Laredo, Smith & Kane Earns Top Metropolitan and National Rankings in “Best Law Firms” 2025

Laredo, Smith & Kane received both high metropolitan and national rankings in the Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” 2025 edition. Law firms included on the “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence and consistently strong ratings from clients and peers. Below are the firm’s complete rankings.

Metropolitan Tier 1 (Boston)

  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Metropolitan Tier 2 (Boston)

  • Employment Law – Management

National Tier 3

  • Commercial Litigation

The Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are determined by an exhaustive evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. To be eligible for a ranking in a particular practice area and metro region, a law firm must have at least one lawyer included in Best Lawyers in that particular practice area and metro.

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.

Matt Kane Featured in BBA’s “Meet the New Managing Partner” Spotlight Series

The Boston Bar Association caught up with Matt Kane to talk about his new role as incoming Managing Partner at Laredo, Smith & Kane.  They talked about his new role, advice to new lawyers in Boston and more.

BBA’s Meet the New Managing Partner – Laredo, Smith, & Kane’s Matt Kane – Boston Bar Association

Laredo, Smith & Kane’s Darshana Indira Joins Boston Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Senior Associate Darshana Indira has joined the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) Labor and Employment Law Section.

Practitioners join the Labor & Employment Law Section to share and expand their expertise in labor and employment, labor-management relations, and employment discrimination. The Section also focuses on practices and procedures before state and federal agencies regarding labor in all cases arising from an employer-employee relationship.

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.

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 Appointed Co-Chair of Boston Bar Association Well-Being Advisory Committee

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Senior Associate Darshana Indira has been appointed to serve as co-chair of the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) Well-Being Advisory Committee. Indira’s one-year appointment began in September 2024.

“The pressures of the legal profession can lead to isolation and burnout. Addressing the issues head-on is key to establishing a healthy balance that allows lawyers to thrive personally and professionally,” said Indira. “I’m proud to serve the members of the BBA and the Commonwealth as we work together to foster a culture of well-being across all aspects of the legal industry.”

The mission of the BBA is to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, facilitate access to justice, foster a diverse and inclusive professional community, and serve the community at large. The well-being of the Commonwealth’s lawyers is critical to meeting the aims of this mission. As a catalyst for change, the Well-Being Advisory Committee supports the well-being of lawyers through member programs and events.

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. In her employment practice, 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.

 

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.

“Mayoral Bid Triggers Transition in Boston Firm’s Leadership,” by Mass Lawyers Weekly

Laredo, Smith & Kane was featured in a recent Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article entitled, “Mayoral Bid Triggers Transition in Boston Firm’s Leadership.”  As Marc Laredo pursues a mayoral run in Newton, partners Matt Kane and Payal Salsburg step into leadership positions at the thriving law firm. Matt Kane will serve as the firm’s new Managing Partner beginning in January 2025.

Read the entire article to learn more about the firm’s well-thought out succession plan.

 

 

Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorneys Contribute to MCLE Book, Massachusetts Evidence: A Courtroom Reference

Laredo, Smith & Kane attorneys Matthew A. Kane and Payal Salsburg contributed as authors to the recently published Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) book, Massachusetts Evidence: A Courtroom Reference. The book was designed to be a comprehensive guide covering the admissibility of evidence for lawyers at every stage of their careers.

Chapter 9, Documentary Evidence, written by Kane and Salsburg, addresses issues that relate to the introduction of documentary evidence, including:

  • Authentication
  • The best evidence rule
  • Introducing documents into evidence
  • The hearsay rule as applied to various types of documentary evidence

Kane is a current member of the firm’s management team, and the incoming managing partner effective Jan. 1, 2025.  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.

As a business and litigation attorney and member of Laredo, Smith & Kane’s management team, Salsburg 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.

MCLE is a non-profit corporation that aims to raise the caliber of lawyers’ professional and ethical service to their clients and communities by providing comprehensive and practical continuing legal education of the highest quality to the broadest possible audience.

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.

Payal Salsburg Quoted in article: “Netflix’s ‘Varsity Blues’ Setback Puts Media On Watch”

Laredo, Smith & Kane partner, Payal Salsburg was quoted in a recent article covered by Law360. Payal discussed cases involving fair reporting privilege that were often determined at the summary judgment stage. She noted that there was no requirement that a documentary report both sides of an issue. But she did say the information Wilson provided to Netflix “can be used to show that Netflix had prior warning that maybe there wasn’t truth to this, and they proceeded anyway.” Regardless of how the Wilson suit plays out, Salsburg predicted more litigation if the hugely popular docudrama genre continues to blur or cross the line between fact and fiction.”People are really engrossed by docudramas and documentaries because of that dramatic tension. There is a fascination with dramatizing events,” Salsburg said. “I think these kinds of cases are going to come up a lot.”

We invited you to read the entire article using a Law360 subscription.

Seven Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorneys Recognized in the 2024 Edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that seven of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2024 edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers , with five included on the Super Lawyers list and two on the Rising Stars list.

The Laredo, Smith & Kane attorneys on the Massachusetts Super Lawyers list and their corresponding category/practice area are:

In addition, Super Lawyers named Kane, Laredo, and Salsburg to the Top 100 list, recognizing the top 100 attorneys in Massachusetts. Further, Salsburg was included on the Top 50 women list, recognizing Massachusetts’s top 50 women attorneys.

The Laredo, Kane & Smith attorneys on the Massachusetts Rising Starts list and their corresponding category/practice area are:

Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The mission of Super Lawyers is to bring visibility to those attorneys who exhibit excellence in practice.

 

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 Appointed to the Massachusetts Law Review Editorial Board

Boston law firm Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) has reappointed Partner Matthew A. Kane as the book review editor for the Massachusetts Law Review for the 2024-2025 program year. This is his second term in this role. Kane has served on the Massachusetts Law Review’s editorial board since 2019, first as associate editor (2019-2023) and then as book review editor since 2023.

The Massachusetts Law Review is the longest continuously published law review in the nation and began publishing in 1915. It is published quarterly by the MBA and includes feature articles, court ruling summaries, legislative notes, and book reviews.

Kane is a current member of the firm’s management team, and the incoming managing partner effective Jan. 1, 2025.  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.

Incorporated in 1911, the MBA is a private non-profit professional organization that represents a diverse group of attorneys, judges and legal professionals. As the largest voluntary general membership bar association in the commonwealth, the MBA is the preeminent voice of the legal profession in Massachusetts. The MBA serves the legal profession and the public by promoting the administration of justice, legal education, professional excellence and respect for the law.

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 Named to BBA’s Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award Selection Committee

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that Partner Payal Salsburg has been named to the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award Selection Committee for 2024-25. Created in memory of past BBA president and Nutter attorney Mary K. Ryan, this award honors her legacy of pro bono and social impact work. The award will be presented for the first time at the 2024 BBA Annual Meeting in October.

Mary Ryan was a tireless advocate for pro bono work, championing efforts at both the local and national level. Her dedication to service earned numerous accolades, including the ABA’s John H. Pickering Award of Achievement, the BBA’s Thurgood Marshall Award, and the Dennis Maguire Pro Bono Award. With the creation of this new award in her name, the BBA honors her continuing impact on the community and  legal profession.

“Mary’s dedication to social justice and pro bono advocacy was legendary, and her passing leaves a void in the legal industry,” said Salsburg. “I’m honored to serve on the selection committee for this inaugural award and to carry her legacy forward in this way.”

As a business and litigation attorney and member of Laredo, Smith & Kane’s management team, Salsburg 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 ethics, inclusivity 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 Boston Municipal Court (Central).

 

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.