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Pittsfield
Diane has been a trial lawyer for nearly 20 years and is chair of the firm's litigation department. Inside or outside a courtroom, whether advising an employer on workplace issues or helping a family in the process of separation, Diane is fully committed to advancing the interests of her clients. A passionate advocate, she takes time to understand the needs of each client and design individualized, flexible strategies to meet those needs. |
AREAS OF PRACTICE Litigation Domestic Relations and Family Law Employment & Labor Relations Medical Malpractice Defense Personal InjuryEDUCATION Boston College, B.A., 1980, magna cum laude Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 1987, magna cum laude Externship, 1987, Honorable Eugene A. Wright, 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals BAR ADMISSIONS Massachusetts Washington MEMBERSHIPS Berkshire Bar Association Massachusetts Bar Association Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers COURT ADMISSIONS U.S. District Court, Washington, Western District U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
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Experience Highlights Member of Domestic Relations Bench Bar Committee and tries cases regularly in the Berkshire Probate and Family Court. Successfully represented employer in the first case in which the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld a private employer's drug testing program: Folmsbee v. Tech Tool. Represented insurance company before Supreme Judicial Court in landmark case involving the interpretation of a pollution exclusion clause in insurance policies: Goodman v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co. Frequently handles cases before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Represents private schools and nonprofit corporations in areas of health and education. Serves as outside counsel to largest health care system in Berkshire County in defense of medical malpractice claims. Member of the Collaborative Law Council, providing a non-adversarial solution for families seeking to resolve conflicts outside of court. Serves as a panelist in seminars and round table discussions for continuing legal education in the areas of employment law and domestic relations. Recent Speaking Engagements and Publications “The Most Common Mistakes You Can Make With Your Employee Handbook in Massachusetts,” featured speaker, Lorman Educational Seminars, July 25, 2006. “Trying Divorce Cases,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, October 26, 2006. “Workplace Privacy,” featured speaker for Associated Industries of Massachusetts, April 2006. “Criminal Background Checks Present Benefits, Burdens for Employers,” published article, Berkshire Trade and Commerce, May 2006. Featured in video of mock hearing for judicial enhancement, 2006. In the Community Diane is a member of the Berkshire Players, a group of local attorneys and judges who produce plays for fund raising in support of higher education. She has starred in “Twelve Angry Jurors” and “The Caine Mutiny Court Marshall,” both performed at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Diane also enjoys writing short stories, mountain biking and hiking with her dog. She and her family are involved in many community activities and she serves on committees for the Lenox Public Schools. Diane and her husband, Jack, live with their two children in Lenox.
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