About
Managing Partner: Sara Jane Shanahan
Main office in Boston, MA with satellite office in Providence, RI
Ranked #52 on Boston Business Journal’s Largest Law Firms in Massachusetts
Clients rely on Sherin and Lodgen’s experience and understanding in real estate, litigation, business law, and employment. With nearly 50 attorneys, we can handle the most complex matters, while providing responsive, senior-level attention to every matter. We deliver sophisticated analysis with effective, efficient and focused representation, and a high level of service by developing in-depth understanding of our clients’ business goals, issues, concerns, and emerging industry trends. Sherin and Lodgen LLP is affiliated with Lexwork International, a strategic global alliance of midsized law firms, providing representation in all 50 states and 36 countries.
To learn more, please visit www.sherin.com.
Banking & Finance:
Represents national, regional, and local banks, life insurance companies, governmental agencies and other conventional and non-conventional financing sources and borrowers involved in complex financings, refinancings, and restructurings, including construction and term real estate loans, multi-state portfolio loans, community development financing (including tax credits), renewable energy financing, asset-based credits, and commercial and industrial loans.
Contact: Jack Anetakis
Corporate/General Business:
Represents businesses and non-profits with entity formation, general corporate compliance matters, financing, contracts, licensing, sales, distribution, employment, executive compensation, franchising, real estate, intellectual property, joint ventures, M&A, ownership structure, inbound investment/foreign ownership of US assets, private placements, venture capital, shareholder issues, sale of assets/stock and tax law. Extensive experience with startups and closely-held businesses.
Contact: C. Forbes Sargent III
Employment:
Represents executives and professionals in a wide range of employment matters and litigation. The firm’s Executive Advocacy practice focuses on executive employment and compensation, change of control and severance protections, and assisting executives and professionals in transition. The firm’s Litigation practice focuses on all aspects of employment law, with particular expertise in restrictive covenant disputes.
Contact: Brian J. MacDonough
Environmental:
Represents developers, manufacturers, retailers, and owners of industrial and commercial property with a wide range of environmental issues, including property contamination (brownfields), wetlands compliance/enforcement, cost recovery actions, and LEED/Green development.
Contact: Ronald W. Ruth
Hospitality:
Represents hotel and restaurant owners, operators, lenders, and investors in all areas affecting hospitality clients, with particular expertise in hotel management agreements, joint ventures, hotel acquisition and sales, liquor licenses, and hotel development. Our lodging experience includes both branded and unbranded hotels and spans all chain scales and most brands.
Contact: Joshua M. Bowman
Law Firm Defense:
Represents AmLaw 100 and NLJ 500 law firms and their attorneys in complex, high-stakes cases involving allegations of legal malpractice, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, misrepresentation, aiding and abetting, Chapter 93A violations, and other professional liability claims. The firm has defended law firms and lawyers in state and federal courts in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and other jurisdictions.
Contact: Christopher R. Blazejewski
Litigation/General Commercial:
Represents publicly traded and privately held businesses in complex commercial litigation throughout the country to resolve contract claims, product liability claims, strategic real estate litigation, construction, employment claims, insurance coverage disputes, intellectual property litigation, professional liability litigation and general business disputes. The firm has a deep bench experienced in various multifaceted case management issues, including e-discovery, large-volume document collection, production and review, and multi-jurisdictional, multi-action, multiparty discovery.
Contact: Matthew C. Moschella
Real Estate:
Represents owners, property and asset managers, tenants, developers, public agencies, investors, and lenders with all aspects of real estate transactions including land acquisitions and dispositions; site assembly; critical leases and sublease issues; financing and debt/equity structuring including joint ventures and construction and permanent financing; solar and alternative energy financing, leasing, developing and permitting (along with assistance in federal, state and local incentive programs); community development lending; retail leasing and development; hospitality including representation of owners and managers of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues; industrial, warehouse, distribution and specialty real estate facility transactions; federal, state and local entitlements and permitting; review, analysis and negotiation of contracts with property managers, contractors, architects and other design professionals; retail, office, industrial, warehouse, life science/biotech and research and development leasing; multi-property portfolio sales and acquisitions; national disposition programs; public-private development transactions; and sale-leaseback transactions.
Contact: Carla M. Moynihan
Real Estate Litigation:
Represents developers, landlords, tenants, property and building owners in all types of real estate litigation matters, including lease disputes, landlord/tenant issues, adverse possession and easements by prescription, environmental and wetlands disputes, premises liability, options and rights of first refusal, trespass, nuisance, easements, title and property line disputes, zoning and land use permitting disputes and appeals (including building at risk).
Contact: Sander A. Rikleen
Renewable Energy:
Represents lenders, developers, and landowners committed to sustainability through solar, energy storage, and wind initiatives. Clients rely on the firm’s experience in renewable energy M&A, financing, development, leasing, environmental, zoning, and permitting. The firm’s experience includes purchase and sale of renewable energy projects at all stages of development/operation, securing easement and leasing rights for rooftop, canopy, and ground-mounted solar, project financing, and counseling related to securing and preserving tax credits and renewable energy incentives through federal and state programs (including Massachusetts SMART program).
Contact: Beth A. Goldstein
Ranked Offices
Provided by Sherin and Lodgen LLP
- Boston101 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, MA 02110
- Web: www.sherin.com
- Tel: +1 617 646 2000
- Fax: +1 617 646 2222
Sherin and Lodgen LLP rankings







Articles, highlights and press releases
111 items provided by Sherin and Lodgen LLP
Daniel S. Guenther quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article about Chapter 93A and ‘junk fees’
Daniel S. Guenther, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department was quoted in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article on April 3, titled “AG throws down Chapter 93A hammer on ‘junk fees.’”
Joshua M. Bowman Serves on Boston University’s 2025 Hospitality Real Estate Symposium Planning Commi
Partner and Hospitality Practice Group Chair Joshua M. Bowman served on the planning committee for Boston University’s (BU) 2025 Hospitality Real Estate Symposium held on April 2
Corporate Transparency Act Update: Drastic Reduction in Scope of BOI Reporting in FinCEN Guidance
On March 21, 2025, the United States Treasury announced a significant reduction in scope of the definition of “reporting company” under the Corporate Transparency Act, limiting the obligation to file beneficial ownership reports to foreign entities only and removing the obligation to file from...
David A. Michel attends the Federal Bar Association’s Capitol Hill Day and Leadership Summit
David A. Michel, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, attended the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Capitol Hill Day on March 27, as well as the organization’s Leadership Summit from March 28-29, in Arlington, Virginia.
Brian J. MacDonough and David A. Michel present webinar on employee handbooks for the FBA
Brian J. MacDonough, chair of the firm’s Employment Department, and David A. Michel, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, presented a webinar titled “Employee Handbooks- Best Practices and Potential Pitfalls” for the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Labor & Employment section on March 11.
Ethical Exits: ABA Formal Opinion 516, Permissive Withdrawal, and the Hot Potato Doctrine
Most attorneys have encountered, at one point or another, challenging client situations that prompt consideration of withdrawal.
When the Lawyer Is the Victim: ABA’s New Guidance on Confidentiality and Client-Perpetrated Crimes
When a client turns from seeking your counsel to victimizing you or your staff, what ethical obligations still bind you? The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility tackles this thorny dilemma in its recent Formal Opinion 515.
The Attorney – Client Relationship 101: Helpful Reminders Before, During and After Representation
Navigating the attorney-client relationship can be like a carefully choreographed dance – requiring precision, awareness, and mutual respect to achieve harmony.
Organizational Lawyers and the Organization/Constituent Divide
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Formal Opinion 514, issued on January 8, 2025, provides guidance on the ethical responsibilities of lawyers when advising organizational clients concerning future actions or conduct that may pose legal risks to the organization’s constituents, including...
Sherin and Lodgen adds new associate to Real Estate Department
Sherin and Lodgen LLP announces the addition of Ariana L. Mirzakashani as an associate in the firm’s distinguished Real Estate Department.
Sara Jane Shanahan quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article, “Bar: SJC ruling offers clarity,
Sara Jane Shanahan, managing partner of the firm, was quoted in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article published on March 20, titled “Bar: SJC ruling offers clarity, useful considerations for litigants.”
Beth A. Goldstein presents at MCLE’s 26th Annual Environmental, Land Use & Energy Law Conference
Beth A. Goldstein, partner and chair of the firm’s Renewable Energy Practice Group presented at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE) 26th Annual Environmental, Land Use & Energy Law Conference on March 27.
Import-Tariffs: Acts of God or just another Thursday?
Many of us are quietly watching and waiting to see how newly imposed tariffs will affect the U.S. and global economy in the coming weeks, months, and potentially – years.[i] Anticipating these changes and protecting your transactions is going to be crucial, but what about deals that have already be
Partner Joshua M. Bowman presents on Strafford Webinar, “Hotel Acquisition Due Diligence: Seller’s R
Partner and chair of the firm’s Hospitality Practice Group Joshua M. Bowman presented on the Strafford webinar, “Hotel Acquisition Due Diligence: Seller’s Representations and Warranties, Indemnification, Timing,” on October 23.
Thomas F. Maffei named “Lawyer of the Year” for Professional Malpractice Law by Best Lawyers in Amer
Thomas F. Maffei was named a “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Professional Malpractice Law by The Best Lawyers® in America 2025.
Seven Attorneys Named to the 2025 Benchmark Litigation List
Seven attorneys were named to the 2025 Benchmark Litigation list. The exclusive ranking recognizes attorneys who have been identified as preeminent litigation and labor and employment practitioners in the United States.
David A. Michel Appointed Vice Chair of the FBA’s Labor and Employment Law Section
David A. Michel has been appointed Vice Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Labor and Employment Law Section.
Generative AI: Use it, but do so with utmost care
Edward S. Cheng, partner in the Litigation Department and Mariem Marquetti, associate in the Litigation Department, were published in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly on November 21, 2024.
Scott McConchie appointed to the Clients’ Security Board of Massachusetts
Scott McConchie, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, was recently appointed to the Clients’ Security Board (CSB) of Massachusetts by the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC).
Sara Jane Shanahan Named a 2024 “Massachusetts Go To Lawyer: Business Litigation”
Managing Partner Sara Jane Shanahan was named a 2024 “Go To Lawyer: Business Litigation” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Beware of Rule 1.15: banks are dropping a dime on you
Edward S. Cheng and Eyal Schwartz, of the firm’s Litigation Department, were published in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly on February 28th, 2025 for their article, “Beware of Rule 1.15: banks are dropping a dime on you.”
Carla M. Moynihan selected by the New England Real Estate Journal as a 2024 “Ones to Watch- Industry
Carla M. Moynihan, partner and Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department, was selected by the New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) as a 2024 “Ones to Watch- Industry Leader.
Carla M. Moynihan Selected for Connect CRE’s 2024 Boston & New England Lawyers in Real Estate Award
Carla M. Moynihan, chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department is a recipient of Connect CRE’s 2024 Boston & New England Lawyers in Real Estate Award.
Sara Jane Shanahan Co-Chairs and Presents at MCLE’s 24th Annual Business Litigation Conference
Managing Partner Sara Jane Shanahan co-chaired and presented at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) in-person 24th Annual Business Litigation Conference on February 7.
Sherin and Lodgen Adds New Associate to Real Estate Department
Sherin and Lodgen is pleased to announce the addition of Susana J. Lum as an associate in the firm’s distinguished Real Estate Department.
Partner Brian J. MacDonough Named a 2025 “Massachusetts Go To Lawyer: Employment”
Partner Brian J. MacDonough was named a 2025 “Go To Lawyer: Employment” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Partner David I. Brody Presents at MCLE Program, “Snapshot of the Noncompete Landscape Now”
Partner David I. Brody presented at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program, “Snapshot of the Noncompete Landscape Now,” on March 5.
Sherin and Lodgen Expands Real Estate Department with Addition of Partner Zachary D. Drench
Zachary D. Drench has joined the firm as a partner in the Real Estate Department. Zack brings extensive experience representing commercial real estate development and operating companies in acquisition, disposition, leasing, financing, and development matters.
Client Alert: Corporate Transparency Act Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting On Hold
Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al. On December 3, 2024 the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a preliminary injunction effective nationwide staying the compliance deadline under the Corporate Transparency Act.
Getting Real about UCC Insurance for Real Estate Transactions
Imagine a world where real estate transactions are closed without title insurance. Title insurance has become such a common fixture of real estate transactions that it is difficult to imagine a world without.
Daniel S. Guenther quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article about Chapter 93A and ‘junk fees’
Daniel S. Guenther, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department was quoted in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article on April 3, titled “AG throws down Chapter 93A hammer on ‘junk fees.’”
Joshua M. Bowman Serves on Boston University’s 2025 Hospitality Real Estate Symposium Planning Commi
Partner and Hospitality Practice Group Chair Joshua M. Bowman served on the planning committee for Boston University’s (BU) 2025 Hospitality Real Estate Symposium held on April 2
Corporate Transparency Act Update: Drastic Reduction in Scope of BOI Reporting in FinCEN Guidance
On March 21, 2025, the United States Treasury announced a significant reduction in scope of the definition of “reporting company” under the Corporate Transparency Act, limiting the obligation to file beneficial ownership reports to foreign entities only and removing the obligation to file from...
David A. Michel attends the Federal Bar Association’s Capitol Hill Day and Leadership Summit
David A. Michel, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, attended the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Capitol Hill Day on March 27, as well as the organization’s Leadership Summit from March 28-29, in Arlington, Virginia.
Brian J. MacDonough and David A. Michel present webinar on employee handbooks for the FBA
Brian J. MacDonough, chair of the firm’s Employment Department, and David A. Michel, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, presented a webinar titled “Employee Handbooks- Best Practices and Potential Pitfalls” for the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Labor & Employment section on March 11.
Ethical Exits: ABA Formal Opinion 516, Permissive Withdrawal, and the Hot Potato Doctrine
Most attorneys have encountered, at one point or another, challenging client situations that prompt consideration of withdrawal.
When the Lawyer Is the Victim: ABA’s New Guidance on Confidentiality and Client-Perpetrated Crimes
When a client turns from seeking your counsel to victimizing you or your staff, what ethical obligations still bind you? The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility tackles this thorny dilemma in its recent Formal Opinion 515.
The Attorney – Client Relationship 101: Helpful Reminders Before, During and After Representation
Navigating the attorney-client relationship can be like a carefully choreographed dance – requiring precision, awareness, and mutual respect to achieve harmony.
Organizational Lawyers and the Organization/Constituent Divide
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Formal Opinion 514, issued on January 8, 2025, provides guidance on the ethical responsibilities of lawyers when advising organizational clients concerning future actions or conduct that may pose legal risks to the organization’s constituents, including...
Sherin and Lodgen adds new associate to Real Estate Department
Sherin and Lodgen LLP announces the addition of Ariana L. Mirzakashani as an associate in the firm’s distinguished Real Estate Department.
Sara Jane Shanahan quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article, “Bar: SJC ruling offers clarity,
Sara Jane Shanahan, managing partner of the firm, was quoted in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article published on March 20, titled “Bar: SJC ruling offers clarity, useful considerations for litigants.”
Beth A. Goldstein presents at MCLE’s 26th Annual Environmental, Land Use & Energy Law Conference
Beth A. Goldstein, partner and chair of the firm’s Renewable Energy Practice Group presented at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE) 26th Annual Environmental, Land Use & Energy Law Conference on March 27.
Import-Tariffs: Acts of God or just another Thursday?
Many of us are quietly watching and waiting to see how newly imposed tariffs will affect the U.S. and global economy in the coming weeks, months, and potentially – years.[i] Anticipating these changes and protecting your transactions is going to be crucial, but what about deals that have already be
Partner Joshua M. Bowman presents on Strafford Webinar, “Hotel Acquisition Due Diligence: Seller’s R
Partner and chair of the firm’s Hospitality Practice Group Joshua M. Bowman presented on the Strafford webinar, “Hotel Acquisition Due Diligence: Seller’s Representations and Warranties, Indemnification, Timing,” on October 23.
Thomas F. Maffei named “Lawyer of the Year” for Professional Malpractice Law by Best Lawyers in Amer
Thomas F. Maffei was named a “Lawyer of the Year” for his work in Professional Malpractice Law by The Best Lawyers® in America 2025.
Seven Attorneys Named to the 2025 Benchmark Litigation List
Seven attorneys were named to the 2025 Benchmark Litigation list. The exclusive ranking recognizes attorneys who have been identified as preeminent litigation and labor and employment practitioners in the United States.
David A. Michel Appointed Vice Chair of the FBA’s Labor and Employment Law Section
David A. Michel has been appointed Vice Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s (FBA) Labor and Employment Law Section.
Generative AI: Use it, but do so with utmost care
Edward S. Cheng, partner in the Litigation Department and Mariem Marquetti, associate in the Litigation Department, were published in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly on November 21, 2024.
Scott McConchie appointed to the Clients’ Security Board of Massachusetts
Scott McConchie, partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, was recently appointed to the Clients’ Security Board (CSB) of Massachusetts by the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC).
Sara Jane Shanahan Named a 2024 “Massachusetts Go To Lawyer: Business Litigation”
Managing Partner Sara Jane Shanahan was named a 2024 “Go To Lawyer: Business Litigation” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Beware of Rule 1.15: banks are dropping a dime on you
Edward S. Cheng and Eyal Schwartz, of the firm’s Litigation Department, were published in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly on February 28th, 2025 for their article, “Beware of Rule 1.15: banks are dropping a dime on you.”
Carla M. Moynihan selected by the New England Real Estate Journal as a 2024 “Ones to Watch- Industry
Carla M. Moynihan, partner and Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department, was selected by the New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) as a 2024 “Ones to Watch- Industry Leader.
Carla M. Moynihan Selected for Connect CRE’s 2024 Boston & New England Lawyers in Real Estate Award
Carla M. Moynihan, chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department is a recipient of Connect CRE’s 2024 Boston & New England Lawyers in Real Estate Award.
Sara Jane Shanahan Co-Chairs and Presents at MCLE’s 24th Annual Business Litigation Conference
Managing Partner Sara Jane Shanahan co-chaired and presented at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) in-person 24th Annual Business Litigation Conference on February 7.
Sherin and Lodgen Adds New Associate to Real Estate Department
Sherin and Lodgen is pleased to announce the addition of Susana J. Lum as an associate in the firm’s distinguished Real Estate Department.
Partner Brian J. MacDonough Named a 2025 “Massachusetts Go To Lawyer: Employment”
Partner Brian J. MacDonough was named a 2025 “Go To Lawyer: Employment” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Partner David I. Brody Presents at MCLE Program, “Snapshot of the Noncompete Landscape Now”
Partner David I. Brody presented at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) program, “Snapshot of the Noncompete Landscape Now,” on March 5.
Sherin and Lodgen Expands Real Estate Department with Addition of Partner Zachary D. Drench
Zachary D. Drench has joined the firm as a partner in the Real Estate Department. Zack brings extensive experience representing commercial real estate development and operating companies in acquisition, disposition, leasing, financing, and development matters.
Client Alert: Corporate Transparency Act Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting On Hold
Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al. On December 3, 2024 the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a preliminary injunction effective nationwide staying the compliance deadline under the Corporate Transparency Act.
Getting Real about UCC Insurance for Real Estate Transactions
Imagine a world where real estate transactions are closed without title insurance. Title insurance has become such a common fixture of real estate transactions that it is difficult to imagine a world without.