising court martial defense world-wide.

Craig C. Stern is a founding partner of Rodriguez Stern, and focuses on the firm’s civil, corporate, and estate planning practice. He has extensive experience representing individuals and businesses in all matters of litigation, including negligence and workers’ compensation claims, as well as forming corporations and limited liability entities, drafting contracts, and advising on general corporate matters. Attorney Stern is also highly experienced working with financial service professionals, including accountants and financial advisors, and assists their clients by drafting wills, trusts, and handling general estate planning matters. Prior to Rodriguez Stern, Attorney Stern worked as Corporate Counsel in the...

I have extensive experience across a number of areas of the law. During my career I have made thousands of court appearances and have substantial experience probating estates, representing people charged with crimes, people buying and selling real estate, and people going through a divorce. I provide individualized attention to my clients and respond promptly to emails, telephone calls, and other communications.

I bring 26 years of experience as a trial lawyer to solve your problems. I am unflinching and unwavering in my commitment to vindicate your rights, while being mindful at the same time of your concern to do so in a cost-effective and responsive manner, at all times working collaboratively with you to demystify the law and litigation procedure and identifying creative solutions to achieve your objectives. Whether you have an inheritance or probate dispute, a failed business or real estate transaction or partnership, a landlord-tenant problem, a wage or compensation dispute, or an issue...

Attorney Clark graduated from Dartmouth College in 1989. He earned his J.D. in 1994 from the Washington College of Law at American University, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review, and his LL.M. in taxation in 1995 from the New York University School of Law. He was admitted to practice in New York in 1995 and Massachusetts in 2002.

Attorney Clark began his career in corporate tax, where he specialized in the global tax optimization of multinational corporate entities. Personal experience led to a career change, and Rob quickly learned that divorce is not like other litigation: It...

Ryan Schiff is a partner at Elkins, Auer, Rudof & Schiff in Northampton. His practice is focused on appellate litigation and criminal and juvenile defense. He has briefed and argued a wide range of cases before the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. His trial-court experience ranges from complex first-degree murder and federal racketeering cases to trespassing and drug-possession cases. Before joining his firm, Ryan was the Director of Juvenile Appeals at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, and a staff attorney in CPCS’s Special Litigation Unit. Ryan is...