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Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane Attorneys Recognized as Leaders

Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP is honored to have three of its attorneys acknowledged as leaders in their respective fields. The firm is particularly proud to have the unprecedented honor of being the only firm to have received these three awards in the same year.

In 2019, Attorney Peter Mello was elected President of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association, an organization that boasts a membership of hundreds of attorneys. Attorney Mello has represented dozens of governmental and private clients in an extensive range of litigation and other legal proceedings before state and federal courts and agencies, both within and outside of the Commonwealth. He also advises these organizational clients in their day-to-day operations and administration, which include governmental permitting and planning, employment issues, licensing procedures, governance processes, and a variety of other legal matters. In addition to his vast experience representing clients in these areas, Attorney Mello has written and presented frequently to bar associations and other groups regarding governmental legal issues, and has been recognized for several years as a “Rising Star” by New England Super Lawyers.

Attorney Kevin Bresnahan was elected as President of the Massachusetts Council of School Attorneys (“Council”), which is a council comprised of attorneys that represent public educational institutions. In his duties with the Council, Attorney Bresnahan has represented public institutions before Commonwealth courts and administrative agencies on labor and employment issues and general educational matters. Kevin follows Ed Lenox and Andy Waugh who both previously served as President of the Council.

Attorney Mike Maccaro was awarded the prestigious Cushing-Gavin Award as the sole management labor attorney representing the private, non-profit and public sector. Over the years, Attorney Maccaro has continuously built a strong reputation in his practice in the labor and employment area. Mr. Maccaro has litigated numerous matters, has negotiated hundreds of contracts, and has argued before various state courts, appellate courts, and administrative agencies throughout New England. He follows in the footsteps of partners Katherine Hesse, Michael Lehane and Arthur Murphy.

The firm is proud of Attorneys Mello, Bresnahan and Maccaro for their achievements. In addition, MHTL is also delighted that they continue to oversee the growth of the firm and attorneys coming along in their respective areas.

Latest News

United States Supreme Court Opens the Door for Special Education Students’ Right to Bypass Due Process Hearings When Also Suing School District for Money Damages Under ADA: Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools, 598 U.S. ___(2023)

In a unanimous ruling issued on March 21, 2023, the United States Supreme Court decided in favor of a 27-year-old deaf student who sued his Michigan school district, claiming he was denied the services of a qualified interpreter for years, and was misled by teachers and administrators about his progress in school. The student, Miguel Perez, only sought monetary damages. The Court held that he was free to sue the district for money damages due to discrimination under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Court found that he did not have to “exhaust his administrative remedies,” prior to bringing such an action for damages. The doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies in a case involving the rights of a disabled student requires a litigant to file and complete a due process hearing before an agency like the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) on all claims stemming from a school district's requirement to provide a student with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Legal Updates

United States Supreme Court Opens the Door for Special Education Students’ Right to Bypass Due Process Hearings When Also Suing School District for Money Damages Under ADA: Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools, 598 U.S. ___(2023)

In a unanimous ruling issued on March 21, 2023, the United States Supreme Court decided in favor of a 27-year-old deaf student who sued his Michigan school district, claiming he was denied the services of a qualified interpreter for years, and was misled by teachers and administrators about his progress in school. The student, Miguel Perez, only sought monetary damages. The Court held that he was free to sue the district for money damages due to discrimination under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Court found that he did not have to “exhaust his administrative remedies,” prior to bringing such an action for damages. The doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies in a case involving the rights of a disabled student requires a litigant to file and complete a due process hearing before an agency like the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) on all claims stemming from a school district's requirement to provide a student with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

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