What's New

Adler, Cohen, Harvey, Wakeman and Guekguezian LLP is always striving to advance the practice of law within our diverse areas of specialty. This section of our website is devoted to sharing news and accomplishments with clients, colleagues and other interested parties.

In August 2024, it was announced that Principal Bernie Guekguezian, was recognized by the prestigious Best Lawyers List as “Lawyer of the Year.” In addition, Principals Ellen Epstein Cohen, Jim Bello, Michael Barkley, Noel Dumas, and Megan Pimentel were each named to the prestigious Best Lawyers list for 2025. The annual Best Lawyers list, as published by U.S. News and World Report, is assembled based on an extensive peer review selection process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, and independent verification. Partner Caroline Smith was selected by her peers for recognition in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, which recognizes lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

In March and April 2024, Adler Cohen welcomed eight new attorneys to our firm.  Principals Jim Bello and Noel Dumas, Partners Lori Vaulding, Jacqueline Doherty, and Caroline Smith, and Associates Matthew Holmes, Erin Hoefler, and Jeffrey Hangen have joined our team, expanding Adler Cohen's roster of talented trial attorneys, counselors and advocates.  Each of our new attorneys will continue to practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense and healthcare licensing and regulatory law.  In addition, Jim Bello and Lori Vaulding will continue to serve clients in the role of Underwriter's Representative, analyzing and managing high exposure claims and providing guidance to international insurers and reinsurers.  Noel Dumas will continue to serve clients in the field of aviation law, in which he defends aircraft manufacturers and maintenance facilities in claims typically arising out of catastrophic airplane crashes.

Please join us in congratulating Mary Azzarito on becoming a Partner in the firm, effective February 2023. Mary’s practice will continue to focus primarily on the defense of healthcare professionals and institutions in medical malpractice actions and before the various Boards of Registration that oversee these professionals. Mary will also continue her representation of clients in the areas of administrative law and general liability.

In December 2022 the streaming service Peacock dropped a 4-part documentary series entitled “The Battle for Justina Pelletier.” This series chronicles the events surrounding a 14-year old girl with unusual symptoms who was treated at Boston Children’s Hospital for an extended period of time, and the computer hacktivist who coordinated an attack on the Hospital’s computer system in her name. Featured throughout the series are excerpts from the trial of the civil lawsuit which was defended by two of our partners, Ellen Epstein Cohen and Megan Grew Pimentel, and which resulted in an across the board defense verdict for the Hospital and all of the medical providers. You can find the trailer for the docu-series here.

Awards/Honors

In August 2023, it was announced that Principals Ellen Epstein Cohen, Bernie Guekguezian, Michael Barkley and Megan Pimentel were each named to the prestigious Best Lawyers list for 2024. The annual Best Lawyers list, as published by U.S. News and World Report, is assembled based on an extensive peer review selection process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, and independent verification. In addition, Associate Kelsey Peck was selected by her peers for recognition in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, which recognizes lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

We are pleased to announce Michael B. Barkley, Ellen Epstein Cohen, A. Bernard Guekguezian, Jennifer Boyd Herlihy, Megan Grew Pimentel and Alexander E. Terry have been named “The Top Lawyers of 2022” in Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers list. The Top Lawyers list was specially curated to showcase only the region’s finest legal minds. To compile this guide, lawyers were invited to nominate up to three of their peers in a select number of specialties. The top vote-getters in each specialty were then reviewed by an advisory board of select lawyers, chosen for their credentials and the high number of votes they received. The list of the best lawyers in the region—from corporate to criminal—as chosen by their peers. Click here to view the announcement.

Adler Cohen proudly recognizes 8 of its attorneys, who were selected, based on votes of their peers and review by an independent blue ribbon panel, as "Super Lawyers" or "Rising Stars" in 2022, as published annually in Boston Magazine and New England Super Lawyers. Partners Ellen Cohen, Bernie Guekguezian, Jennifer Herlihy, Michael Barkley, and Megan Pimentel, and Associate Mary Azzarito, were each recognized as "Super Lawyers," and Partner Alex Terry was recognized as a “Rising Star.” Ellen Cohen was also recognized as one of the "Top 100 Attorneys" in Massachusetts and "Top 50 Women" in Massachusetts. Bernie Guekguezian was also recognized as one of the “Top 100 Attorneys” in Massachusetts. Associate Sarah Doucett was also recognized as a "Rising Star."

Adler Cohen Harvey Wakeman and Guekguezian is pleased to announce A. Bernard Guekguezian and Megan Grew Pimentel have been named “The Top Lawyers of 2021” in Boston Magazine’s first ever Top Lawyers list. The Top Lawyers list was specially curated to showcase only the region’s finest legal minds. To compile this guide, lawyers were invited to nominate up to three of their peers in a select number of specialties. The top vote-getters in each specialty were then reviewed by an advisory board of select lawyers, chosen for their credentials and the high number of votes they received. The list of the best lawyers in the region—from corporate to criminal—as chosen by their peers. Click here to view the announcement.

Adler Cohen proudly recognizes 9 of its attorneys, who were selected, based on votes of their peers and review by an independent blue ribbon panel, as "Super Lawyers" or "Rising Stars" in 2021, as published annually in Boston Magazine and New England Super Lawyers. Partners Ellen Cohen, Bernie Guekguezian, Jennifer Herlihy, Michael Barkley, Megan Pimentel and Amy LaBrecque, and Associate Mary Azzarito, were each recognized as "Super Lawyers." Ellen Cohen was also recognized as one of the "Top 100 Attorneys" in Massachusetts and "Top 50 Women" in Massachusetts. Associates Alex Terry and Sarah Doucett were each recognized as "Rising Stars."

In August 2021, it was announced that Principals Ellen Epstein Cohen, Bernie Guekguezian, and Michael Barkley were each named to the prestigious Best Lawyers list for 2022.  The annual Best Lawyers list, as published by U.S. News and World Report, is assembled based on an extensive peer review selection process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, and independent verification.

On May 21, 2021, the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Associations (MassDLA) presented Principal Ellen Epstein Cohen with their 2020 Lawyer of the Year award. This award is presented annually to one attorney chosen by the MassDLA board and is based on characteristics of the recipient which include the public’s opinion of the attorney, trial and defense experience, contribution to the legal community and the community at large, and contribution to MassDLA and its stated Mission.

On May 19, 2021, the Medical Professional Liability (MPL) Association, a national insurance industry trade organization that represents entities doing business in the MPL arena, presented its 2021 Industry Defender Award to Principal Ellen Epstein Cohen. The MPL Association established this award to recognize individual defense attorneys for outstanding lifelong contributions to supporting MPL insurers and defending physicians, dentists, hospitals, clinics, and other health professionals and institutions.

In April 2020, Ellen Epstein Cohen was featured in an article published by Boston University School of Law, regarding a successful outcome she on behalf of her clients in the Pelletier v. Boston Children's Hospital matter, which was tried to a successful jury verdict in February 2020.  The article can be found here.

The firm is pleased to announce that Bernie Guekguezian was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in September, 2019.  Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship. Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5800 members in the United States and Canada, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and Honorary Fellows. The College maintains and seeks to improve the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics, and the administration of justice through education and public statements on important legal issues relating to its mission. The College strongly supports the independence of the judiciary, trial by jury, respect for the rule of law, access to justice, and fair and just representation of all parties to legal proceedings. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.  Bernie is the second partner of Adler Cohen to be inducted to the ACTL.  Ellen Epstein Cohen was inducated as a Fellow in September 2016.

Adler Cohen congratulates the Sig Adler Lung Cancer Research Fund, recently recognized by The Mass General Cancer Center as one of "The One Hundred" for 2016.  "The One Hundred" is an awareness and fundraising initiative that celebrates hope in the cancer community by recognizing 100 amazing individuals or groups around the globe whose commitment to the fight against cancer inspires us all to take action.  The Sig Adler Lung Cancer Research Fund was established in 2007 to honor one of our firm's founding partners, Sig Adler, and to further the groundbreaking cancer research being performed everyday at MGH.

Adler Cohen in the Community

Adler Cohen is proud to sponsor Lawyers Honoring COVID Caregivers, a fund established by Massachusetts lawyers who are convinced that it is essential that our profession supports the brave and dedicated people who are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

On June 25, 2019, the attorneys and staff of Adler, Cohen, Harvey, Wakeman & Guekguezian proudly participated in the 12th Annual Lawyers Have Heart 5K road race. The race is an annual event organized to raise proceeds for the American Heart Association, a charitable organization with a mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The firm’s strong turnout and fundraising efforts enabled us to support the American Heart Association in its mission.

Presentations

  • On March 30, 2023 Ellen Cohen served as invited faculty on a panel in a continuing legal education course presented by the Social Law Library for attorneys and judges entitled “Anatomy of Medical Malpractice Law 2023” on March 30, 2023. The course covered many important issues involved in malpractice cases, both from the plaintiff and defense perpsectives, and also with input from co-presenter The Honorable Valerie Yarashus.

  • On 10/29/22, Ellen Cohen moderated a presentation with a panel of federal court judges in a presentation titled:  “Judicial Independence, Threats to the Judiciary and the Rule of Law” at the Leadership Workshop for the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) in Newport, RI.

  • On October 21, 2022, Bernie Guekguezian and Daniel Wu were invited to present at MAIA’s Big Event, the largest insurance industry event in New England. The conference invites the area’s leading insurance agents and brokers to attend and participate in meeting industry leaders and work on their professional development while obtaining continuing education credits. During the three-hour presentation, Attorneys Guekguezian and Wu discussed current and emerging topics on best practices in providing insurance coverage and issues related to errors and omissions professional liability insurance. They also provided real-life examples of cases they have handled and gave advice as to maintaining client relationships, policy issues, and coverage.

  • On March 31, 2022, Michael Barkley presented Grand Rounds to the staff of Lemuel Shattuck Hospital. The presentation centered around risk management issues pertaining to electronic medical records and systems tracking and follow-up issues common to medical malpractice claims.

  • On February 28, 2022, Michael Barkley, at the invitation of Boston University School of Law, participated for the second consecutive year in a "Bench Meets Bar" panel discussion, held virtually. The panel consisted of a Justice of the First Circuit Court of Appeals, a Justice from the Massachusetts Court of Appeals, a Massachusetts Superior Court Justice, and three practicing attorneys. The program provided an opportunity for BUSL students to direct questions to the panel regarding professional development and career path choices.

  • Bernie Guekguezian and Mary Azzarito were invited to speak at the January 2022 meeting of a large group of physicians and mid-level providers. The presentation, “Perils and Pitfalls of the Electronic Medical Record, ”focused on the importance of careful medical documentation and the serious risks of carrying forward old information (or using “copy and paste”) in medical documentation. Two real-life case studies provided dramatic examples of the potentially dangerous impact of inaccurate or missing documentation in the medical record.

  • On September 14, 2020, at the invitation of Boston University School of Medicine, Michael Barkley presented at the Radiology Interventions Safety, Quality, and Complications Symposium. This Symposium, attended by interventional radiologists throughout the United States and internationally, was held over a three day period and was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael’s presentation was entitled: “So…you’re Being Sued: What now?” and consisted of legal and risk management advice and data arising from interventional imaging based procedures.

  • On October 1, 2019, Michael Barkley, at the invitation of CRICO, presented to approximately 100 clinical fellows within the Partners Healthcare System. The presentation centered around legal and risk management issues unique to trainees.

  • On September 13th and 14th, Bernie Guekguezian was an invited speaker to Coverys’ Risk Management Education Days. Attorney Guekguezian presented the topic: "Malpractice: New Views, Insights, and Legal Tips to Mitigate Your Exposure."

  • On March 29, 2019, Bernie Guekguezian was an invited speaker for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine’s Quality and Patient Safety Training Spring Progam: “Collaborating to Promote Safe Practices.” Attorney Guekguezian presented the topic: “Maximizing Patient Safety While Minimizing Provider Risk."

  • On March 20, 2019, Bernie Guekguezian was an invited instructor for the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Course: “Product Liability Claims: Navigating the Law and Strategies for Effective Case Presentation and Trial Presentation” in Boston.

  • On March 17, 2019, Bernie Guekguezian was an invited speaker for the Annual Update in Obstetrics and Gynecology Course sponsored by Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Mr. Guekguezian presented the topic: Malpractice: New Views, Insights and Legal Tips to Mitigate Your Exposure.

  • On November 13, 2018, at the invitation of CRICO, Michael Barkley again presented to physicians completing a Fellowship in Patient Safety and Quality through Harvard Medical School on the topic of the "Disclosure, Apology, & Offer" Law.

  • On September 28, 2018, at the invitation of Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Michael Barkley presented at an Obstetric Medical-Legal Conference. The presentation was given with two other medical malpractice defense attorneys and focused on risk management and issues unique to medical malpractice litigation in the field of Obstetrics.

  • On July 13, 2018, Michael Barkley presented by invitation at OMSNIC and Fortress' biennial Defense Counsel Seminar held in Chicago. The seminar was attended by OMSNIC and Fortress' national panel of defense counsel, as well as OMSNIC/Fortress' Board of Directors and claims staff - a group of approximately 150 attorneys, oral surgeons, and claims professionals. The presentation was given jointly with an oral surgeon, and was entitled: "Anesthesia and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon."

  • On January 18, 2018, Michael Barkley presented to the Massachusetts / Rhode Island Medical Group Management Association on "Risk Management Lessons from Medical Malpractice Litigation.

  • In September 2017, Ellen Cohen and Megan Pimentel presented a webinar for a national group of healthcare providers and risk managers, entitled “Claims of Sexual Misconduct: What No One Wants to Talk About but Everyone Needs to Know."

  • On April 28, 2017, Bernie Guekguezian was a featured speaker at the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association/Massachusetts Association of Trial Attorneys “Both Sides of the Bar” Seminar.

  • On April 20, 2017, Brian Fielding co-presented a CLE on Special Education Law by invitation of the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Government Lawyers Committee at the Rhode Island Bar Association headquarters. This CLE provided an overview of special education law, and prepared participants to advocate on behalf of families with students receiving special education services as well as understand the responsibilities from the perspective of the school district.

  • In April 2017, Bernie Guekguezian presented a Risk Management Seminar at Milford Hospital on the issue of “curbside consults” to a group of 35 physicians.

  • In March 2017, Bernie Guekguezian presented a Risk Management Seminar on medical malpractice litigation to a group of 40 physicians in Concord, New Hampshire.

  • On January 28, 2017, Ellen Cohen and Michael Barkley participated in a Risk Management symposium at the Yankee Dental Congress, at the invitation of OMSNIC. The presentation was geared towards oral surgeons and their office staff, and entitled: "Patient Safety and Risk Management For the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon."

  • On November 17, 2016, at the invitation of CRICO, Michael Barkley again presented to physicians completing a Fellowship in Patient Safety and Quality through Harvard Medical School on the topic of the "Disclosure, Apology, & Offer" Law.

Ellen Cohen was interviewed for a podcast to discuss the jury selection process in civil trials.  You can read the transcript or listen to the podcast here.