I am a business lawyer and problem solver who takes pride in advising and advocating for my clients.  I admire people who start, build, and maintain businesses and enjoy helping them succeed.   Having been born and raised in Springfield, MA, I am dedicated to active community engagement and regional economic development initiatives.

My areas of focus include real estate development, general corporate counsel, business litigation, regulatory compliance, risk management and government affairs.

Prior to my present role with the Firm, I was responsible for all aspects of legal affairs and regulatory compliance for two prominent casino developments owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, together having over 2500 employees and generating over $800M in annual revenue. Prior to that, I worked as a development lawyer and high-stakes business litigator at law firms ranging from an international 1000+ attorney firm to a boutique business services firm.  Before practicing law, I worked in state government on legislative and regulatory matters.

Education

  • Colgate University, Hamilton, NY (BA, Political Science, cum laude) 1998
  • UMass Boston, Boston, MA (MS, Public Affairs, summa cum laude) 2001
  • Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA (JD, magna cum laude) 2004


Community Involvement

  • Hampden County Bar Foundation, Board Member
  • ROCA, Board Member
  • DevelopSpringfield, Board Member
  • Western Mass. Economic Development Council, former Board Member
  • Springfield Business Improvement District, former Board Member
  • World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts, former Board Member
  • Greater Springfield YMCA, former Board Member
  • Springfield Performing Arts Development Corporation, former Board Member
  • Lawyers for Children America, former Volunteer Lawyer


Professional Organizations

  • Hampden County Bar Association


Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts, 2004
  • Connecticut, 2007


Professional Activities and Accomplishments

  • Adjunct Faculty (former), Western New England University Law School
  • Adjunct Faculty (former), New England School of Law
  • Panelist, 2023 New England Real Estate Journal Summit, September 2023
  • Panelist, MCLE 17th Annual Municipal Law Conference 2019
  • Keynote Address, Massachusetts Bar Association 19th Annual In-House Counsel Conference
  • Panelist, MBA Development & Construction Law Practice Group 1st Annual Case Study Event
  • Keynote Address, East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Meeting
  • BusinessWest 2015 Forty Under Forty Award Recipient