Michael A. Bednarz, ESQ.

• J.D., cum laude, Suffolk University Law School
  • Note Editor, Suffolk University Law Review
  • Business Law and Financial Services Concentration, with distinction
• B.S., Saint Michael’s College

Business Disputes

• Successfully navigated complex shareholder dispute, securing a preliminary injunction for corporate information access and obtaining summary judgment through strategic legal maneuvering. Notably preserved client’s position in a Supreme Judicial Court interlocutory appeal (Vale v. Valchuis, 471 Mass. 495 (2015)).
• Defended a private equity firm and its portfolio company’s senior leadership against fiduciary duty breach, corporate waste, and fraudulent transfer allegations.
• Secured favorable arbitration awards for a consulting firm in complex contract dispute involving tortious interference and unfair trade practices claims.
• Represented a remodeling company in federal court, successfully defending against trade secret misappropriation and business interference claims. 
• Achieved early dismissal on behalf of a freight company, effectively preventing an insurance carrier’s attempt to assess additional premiums.
• Obtained early dismissal of securities violation and fraud claims for a publicly traded company, protecting the client’s legal and financial interests.
• Provided strategic counsel to closely held businesses in pre-litigation disputes, focusing on equitable resolution of compensation and profit distribution conflicts.

Employment Related Disputes

• Achieved a $1.4 million judgment for a saleswoman in a gender discrimination and wage violation case, successfully addressing wrongful termination and a failure to pay sales commissions.
• Successfully obtained summary judgment in the Business Litigation Session for an employer, decisively resolving a former employee’s whistleblower allegations under the Massachusetts False Claims Act.
• Secured over $800,000 settlement for five hospital employees in an independent contractor misclassification matter.
• Obtained a $600,000 jury trial judgment in the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire, representing a Chief Financial Officer in a critical wage dispute concerning deferred compensation.
• Obtained a $500,000 bench trial judgment against an employer for worker misclassification as an independent contractor.
• Secured a $450,000 judgment in a disability discrimination case, vindicating an employee wrongfully terminated shortly after requesting a mental health leave of absence.
• Represented an international real estate brokerage firm in federal court, defending against age discrimination allegations.

Real Estate

• Secured summary judgment for a commercial landlord during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully defeating tenant defenses based on frustration of purpose and force majeure clauses.
• Negotiated a significant six-figure mediated settlement for a commercial landlord, strategically resolving a complex lease termination dispute during the property buildout process.
• Delivered a favorable six-figure mediated settlement for condominium purchasers, holding former owners and real estate brokers accountable for failing to disclose known construction defects.
• Represented residential and commercial landlords and tenants in complex summary process and lease breach actions across state and federal courts.
• Achieved favorable settlement for a two-unit condominium association in breach of fiduciary duty and contract claims.

Investigations

• Conducted independent investigations for prominent institutions, including: 
  • Museum of Fine Arts: Investigated alleged racist incidents involving middle school students.
  • Private secondary school: Investigated faculty-student misconduct.
  • College-level Title IX and employment harassment investigations

• Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” (2023-2025)
• Massachusetts Super Lawyers: Rising Star (2017-2024)