Assembling a legal toolbox to help solo and small-firm practices thrive

Nine Small and Boutique Firms Become Boston Bar Sustaining Members

Monday, November 05, 2012

Highlighting its appreciation of the role that small and boutique law practices play in the vitality of the Boston Bar Association (BBA), BBA President James D. Smeallie today announced the launch of the BBA's Sustaining Firm Membership. Nine Boston firms -- all of whom have one or more partners that have held significant leadership posts at the BBA -- have accepted a special invitation to become charter Sustaining Firm Members.

The nine are Arrowood Peters; Beck Reed Riden; Chu, Ring & Hazel; Desmond Strang & Scott; Hiscock & Barclay; Laredo & Smith; Mackie Shea O'Brien; Rosenfeld Rafik & Sullivan; and Stone, Stone & Creem. None of the firms has more than ten lawyers, and each serves its own unique client roster of institutions or individuals or a combination of the two.

"Lawyers from these firms have served on our governing Council, on our Executive Committee, on our Finance Committee, and as Section Co-Chairs," said Smeallie. "They have helped shape BBA public policy, professional development initiatives, or worked with us to address complex issues facing our profession and our community. We owe these charter Sustaining Members our appreciation for helping to advance professional excellence, access to justice, service to the community, and diversity."

The charter Sustaining Firm members announced today will receive BBA membership for all attorneys and professional staff in their offices. At the same time they are making a statement about the impact of the BBA on their professional lives and in the community.

Solo & Small Firm Committees

  • Entrepreneurial Development Committee
    The Entrepreneurial Development Committee consists of bar members with entrepreneurial spirit and the drive for success in the legal industry through firm establishment and growth. Committee members aim to enhance law practice management and marketing skills through exploring the integral areas of finance, office administration, personnel management, technology, market strategy, and personal legal career development. The EDC strives to foster entrepreneurship in the Boston legal community by providing law firm management and solo practitioners with the resources and tools to grow and prosper.

    Contact Information

    Alexis B. Kaplan

    Law Offices of Alexis B. Kaplan, LLC

    (617) 903-0225

    Christopher J. Desmond

    Desmond, Strang & Scott, LLP

    (602) 430-7019

  • Solo & Small Firm Public Policy Committee
    The BBA is very active in legislative and regulatory changes. Attorneys are often asked to lend their expertise.

    Contact Information

    Ellen Kief

    Law Office of Ellen S. Kief

    (617) 482-0200

    Stephen G. Viegas

    Stephen Viegas, Attorney

    (781) 944-5290

  • Solo & Small Firms Communications Committee
  • Steering Committee
    The leadership committee of the Section organizes programs and discusses policy. To inquire about opportunities, please contact the Section Co-Chairs.