Sullivan & Worcester LLP

United States 2025

National Rankings

Metro Rankings

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General Information

Practice Areas

Individuals recognized in Best Lawyers

298

Client Comments

Year founded: 1941

This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.

Overview

Content is provided by the firm.

Sullivan has one goal: to help businesses thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. We combine the breadth of experience and sophistication you expect from a prominent, top-tier law firm with an unusually creative and flexible approach. Clients choose Sullivan because our lawyers are hands-on, business savvy and straightforward, with an intense commitment to our clients' interests.

WE REPRESENT CLIENTS THAT REPRESENT THE FUTURE

As an international law firm with innovation in our DNA, we attract clients that are visionaries, trailblazers and game changers. Established companies pushing their industries in bold new directions. Growing businesses seeking new markets. Emerging companies pursuing disruptive business models.

From investment management, cutting edge REITs and opportunity zones, to blockchain ventures and international tech IPOs, Sullivan guides organizations that are rewriting the rules. Our clients bring out our best – strategic vision, comfort with complexity and intense focus on results. Working together, we help them recognize new options and make confident strides to success.

Together we’re recalibrating what it means to work with a law firm.

OUR BURST

Our logo captures the essence of our collegial, forward thinking culture with a collaborative and creative “burst” that symbolizes the dynamic diversity of ideas, people and solutions we offer to our clients.

Our clients benefit from:

Strategic locations in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. and international alliances in Europe, Asia and the Middle East
Approximately 220 attorneys
A broad range of commercial legal services
Experience with domestic and international clients ranging from emerging businesses to Fortune500 companies and leading financial institutions.

Customized solutions that work for your business.

We dig deep to understand our clients and their industries in order to deliver solutions and value. Our lawyers work together in small teams emphasizing close partner-client contact and collaboration.

Exceptional Talent.

Many leading lawyers have moved to Sullivan for our entrepreneurial, creative style. Our individual lawyers and practice groups have strong national reputations, including our REIT, tax and mutual fund practices that earn top rankings. Our lawyers are also ranked annually in publications, such as Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Chambers UK, The Legal 500 United States, The Legal 500 UK, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms."

Collegiality.

We pool the talent of lawyers from across the firm's practices to ensure you get the right team for your job.

Visit our Global Services section to learn more about our international presence and capabilities.

Rankings

Sullivan & Worcester LLP is nationally ranked in 13 practice areas and metro ranked in 18 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.

Read how Best Law Firms ranks firms

National Rankings

Tier 1

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Environmental Law

Tier 1 for Mutual Funds Law

Tier 1 for Securities Regulation

Tier 1 for Trusts and Estates

Metro Rankings

Boston

Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Corporate Compliance Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Governance Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Firm Leadership

Joel R. Carpenter

Managing Partner

About Our Clients

Our clients' profiles range from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses.

Regardless of what size a client is, or where they are in their life-cycle, we strive to understand our clients' business goals and industry dynamics to deliver practical solutions that align with their own business strategy. To facilitate this, our lawyers work together in small teams to share knowledge and service our clients at the highest level of efficiency and thoughtfulness.

Select Clients

Alcobra Pharma
American DG Energy Inc.
American Tower Corporation
Ares Management
Attunity Ltd.
Bank of America
ClickSoftware
Deutsche Bank AG, New York
DivcoWest
Ernst & Young U.S. LLP
Fidelity Management & Research Company
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
IGT
Iron Moutain Incorporated
John Hancock Financial Services
Level 3 Communications, Inc.
Lloyds Banking Group
Novaya Real Estate Ventures
Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Staples, Inc.
Tecogen
The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland PLC
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Wells Fargo Bank
Westbrook Partners

Highlighted Client Comments

All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

During unprecedented times, Sullivan & Worcester's partners and associates were responsive and knowledgeable, providing relevant and valuable counsel to help us stay on top of employees' needs.

Michelle Caldeira – College Bound Dorcester

Corporate Governance Law

Our attorneys, Nicole Crum and David Mahaffey are the best 40Act lawyers I have ever worked with! Excellent on all levels.

Grace Fey – John Hancock Funds; John Hancock GA Mortgage Trust

Mutual Funds Law

Best Law Firm I have ever worked with and because of my career I have worked with dozens.

Miles Harper – Bridgeway Funds, Inc.

Environmental Law

Victor Baltera has always been an excellent source of advice for environmental matters that come up at TravelCenters of America and Petro Stopping Centrs.

Mark Young, Executive Vice President & General Counsel – TravelCenters of America LLC

Real Estate Law

Sullivan and Worcester's real estate group is attentive to detail, practical in their advice, responsive and all around a pleasure to work with.

Mark Young, Executive Vice President & General Counsel – TravelCenters of America LLC

Commercial Litigation

Sullivan & Worcester has gotten to know our business and our people. They are a trusted partner and have proven to be the best at what they do.

Theodore Wirth – Diversified Communications

Corporate Governance Law

Sullivan & Worcester is an outstanding law firm and the lawyers are excellent!

Grace Fey – John Hancock Funds; John Hancock GA Mortgage Trust

Litigation and Controversy - Tax

I'm a Tax Director with AT&T, Inc. We've engaged Sullivan & Worcester to handle over 1,000 personal property tax litigation matters, which dated as far back as TY2008 to TY2019. Their diligent efforts, dedication and responsive actions brought timely closure to these matters, once they were brought into our assignment. When a senior attorney wasn't required for various tasks, they were willing to assign such to staff attorneys or paralegals to ensure our project was handled on a cost effective manner. I'm thoroughly pleased with their efforts and staffing assignments on such. I highly recommend their firm. They are professional, responsive, budget sensitive, driven and effective.

Anthony Cutaia – AT&T Services, Inc.

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Sullivan & Worcester does an excellent job in supporting our qualified and non-qualified plans. They are very knowledgeable in all areas or ERISA and provide technical and practical guidance.

Real Estate Law

I have been a client of Sullivan & Worcester, specifically with Hugh Finnegan for a number of years. I find that the skill level and responsiveness is excellent and the work is done efficiently. There is constant communication as required and the documentation that is produced is accurate and appropriate. It is a pleasure to be a client of the firm.

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Sullivan & Worcester provides very efficient responses to inquiries and always provides helpful examples when needed. They readily provide templates to assist with new document requirements. They always research a question and provide a timely response if they do not have an immediate response. Sullivan & Worcester is very personable and accessible.

Litigation - Environmental

I have worked with Sullivan & Worcester's environmental litigation practice for over a decade. Jeff Karp and Jerry Muys have expertly navigated the CERCLA process, including receipt and response to notification letters, regulatory negotiations, administrative consent orders, RI/FS, responsible party determinations, and community relations.

Litigation - Intellectual Property

Sullivan & Worcester is best in class in terms of knowledge, efficiency and client service.

Litigation - Environmental

I would highly recommend Jerry Muys of Sullivan & Worcester.

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

The attorneys we have worked with at Sullivan & Worcester have been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and practical. David Guadagnoli in particular has been a tremendous help on issues large and small with our organization's retirement plan.

Commercial Litigation

Sullivan & Worcester was counsel to one of the subsidiaries in the banking group for which I was global head of litigation. The two attorneys that were stand out were Frank Velie and Jon Kortmansky. They are exceptional litigators: Frank is the best litigator I have ever had the privilege of working with. Jon is a real fighter - you would always want him on your side.

Real Estate Law

Sullivan & Worcester has represented BankUnited's NYC CRE department for the last four years. Although I was unfamiliar with their work previously, I have come to respect and rely on them for excellent representation. Hugh Finnegan in particular stands out for his responsiveness, experience, knowledge and integrity. The colleague who recommended Sullivan & Worcester as BankUnited counsel is no longer employed here, but we continue to use them nonetheless -- the highest praise, in my estimation.

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

I have received excellent service from Sullivan & Worcester.

Tax Law

Sullivan & Worcester is an excellent firm with top tier attorneys providing superior legal services in tax matters.

Real Estate Law

I have used Sullivan & Worcester (New York & Boston) in commercial real estate transactions since 2005 when I lived in the US (working for a different employer). I have always found them to be excellent based on all areas of criteria referred to above. In my current role, we have been involved in restructuring a particularly challenging case in New York involving hotel condominiums and Hugh Finnegan in Sullivan & Worcester has been excellent in terms of his ongoing advice and assistance.

Commercial Litigation

I used Sullivan & Worcester as local counsel in a high-stakes civil case in the Southern District of New York. They have excellent attorneys who provide excellent service.

Litigation - Bankruptcy

I would rate the Sullivan & Worcester as excellent in the following areas: Expertise, Responsiveness, Understanding, Cost-Effectiveness, and Civilty. Also, I would certainly highly recommend the firm to others.

Litigation - Environmental

Jeff Karp and Jerry Muys of Sullivan & Worcester bring a great deal of expertise to their service to clients.

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Sullivan & Worcester has excellent expertise in the bankruptcy/creditors rights area. They were extremely responsive and thorough. They took the time to understand our needs as a client and to discuss the related issues and projects. We obtained cost-effective representation and all around had a very good experience with them. They are clearly one of New York's best.

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Sullivan & Worcester are very knowledgeable and helpful in all aspects of employee benefits planning, contracts and implementation.

Real Estate Law

We have used Sullivan & Worcester primarily for real estate loan closings for many years. Mr. Hugh Finnegan, the firm partner who handles our relationship, is knowledgeable, helpful, and timely.

Banking and Finance Law

I found the Sullivan & Worcester firm and in particular Duncan O'Brien, of the highest quality.

Water Law

Len Miller of Sullivan & Worcester is a water law expert with a great deal of knowledge and expertise. He has a ton of institutional and legal insight stemming from his work at the EPA and as a top lawyer for many years.

Luke Wilson – The Center for Water Security and Cooperation

Commercial Litigation

Sullivan & Worcester attorneys are pragmatic and astute; they provide advice which is both commercial and cost effective.

Priti Shetty – ICICI Bank UK plc

Real Estate Law

We have worked with Hugh Finnegan at Sullivan & Worcester on small business loan closings for several years. Our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Mr. Finnegan, and his associates, always embody the highest professionalism and skill. Turnaround times are quick and we view the team at Sullivan & Worcester as a partner who oftentimes help us navigate tricky closings. It is not uncommon for Mr. Finnegan to help us brainstorm a solution to a legal or even business decision.

John Palyo – Grow America Fund

Corporate Law

Sullivan & Worcester has a high knowledge base. They understand the issues at hand and stay focused on assisting with those issues I have never had an issue with invoices; they are very reasonable for the value we receive. I also never question their level of integrity.

Eric Nodiff, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary – Cantel Medical Corp.

Real Estate Law

The attorneys at Sullivan & Worcester are knowledgeable and efficient. They are extremely helpful in structuring solutions to get deals closed.

Paul Mak – Banco Popular

Corporate Governance Law

I have worked with Howard Berkenblit of Sullivan & Worcester for many years, and he is a top expert in the field. He understands the issues at hand and stays focused on assisting with those issues. I never have an issue with invoices; they are very reasonable for the value we receive. I never question their level of integrity.

Eric Nodiff, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary – Cantel Medical Corp.

Real Estate Law

Sullivan & Worcester's property expertise has been particularly beneficial to us.

Tony Leonard, President – Clarendon Properties USA

Tax Law

Doug Stransky is the main partner I deal with at Sullivan & Worcester, and he is very collaborative and understands the economics of the business. A good example that recently came up is that Doug called me to tell me the fee in the UK affiliate we were using was getting larger than we had anticipated. Doug's preemptive call allowed me to contact the people within my organization that were interacting with the UK law firm, and I was able to get them to be more careful with what was asked of the law firm.

Paul Kohout, Senior Director Tax – Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.

Real Estate Law

I have worked with Hugh Finnegan and his team at Sullivan & Worcester for over the past 15 years, and he is a top expert in the field. They understand the issues at hand and stay focused on assisting with those issues. I have also never had an issue with invoices; they are very reasonable for the value we receive. I never question their level of integrity.

Eric Nodiff, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary – Cantel Medical Corp.

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

I previously worked with Jeff at Sullivan & Worcester on the Borders' chapter 11 case. He took the lead on many important issues including the company's dip financing, store closings and plan confirmation. Jeff was thoughtful and appropriately aggressive when dealing with all issues involving the company. Jeff is currently working with numerous middle market companies and frequently consults me on financing issues related to these companies.

Richard Klein – Miller Buckfire

Securities Regulation

Sullivan & Worcester has strong expertise in 1940 act issues. They are very responsive and cost effective as well as nice people.

Barney Karol – ETF Managers Fund

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

David Guadagnoli is a true subject matter expert in dealing with health, welfare, and retirement issues. He has generously donated his time to our non-profit organization, whose mission it is to educate and promote excellence among benefits professionals here in New England. Our members go out of their way to attend sessions where he is presenting, and I know that his clients truly value his expertise and thoroughness.

Patty Houpt – New England Employee Benefits Council

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Sullivan & Worcester assisted my former employer (not TVPX) on a defaulted transaction in which my former employer acted as an indenture trustee.

Michael Hoggan – TVPX

Tax Law

Sullivan & Worcester was buyers counsel for the sale of EPM, and I worked closely with them. They are very professional and on point. Subsequent to the deal, they provided valued advice for corporate restructuring and cash repatriation strategy.

Joseph Hartnett – Engineering Planning and Management (EPM), Inc.

Corporate Law

Sullivan & Worcester is our sole outside corporate US counsel for a reason--they provide superior services, in a timely and cost-effective manner. I highly recommend Sullivan & Worcester for all corporate, tax, and litigation needs.

Ken Long – Idean Enterprises, Inc.

Litigation - Environmental

Sullivan & Worcester's working knowledge of CERCLA has effectuated significant, positive results.

Real Estate Law

I work extensively with the real estate team at Sullivan & Worcester and have the utmost confidence in the work they do; they are always very responsive to my requests.

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

They are thorough without being alarmists. We have been using Sullivan & Worcester for years, and they always come through. They are highly recommended!

Banking and Finance Law

Sullivan & Worcester is one of the most knowledgeable, professional firms with which I've ever done business. They've always represented my firm's interests extremely well, while at the same time being extremely client-friendly.

Commercial Litigation

I worked with Sullivan & Worcester's George Richardson regarding an employment separation. I found his knowledge of the financial industry and securities regulations to be outstanding. He also has a sharp legal mind. Both George and the firm are very user friendly in terms of responsiveness and knowledge base.

Water Law

Jerry Muys of Sullivan & Worcester is very proficient in all aspects of the federal Clean Water Act and state laws in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Litigation - Environmental

Sullivan & Worcester is known for having attorneys that are well-versed in all aspects of environmental law and litigation. In this regard, the support of Jerry Muys in our work has been invaluable.

Mutual Funds Law

I have worked with a number of '40 Act law firms since I entered the business in the mid 1980's, and there is none better in any way than Sullivan & Worcester.

Thomas J. Westerfield, Of Counsel – Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Banking and Finance Law

Sullivan & Worcester has an excellent structured finance practice. They are knowledgeable, cost effective, and timely; with good business sense as well.

Environmental Law

I have worked with Jeffrey Karp at Sullivan & Worcester for many years. His knowledge of the environmental business and partnering with both the client and their consultant to address the client's needs are unparalleled in my 35 years of experience; which includes working with many attorneys and law firms. His attention to the client's needs and providing timely legal advice cognizant of his client's business needs and stressors have been important for the long-term client relationships we have shared.

Robert Stetkar – Golder Associates, Inc.

Corporate Law

Sullivan & Worcester attorneys have unparalleled expertise. They are efficient and responsive; they keep their eye on getting the deal done as the clients desire.

Jeff Taylor, VP and General Counsel – Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems

Banking and Finance Law

I have enjoyed a long relationship with two of Sullivan & Worcester’s structured finance and securitization partners and find them to be very knowledgeable; they have good presence with clients and opposing counsel. I can recommend them without reservation.

Dennis Knitowski – Union Bank

Mutual Funds Law

The lawyers I work with at Sullivan & Worcester are knowledgeable in the applicable law. They have developed a keen understanding of my business needs and are responsive and available when I need them.

Phil McLoughlin – Virtus Funds

Commercial Litigation

Harry Rimm at Sullivan & Worcester understands the specific constraints which may apply to a foreign company involved in US litigation. He is skilled at explaining the litigation process and the tactical choices to foreign customers who may not be familiar with the US court system and procedures.

Stéphane Lettner – Nestlé Waters

Tax Law

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work closely with trusted individuals at Sullivan &Worcester. I consider my interactions with S&W as one of the best attributes of my position.

Patrick Fiel – Equinix, Inc.

Tax Law

For transactions and mergers and acquisitions as well as the technical compliance with specialized REIT qualification rules, I don't believe there are smarter tax attorneys than at Sullivan & Worcester.

David Hegarty – Senior Housing Properties Trust

Water Law

The attorneys Sullivan & Worcester are very focused on the real world issues dealing with the subject of water law. They are particularly diligent without creating tension or making folks uncomfortable. Their skill is superb. The experience was very satisfactory.

Donald Elisburg – Consultant

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Sullivan & Worcester is a great firm with extremely capable attorneys; very responsive and provide great advice.

Stephen Darr – Mesirow Financial Consulting LLC

Rankings

National Rankings

Tier 1

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Environmental Law

Tier 1 for Mutual Funds Law

Tier 1 for Securities Regulation

Tier 1 for Trusts and Estates

Tier 2

Tier 2 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 2 for Corporate Law

Tier 2 for Litigation and Controversy - Tax

Tier 2 for Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Tier 2 for Real Estate Law

Tier 2 for Tax Law

Tier 3

Tier 3 for Litigation - Bankruptcy

Tier 3 for Trademark Law

Regional Rankings

Boston

Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation

Tier 1 for Corporate Compliance Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Governance Law

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Tier 1 for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Tier 1 for Environmental Law

Tier 1 for Litigation and Controversy - Tax

Tier 1 for Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Tier 1 for Real Estate Law

Tier 1 for Tax Law

Tier 1 for Trusts and Estates

Tier 2 for Litigation - Bankruptcy

Tier 2 for Nonprofit / Charities Law

Tier 2 for Trademark Law

Tier 3 for Land Use and Zoning Law

New York City

Tier 1 for Corporate Law

Tier 1 for Trusts and Estates

Tier 2 for Mutual Funds Law

Washington, D.C.

Tier 1 for Mutual Funds Law

Tier 1 for Securities Regulation

Practice Areas

The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.

Art Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Capital Markets
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Commercial Litigation
Copyright Law
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law - Management
Energy Law
Environmental Law
FinTech Practice
Labor Law - Management
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Litigation - Environmental
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Litigation - Securities
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Mutual Funds Law
Natural Resources Law
Patent Law
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Real Estate Law
REITs
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Securities Regulation
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trademark Law
Trusts and Estates
Venture Capital Law
Water Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America^®

Sullivan & Worcester LLP has 34 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^®. By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Sullivan & Worcester LLP eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings. For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards. Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.

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Client Comments

Editions

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Awards

Awards are self-reported by firms and are not verified by the Best Law Firms rankings.

Best Law Firms - U.S. News Best Lawyers
Chambers USA
The Legal 500 United States
Super Lawyers
The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2015
Best Trade Finance Law Firm” 2015 - Global Trade Review
Best Law Firm in Trade Finance” - Trade & Forfaiting Review
The Legal 500 US Awards 2015 winner in the area of Real Estate - Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
World Trademark Review 1000