Four Smith Kane Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® 2027

Smith Kane announces that four of its attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 edition. Published by Woodward/White, Inc., Best Lawyers is considered by many to be the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed publication in the legal profession.

The Smith Kane attorneys listed in Best Lawyers are:

  • Matthew A. Kane: Litigation; Labor & Employment
  • Payal Salsburg: Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-Collar
  • Mark D. Smith: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-Collar

Additionally, Smith Kane Associate Melissa King was named to the Ones to Watch® list in the Commercial Litigation practice area.

Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America is based on an extensive peer-review process designed to capture the aggregate opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical and legal practice area. Best Lawyers has been published since 1983 and highlights the top 5% of practicing attorneys in each practice area. Its 2027 selections will be featured in the 33rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

About Smith Kane, LLP

Celebrating 30 years, Smith Kane, LLP has built a reputation for helping clients grow their businesses, manage risk, and resolve complex legal matters. Founded in 1996, the firm offers big-firm expertise paired with the strategic, responsive, and client-focused approach of a boutique practice. Smith Kane represents clients in matters involving business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, and government investigations from its Boston office.

Smith Kane Co-Founder Mark D. Smith Honored with 2026 New England Legal Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Mark D. Smith has been named a recipient of the 2026 New England Legal Awards (NELA) Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes attorneys who have left a lasting imprint on the legal community in New England. Smith was selected for his distinguished 40-year legal career and unwavering commitment to professional leadership, public service, and the advancement of justice.

In 2000, Smith co-founded Laredo, Smith & Kane, now Smith Kane, LLP, helping build the firm’s reputation in white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, and complex litigation while mentoring younger attorneys and fostering a culture grounded in integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. His practice focuses on representing businesses and individuals in criminal and government enforcement matters, as well as serving as Massachusetts counsel to national law firms. Earlier in his career, Smith served as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Bureau in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, supervising more than 50 prosecutors, after five years as Chief of the Public Integrity Division, where he participated in or supervised more than 100 public corruption cases. He also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and, earlier, as a public defender in New York City. A former President of the Boston Bar Association, Smith was appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court to the Court Management Advisory Board, which he chaired in 2020.

“Mark’s impact on the legal profession extends far beyond his accomplishments as a lawyer,” said Smith Kane Managing Partner Matthew A. Kane. “His integrity, leadership, and commitment to mentoring others have made a lasting impact on our firm and the broader legal community. This award is a fitting recognition of an exceptional career.”

The honor follows Smith’s recent induction into Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Hall of Fame.

The New England Legal Awards are a distinguished celebration of professional excellence within the legal community across Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. NELA winners will be announced at an awards gala on October 8 at The Westin Copley Place. The full list of finalists and honorees is featured here.

About Smith Kane, LLP

Celebrating 30 years, Smith Kane, LLP has built a reputation for helping clients grow their businesses, manage risk, and resolve complex legal matters. Founded in 1996, the firm offers big-firm expertise paired with the strategic, responsive, and client-focused approach of a boutique practice. Smith Kane represents clients in business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and employment law matters from its Boston office.

Smith Kane Co-Founder Mark D. Smith Named a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2026 Hall of Fame Honoree

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Mark D. Smith was selected as a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2026 Hall of Fame honoree. The Hall of Fame recognizes top Massachusetts lawyers who have been practicing for 30 or more years and who have made significant contributions to the development of the law and bar while improving the quality of justice in the commonwealth. Smith and fellow inductees will be honored at an annual awards ceremony at the Venezia Restaurant Boston on Sept. 15.

In 2000, Smith co-founded Laredo, Smith & Kane, now Smith Kane, LLP. Over the past 25 years, he has helped establish a firm known for excellence in white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, and complex litigation. Equally important, Smith has devoted significant time to mentoring younger attorneys and fostering a collaborative culture that emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and exceptional advocacy.

In his legal practice, Smith concentrates on the defense of white-collar criminal cases and government investigations. He represents businesses and individuals during all stages of criminal and other government enforcement actions. He also has been retained by national law firms to handle a wide range of Massachusetts-specific litigation and regulation matters as outside counsel on behalf of their clients. Smith is a former President of the Boston Bar Association, and was appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court to the Court Management Advisory Board (CMAB), serving as the Chair in 2020.

Prior to entering private practice, Smith was the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Bureau in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, where he supervised over 50 prosecutors assigned to the Environmental Crimes Strike Force, Public Integrity Division, Economic Crimes Division, and the High Technology Crimes Unit. Prior to becoming Deputy Chief, Smith also served for five years as Chief of the Public Integrity Division and participated in or supervised the prosecution of more than one hundred public corruption cases. He also acted as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in joint federal and state criminal investigations and prosecutions. Earlier in his career, Smith served as a public defender in New York City and tried several cases in New York State Supreme Court. He also clerked for a trial judge of that same court.

Smith Kane Managing Partner Matthew A. Kane said, “Throughout his 40-year legal career, Mark has sought not only to serve clients effectively, but also to strengthen the institutions that support the rule of law and the legal profession. Whether as a prosecutor, defense attorney, law firm founder, bar leader, or court advisor, he has consistently raised his hand when asked to lead, solve problems, and help advance the administration of justice. We congratulate Mark on this well-deserved honor.”

About Smith Kane, LLP

Celebrating 30 years, Smith Kane, LLP has built a reputation for helping clients grow their businesses, manage risk, and resolve complex legal matters. Founded in 1996, the firm offers big-firm expertise paired with the strategic, responsive, and client-focused approach of a boutique practice. Smith Kane represents clients in business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and employment law matters from its Boston office.

Five Smith Kane Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers

Smith Kane, LLP announces that five of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers, with four included on the Super Lawyers list and one on the Rising Stars list. With these rankings, nearly all of the attorneys at the firm were recognized this year.

The following Smith Kane attorneys were included on the Massachusetts Super Lawyers list:

Partner Darshana Indira was recognized as a Massachusetts Rising Star in Employment & Labor.

In addition, Smith Kane is one of only a few Boston law firms of similar size to have two partners – Kane and Salsburg – named to the Super Lawyers Top 100 list. Salsburg was also included on the Top 5 Business Litigation list in Massachusetts and the Top 50 Women list, recognizing Massachusetts’ top 50 women attorneys.

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 Smith Kane, LLP

Celebrating 30 years, Smith Kane, LLP has built a reputation for helping clients grow their businesses, manage risk, and resolve complex legal matters. Founded in 1996, the firm offers big-firm expertise paired with the strategic, responsive, and client-focused approach of a boutique practice. Smith Kane represents clients in business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and employment law matters from its Boston office.

Five Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorneys Recognized by Boston Magazine as 2025 “Top Lawyers”

Smith & Kane LLP announces that five of its attorneys were selected by Boston Magazine for inclusion on the 2025 Top Lawyers list. The exclusive list honors the best attorneys in the region, from corporate to family law.

The five Laredo, Smith & Kane attorneys named to the list include:

Boston Magazine’s annual Top Lawyers list is compiled through peer nominations. Attorneys are invited to nominate up to three of their peers in a select number of law specialties. Top vote-getters in each specialty are reviewed by an advisory board of select lawyers, chosen for their credentials and the high number of votes they received.

About Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Smith & Kane LLP 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, and employment law.

Seven Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorneys Recognized in the 2025 Edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers

Smith & Kane LLP announces that seven of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Massachusetts Super Lawyers, with six included on the Super Lawyers list and one on the Rising Stars list. With these rankings, nearly all of the attorneys at the firm were recognized on the 2025 list.

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

Senior counsel Darshana Indira was recognized as a Massachusetts Rising Star in Employment & Labor.

In addition, Laredo, Smith & Kane is one of only a few Boston law firms of similar size to have three partners – Kane, Laredo, and Salsburg – named to the Super Lawyers Top 100 list. Salsburg was also included on the Top 50 Women list, recognizing Massachusetts’ top 50 women attorneys.

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 Smith & Kane, LLP

For nearly 30 years, Smith & Kane LLP 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.

Six Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® 2026

Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that six of its attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 edition. Published by Woodward/White, Inc., Best Lawyers is considered by many to be the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed publication in the legal profession.

The six Laredo, Smith & Kane attorneys listed in Best Lawyers are:

  • Marc C. Laredo: Commercial Litigation; Employment Law, Management
  • Mark D. Smith: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-Collar
  • Matthew A. Kane: Litigation, Labor & Employment
  • Payal Salsburg: Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-Collar
  • Darshana Indira: Employment Law, Management; Litigation, Labor & Employment
  • William G. Cosmas, Jr.: Commercial Litigation

Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America is based on an extensive peer-review process designed to capture the aggregate opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical and legal practice area. Best Lawyers has been published since 1983 and highlights the top 5% of practicing attorneys in each practice area. Its 2026 selections will be featured in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

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.

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:

  • Jessica Conklin, Criminal Defense, White Collar
  • Darshana Indira, Employment & Labor

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.

 

Six Laredo, Smith & Kane Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025

Boston law firm Laredo, Smith & Kane announces that six of its attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 edition. Published by Woodward/White, Inc. since 1982, Best Lawyers is considered by many to be the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed publication in the legal profession.

The six Laredo, Smith & Kane attorneys listed in Best Lawyers are:

●      Marc C. Laredo: Commercial Litigation; Employment Law, Management

●      Mark D. Smith: Closely Held Companies and Family; Business Law; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-CollarLared

●      Matthew A. Kane: Litigation, Labor & Employment

●      Payal Salsburg: Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, White-Collar

●      William G. Cosmas, Jr.: Commercial Litigation

●      Jessica L. Conklin: Criminal Defense, White-Collar

Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America is based on an extensive peer-review process designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical and legal practice area. Best Lawyers highlights the top 5% of practicing attorneys in each practice area. Its 2025 selections are featured in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

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 Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in 2025 Best Lawyers

Laredo, Smith & Kane attorneys Marc Laredo, Mark Smith, Matthew Kane, Payal Salsburg, William Cosmas and Jessica Conklin are all selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.

Marc Laredo is selected for his work in both Commercial Litigation and Employment Law/Management. Marc represents clients in disputes among owners of closely held businesses and a wide array of other business litigation matters including commercial contract cases, business torts, employment and non-competition litigation, government investigations and construction cases. Additionally, Marc serves as counsel to closely held businesses, advising them on issues such as the initial formation and maintenance of the business entity, contract and employment matters, crisis situations and exit strategies.

Mark Smith is selected for his work in Criminal Defense/White-Collar, Commercial Litigation, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law. Mark is retained by businesses and individuals during all stages of criminal and other government enforcement actions. National law firms also choose Mark to handle a wide range of Massachusetts-specific litigation and regulation matters as outside counsel on behalf of their clients.

Matthew Kane is selected for his work in Litigation/Labor & Employment. Matt represents banks and other financial institutions, businesses and individuals in an array of business law matters and disputes concerning consumer finance, employment, construction, real estate and general litigation as part of the firm’s business litigation practice.

Payal Salsburg is selected for her work in Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White Collar. She 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 connection with an array of matters including contract and business disputes, False Claims Act litigation, and government and internal investigations.

William Cosmas is selected for his work in Commercial Litigation. He handles complex business disputes across many industries including finance, banking, technology, and life sciences, among others. His experience spans business litigation and arbitration, both domestic and international; government investigations and white-collar criminal defense; and real estate matters.

Jessica Conklin is selected for her work in Criminal Defense/White-Collar. She counsels clients on a variety of matters ranging from healthcare compliance and audits to government investigations. She also represents students and their families who attending secondary schools, colleges and universities in connection with disciplinary proceedings and title IX investigations.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. Over 110,000 industry leading lawyers are eligible to vote (from around the world), and they received millions of evaluations on the legal abilities of other lawyers based on their specific practice areas around the world. Lawyers are not allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.