Melissa Bayer Tearney, a partner in
the Government Enforcement & Compliance Group at Choate, Hall & Stewart
LLP, has been named a “Top Woman of Law” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for her
outstanding accomplishments in the legal community. The prestigious award
is given to a small group of women lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding
leadership, vision, passion, and advocacy. Tearney will receive her award
on September 23, 2011.
A top national white collar and criminal defense lawyer, Tearney has 20 years
of experience representing corporations and individuals in the areas of
healthcare and financial fraud, environmental violations, foreign corrupt
practices, customs violations, and civil and criminal RICO matters.
“There is no one more deserving of this award than Melissa. She
successfully balances a large, high profile white collar law practice, giving
back to the community, and mentoring junior lawyers,” said William Gelnaw and
John Nadas, co-managing partners of Choate, Hall & Stewart. “Melissa
truly defines what it means to be a top woman lawyer who is a trailblazer and
role model. We are very proud that she is being singled out for this
prestigious honor.”
Tearney is currently vice president and president-elect of Greater Boston
Legal Services and serves on the organization’s Board of Directors.
Tearney also serves on the Board of Directors for Hebrew SeniorLife, an
organization she has held leadership roles with for over 15 year, on the Board
of Trustees at Thayer Academy, and on the Board of Directors at Camp
Bauercrest.
Tearney received her J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1991 and her
B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1988. She is admitted to
practice in Massachusetts.
Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP, one of the nation's leading law firms, is
consistently recognized for excellence by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA,
The Legal 500, World’s Leading Lawyers, International Who’s Who of Lawyers and
PLC Which Lawyer. The firm also received a top-tier rating for client
service from BTI Consulting Group's survey of Fortune 1000 counsel. Choate
focuses on a strategic core group of areas where we provide superior value
across the U.S. and internationally, including government enforcement &
compliance, finance & restructuring, private equity, business &
technology, corporate/M&A, litigation, intellectual property,
insurance/reinsurance, and wealth management.