Brendan Cox Quoted in Law360 Article Analyzing Precedent-Setting Immigration Bail Case

/in , , /by

Partner Brendan Cox provided comments in a Law360 article, “Deportation Before Due Process? Mass. Justices to Decide” regarding a precedent-setting case before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, involving state bail decisions and federal immigration enforcement. In Commonwealth v. Alvarez, (a case Brendan in which he is not involved), the state’s highest court is considering whether judges can intentionally set higher bail amounts to keep defendants in state custody and prevent deportation during criminal proceedings.

Brendan Cox explained that Massachusetts bail statute language supports judicial discretion in considering deportation status.  noting that the standard bail form includes a “further explanation” category that “contemplates the possibility that other factors are able to be considered.” He emphasized that this approach is “consistent with the idea that a judge determining bail is well within their discretion to consider the totality of the circumstances.”

The case involves a Haitian immigrant facing sexual assault charges who paradoxically prefers deportation over remaining in state custody on significantly increased bail. Cox predicts that the justices will likely find the lower court judge acted within proper discretion, explaining that while the statute enumerates specific bail factors, these appear to be “intended to be exemplars” rather than exclusive limitations, with the “overall concept” being whether “the person going to show up.”

 

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Darshana Indira Announces “Pioneering Women of Color” as Co-Chair of Women’s Bar Association Women of Color Committee

/in , , /by

Darshana Indira, Senior Counsel at Laredo, Smith & Kane,  serves as co-chair of the Women’s Bar Association (WBA) Women of Color Committee. In this role, Indira helped plan and organize the Committee’s annual event,“Pioneering Women of Color,” June 4.

“I’m proud to serve the members of the WBA and co-chair the Women of Color Committee as we work together to foster a supportive community for all women to build their networks and thrive in their legal careers,” said Indira. “The Pioneering Women of Color event is a highlight of my year as co-chair of the Committee. This will be an exciting evening dedicated to honoring the brilliance and impact of women of color who are paving the way in the legal profession and beyond.”

The WBA is where women lawyers in Massachusetts come together to build important personal and professional relationships. Their vision is to build a strong community of women lawyers who make a difference in the profession and in society at large. In tandem, the WBA’s Women of Color Committee promotes women of color in the legal profession for their multitude of successes and to honor them for their personal and professional accomplishments.

As an accomplished employment and business lawyer, Indira advises company owners, organizational leaders, and C-suite executives across a broad spectrum of employment and commercial litigation matters. With a deep understanding of various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthcare, and retail, her expertise spans both transactional and litigation work. Indira provides strategic counsel to businesses on the complexities of employer-employee relationships. She assists management and senior executives in navigating executive compensation, employment agreements, non-compete clauses, and severance negotiations.

In addition to her employment law expertise, Indira is a trusted advisor in business law. She works with startups and emerging companies in Massachusetts and other states, helping them form their entities, draft foundational documents, and establish employment agreements. As these businesses grow, she remains a key legal resource, assisting with any potential litigation or disputes they may face. Indira was named a 2025 Excellence in the Law: Up & Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide. The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Darshana Indira Presents on BBA Webinar, “MA Pay Transparency Law – Policies & Practice”

/in , , , , /by

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Senior Counsel Darshana Indira served as a panelist on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, MA Pay Transparency Law – Policies & Practice, on May 21. Indira and fellow panelists provided an overview of the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Statute’s salary-range disclosure rules, new wage-data reporting duties, and the enforcement and claim risks for employers. Additionally, they discussed practical tips to stay ahead of the curve.

As an accomplished employment and business lawyer, Indira advises company owners, organizational leaders, and C-suite executives across a broad spectrum of employment and commercial litigation matters. With a deep understanding of various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthcare, and retail, her expertise spans both transactional and litigation work. Indira provides strategic counsel to businesses on the complexities of employer-employee relationships. She assists management and senior executives in navigating executive compensation, employment agreements, non-compete clauses, and severance negotiations.

In addition to her employment law expertise, Indira is a trusted advisor in business law. She works with startups and emerging companies in Massachusetts and other states, helping them form their entities, draft foundational documents, and establish employment agreements. As these businesses grow, she remains a key legal resource, assisting with any potential litigation or disputes they may face. Indira was named a 2025 Excellence in the Law: Up & Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. An active BBA member and leader, Indira currently serves on the 2025 Employment Law Conference Steering Committee.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Marc C. Laredo Named to The Legal 500’s Boston City Elite Rankings for Commercial Litigation

/in , , /by

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Partner Marc C. Laredo has been named to The Legal 500’s inaugural Boston City Elite rankings in the area of Commercial Litigation. The Legal 500 U.S. City Elite rankings highlight leading lawyers at regional powerhouse firms who are handling work at the top of the legal market in their respective cities. The full rankings list can be viewed here.

Laredo brings a strategic legal approach to business litigation, general business law and employment law. He represents clients in disputes among owners of closely held businesses and a wide array of other business litigation matters including commercial contract cases, business torts, employment and non-competition litigation, government investigations and construction cases. Additionally, Laredo serves as counsel to closely held businesses, advising them on issues such as the initial formation and maintenance of the business entity, contract and employment matters, crisis situations and exit strategies.

The Legal 500 is a comprehensive research guide that highlights the practice area teams and attorneys who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel around the world. Research is based on feedback from more than 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

 

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Payal Salsburg Presents on BBA Webinar, “Fostering Wellness and Connections in the Workplace”

/in , , /by

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Partner Payal Salsburg will serve as a panelist on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, “Fostering Wellness and Connections in the Workplace,” May 6, 2025.

This panel will explore how individuals and organizations across the legal field are fostering healthier, more connected workplaces that support both personal resilience and professional success. Salsburg and fellow panelists, which include public interest lawyers and a junior associate at a big law firm, will share how they navigate workplace expectations, set boundaries, and champion wellness from different roles within the profession.

Salsburg is a member of the Laredo, Smith & Kane’s management team. As a business and litigation attorney, she focuses her practice in the areas of business litigation, corporate advice and counsel, and white-collar criminal defense. She represents corporations, small businesses, and individuals in contract and business disputes, False Claims Act matters, State Ethics Commission inquiries, and government and internal investigations. Salsburg also advises closely held businesses on corporate and employment matters. Prior to joining Laredo & Smith, Salsburg was a litigator at a large international law firm, in its Florida and Boston offices. She is a sought-after speaker on many topics, including business litigation, ethics, and lawyer well-being. Salsburg is recognized for her deep commitment to volunteerism in the community. Her pro bono experience includes several successful CORI-sealing petitions, petitions for asylum, an appeal from an inmate on Florida’s death row, litigation and appeal to assist a not-for-profit foundation, and invoking Hague Convention protection to return a child wrongfully removed to the United States by a parent. She was also a bar advocate for criminal matters at the district court level.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Darshana Indira Serves on BBA’s 2025 Steering Committee for Law Day Live at Fenway Park

/in , , /by

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Senior Associate Darshana Indira is serving on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) 2025 Steering Committee for Law Day Live at Fenway Park.

Scheduled for June 11, this year’s Law Day Live is the must-attend event of the summer for Boston’s legal community, bringing together both rising stars and seasoned professionals for a one-of-a-kind evening. Designed to celebrate connection, community, and the next generation of legal talent, Law Day Live will unite summer associates, mentors, young lawyers, and firm leaders for an evening of networking and fun at America’s most beloved ballpark. All tickets include food, beverages, entertainment, and the chance to enjoy a Red Sox game from the 521 Overlook event space in centerfield.

Indira is an active BBA member and leader. She is a member of the Labor and Employment Section and Public Interest Leadership Program, and is a Steering Committee member for the Labor & Employment Section and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Section. She also serves as Co-Chair of the BBA’s Lawyer Wellbeing Committee.

As an accomplished employment and business lawyer, Indira advises company owners, organizational leaders, and C-suite executives across a broad spectrum of employment and commercial litigation matters. With a deep understanding of various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthcare, and retail, her expertise spans both transactional and litigation work. Indira provides strategic counsel to businesses on the complexities of employer-employee relationships. She assists management and senior executives in navigating executive compensation, employment agreements, non-compete clauses, and severance negotiations.

In addition to her employment law expertise, Indira is a trusted advisor in business law. She works with startups and emerging companies in Massachusetts and other states, helping them form their entities, draft foundational documents, and establish employment agreements. As these businesses grow, she remains a key legal resource, assisting with any potential litigation or disputes they may face. Indira was named a 2025 Excellence in the Law: Up & Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Matthew A. Kane Presents on BBA Webinar, “State and Federal Interlocutory Appeals In Massachusetts”

/in , , /by

Laredo & Smith & Kane announces that on March 25th Partner Matthew A. Kane presented on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, “State and Federal Interlocutory Appeals In Massachusetts: What You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know.”

The webinar covered the procedural differences of interlocutory appeals, which are governed by an array of rules, statutes, and common-law doctrines. Kane and fellow panelists discussed the potential mechanisms, applicable rules, practice tips, dos and don’ts, and common pitfalls, for securing appellate review of civil decisions before a full judgment on the merits. Designed for Massachusetts litigants, the program covered both state and federal interlocutory appellate rules and practice – highlighting key similarities and differences between the two.

Kane is Laredo’s managing partner and a member of the firm’s management team. As a business litigation attorney, he focuses on business and commercial law. Representing banks, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals, Kane is a key member of the firm’s business litigation practice. He is known for his extensive experience in consumer finance, employment, construction, real estate, and general litigation. He is also particularly skilled in appellate advocacy, having successfully argued before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court. His experience resolving banking and financial services litigation includes handling complex cases involving mortgage and title disputes, commercial workouts and collections, civil check fraud, and fair debt collection issues. Regularly appearing at all levels of state and federal courts across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, his firsthand advocacy experience couples with his strong appellate experience and strategic approach, making him a trusted advisor in the legal community. Kane serves on the BBA’s Business and Commercial Litigation Section Steering Committee.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Brendan Cox Speaks on Direct Examination Workshop

/in , , /by

Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Brendan S. Cox served as a visiting faculty member for a Direct Examination Workshop conducted by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, February 18-19. Topics included effective direct examination techniques for client and non-client witnesses, handling objections, and client-centered, advocacy based storytelling through witness examination.

Cox is an experienced litigator and criminal defense attorney. A versatile advocate, he counsels businesses and individuals to build strong cases that provide maximum protection and minimize serious risks. He has extensive experience managing trial court matters for complex civil and criminal cases, as well as advising companies of all sizes on business litigation matters. Cox’s criminal defense experience includes litigating all aspects of the criminal process, from probable cause hearings and arraignments through complex evidentiary motions and trial. He represents clients on a wide range of matters, including minor misdemeanors through serious, life-changing felonies. In addition to managing a full caseload of trial court matters, Cox also serves as a business advisor to companies on a range of matters such as employment agreements, business law, contracts, and intellectual property concerns.

 

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Brendan Cox Serves as Faculty for MCLE Program, Handling an Assault & Battery Case

/in , /by

Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorney Brendan S. Cox served as a faculty member on Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE) March 25 webcast, “Handling an Assault & Battery Case: Evidence, Witnesses, Arguments,” during which attendees learned how experienced trial attorneys prepare their case from the day of arraignment.

From the major aspects of a trial from motions in limine to closings, Cox and fellow panelists explained the ins-and-outs of a District Court trial session, and guided participants through a case as if they were serving as jury. Topics included case theory, witness preparation, and legal strategy.

In addition, the recorded webcast is available for purchase here.

Cox is an experienced litigator and criminal defense attorney. A versatile advocate, he counsels businesses and individuals to build strong cases that provide maximum protection and minimize serious risks. He has extensive experience managing trial court matters for complex civil and criminal cases, as well as advising companies of all sizes on business litigation matters. Cox’s criminal defense experience includes litigating all aspects of the criminal process, from probable cause hearings and arraignments through complex evidentiary motions and trial. He represents clients on a wide range of matters, including minor misdemeanors through serious, life-changing felonies. In addition to managing a full caseload of trial court matters, Cox also serves as a business advisor to companies on a range of matters such as employment agreements, business law, contracts, and intellectual property concerns.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Darshana Indira Serves on BBA’s 2025 Employment Law Conference Steering Committee, Will Moderate PFML Panel

/in , , /by

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Senior Associate Darshana Indira is serving on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) 2025 Employment Law Conference Steering Committee. The conference is scheduled for April 3, 2025, and will tackle pressing legal issues in the workplace, including the future of non-competes and DEI initiatives, employee misclassification in the gig economy, navigating the state and federal landscapes of employee leaves and accommodations, and understanding immigration compliance and employee protections.

During the conference, Indira will co-moderate the panel, “PFML Roadmap: From Request to Return,” which will provide up-to-date developments in the PFML, from both employee and employer perspectives. Topics will include the practicalities of leave requests and policies, returning to work with accommodations, and litigation developments.

Indira is an active BBA member and leader. She is a member of the Labor and Employment Section and Public Interest Leadership Program, and is a Steering Committee member for the Labor & Employment Section and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Section. She also serves as Co-Chair of the BBA’s Lawyer Wellbeing Committee.

As an accomplished employment and business lawyer, Indira advises company owners, organizational leaders, and C-suite executives across a broad spectrum of employment and commercial litigation matters. With a deep understanding of various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, healthcare, and retail, her expertise spans both transactional and litigation work. Indira provides strategic counsel to businesses on the complexities of employer-employee relationships. She assists management and senior executives in navigating executive compensation, employment agreements, non-compete clauses, and severance negotiations.

In addition to her employment law expertise, Indira is a trusted advisor in business law. She works with startups and emerging companies in Massachusetts and other states, helping them form their entities, draft foundational documents, and establish employment agreements. As these businesses grow, she remains a key legal resource, assisting with any potential litigation or disputes they may face. Indira was named a 2025 Excellence in the Law: Up & Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

About Laredo, Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Laredo, Smith & Kane has helped clients grow their businesses and resolve legal matters–offering clients big-firm expertise with the client-centered strategy that only a small firm can provide.  The firm’s attorneys successfully combine a strategic approach to running a business with thoughtful, thorough, and protective legal representation. The firm represents clients in matters related to business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters.