Firm History
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee, LLP has a rich history as a Central Massachusetts-based law firm with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in client service and to the communities in which our attorneys and staff work and live.
The firm was founded in 1916 by George Hammond Mirick. George's professional career included service as president of the Worcester County Bar Association and as a life trustee of Clark University. In 1930, George was joined in the practice by Paul Revere O'Connell. Setting the standard for the firm's commitment to our communities, Paul's professional career included service as the assistant city solicitor for the City of Worcester, as the director for many local businesses, as a trustee for two banks, and as a fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel.
Gardener Graves DeMallie-our third named partner-joined the firm in 1936. His legal career was interrupted by lengthy service to our nation during World War II as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Following the end of the war, he rejoined the firm and went on to serve as a member of the Worcester City Council, as the director of many local businesses and charitable organizations in the region, and as a fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel.
Laurence Hodgdon Lougee began practicing law in 1935. His legal career was also interrupted by service as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his naval service, Laurence fought in both the European and Pacific theaters. Following completion of his honorable service, he joined the firm and later served as vice president of the Worcester County Bar Association, as president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, as a member of the American Bar Association's House of Delegates, and as a founding trustee of the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Foundation. Laurence also devoted countless hours to volunteer service as the director of many local businesses and charitable organizations.
While the firm has been privileged to see successive Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie, and Lougee generations join the practice, it has evolved from family-centered practice to one of the leading business-focused law firms in the region, with attorneys staffing offices in Worcester, Westborough and Boston. With this growth has come the expansion of practice areas that address the complex legal needs for businesses ranging in size from small start-up companies to large, multi-national, publicly traded companies. The firm also has a trusts and estates practice and a personal injury practice that serves individual clients.
One thing has remained unchanged throughout our more than 100-year history: we have remained true to our unwavering commitment to excellence in client service and results-driven representation. We continue to stress the importance of two bedrock principles: (1) our clients must not only receive excellent representation, but such excellence must be delivered in a cost-efficient manner so that we set ourselves apart from our competitors in terms of both results and value; and (2) we must never lose sight of the importance of active commitment to our region through volunteer service.
Founded in 1916
100 people in their team
The Attorneys in Mirick O’Connell’s Business Group represent privately-held and publicly-traded corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships, sole proprietorships and joint ventures in all aspects of their businesses, from planning and initial formation, to the sale, merger or acquisition of the business. Our clients include high-tech and life sciences companies, manufacturers, construction firms, service providers, nonprofits, and a full range of banking and commercial lending institutions. For new companies, we draft stockholder agreements, buy/sell agreements, operating agreements, partnership agreements and other organizational documents. For established companies, we serve as general and special counsel and advise them on a full range of matters, including licensing and development agreements, distribution, reseller and supply agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and employee benefits and stock incentive plans.
The Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy and Reorganization Group combines the experience of our bankruptcy, workout and litigation attorneys with that of the firm’s banking, labor and employment, corporate and land use attorneys. Working with experienced paralegals and other professional staff, our attorneys provide clients with effective and cost-efficient solutions.
We represent lenders and borrowers in the enforcement and restructuring of loan and credit obligations. We advise clients on issues relating to the restructuring of debt, including forbearance agreements, the securing of additional collateral and the liquidation of existing collateral. We represent clients in all aspects of creditors’ rights litigation, including foreclosure of mortgages, recovery of property, collection of money and defense of lender liability claims. We also prosecute and defend actions involving debtors in bankruptcy, including motions for relief from the automatic stay, preference actions, proceedings to determine cash collateral use and objections to the dischargeability of certain debts.
We represent commercial landlords, including retail mall owners and managers, in bankruptcy cases throughout the United States. Recent engagements include Linens ‘N Things, Tweeter, Bombay Company and Ritz Camera.
We advise clients on the advantages and disadvantages of bankruptcy protection and represent debtors in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and out-of-court workouts. We also advise clients on the adequacy of debtor disclosure statements, the feasibility of Chapter 11 reorganization plans and the prosecution of adversary proceedings within a bankruptcy case.
We frequently represent clients seeking to buy or sell distressed businesses in or out of bankruptcy. We counsel clients with respect to these business dispositions, including successor liability issues. We represent bankruptcy trustees and court-appointed examiners, federal and state court receivers and unsecured creditors’ committees in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and out-of-court workouts, and we assist bankruptcy trustees in navigating their obligations in connection with the administration and termination of ERISA-qualified defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
Although our offices are all in Massachusetts, our bankruptcy practice is national in scope. We frequently appear for clients in cases filed in Delaware, New York, Texas and other jurisdictions where we will, if necessary, affiliate with local counsel but maintain primary responsibility for the matter at hand
In this dynamic world of divorce, paternity and custody disputes, the attorneys in our Family Law Group possess exceptional reputations, knowledge and experience in Family Law. We provide attentive, dependable and cutting-edge legal representation. Whether you are looking for the right lawyer to represent you in a simple uncontested divorce, custody dispute or complex property litigation, Mirick O’Connell will provide you with discreet representation and experienced staff.
Our Family Law Group attorneys advise a broad range of clientele, including CEOs, politicians, members of the judiciary and bar, physicians, executives, entrepreneurs, homemakers and hourly wage earners.
Our clients deserve and rightly expect prompt attention from their legal team. To facilitate this, we maintain responsive standards to ensure our clients maximum accessibility and prompt attention to their questions and concerns.
We know that divorce and family disputes are some of the most difficult times in our clients’ lives and we strive to provide the consideration and sensitivity our clients need. Most importantly, we will help you focus on your future.
The services provided by Mirick O’Connell’s Family Law Group include:
Mirick O’Connell also provides credentialed, experienced Family Law Neutral Services including:
The Intellectual Property Group focuses on the protection, commercialization and enforcement of critical intellectual property assets. The group works closely with business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists and investors to help ensure that business goals are met while intellectual property assets are appropriately and efficiently protected and exploited.
