Smith Kane’s Matthew A. Kane and Payal Salsburg Named to The Legal 500’s Boston City Elite Rankings

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Matthew A. Kane and Payal Salsburg have been named to The Legal 500’s Boston City Elite rankings in the areas of Commercial Litigation and White Collar Crime, respectively. The Legal 500 U.S. City Elite rankings highlight leading lawyers at regional powerhouse firms who are handling work at the top of the legal market in their respective cities. The full rankings list can be viewed here.

The firm’s managing partner and a business litigation attorney, Kane focuses on business litigation in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Representing banks, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals, he is known for his extensive experience in consumer finance, real estate, employment, construction, general litigation, and appeals. Kane also advises closely held businesses on corporate and transactional matters.

Salsburg is a member of the firm’s management team. As a litigator, 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 contract and business disputes, False Claims Act matters, State Ethics Commission inquiries, and government and internal investigations. Salsburg also advises closely held businesses on corporate and employment matters.

The Legal 500 is a comprehensive research guide that highlights the practice area teams and attorneys who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel around the world. Research is based on feedback from more than 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

 

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.

Smith Kane’s Payal Salsburg Moderates BBA Webinar, “From Practice to Politics: Candid Stories from Women Who’ve Done It”

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Payal Salsburg served as a moderator on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, “From Practice to Politics: Candid Stories from Women Who’ve Done It,” January 27.

The panel hosted candid conversations with women of color who began their careers as attorneys, entered the political arena, and then returned to legal practice. Panelists shared their personal journeys, what motivated them to pursue public office or political roles, the challenges and opportunities they encountered, and how legal training prepared them for leadership beyond the courtroom. Led by Salsburg, the discussion also explored concrete ways attorneys can support and uplift colleagues who pursue political ambitions, such as running for office, serving in government, or engaging in advocacy.

Salsburg is a member of Smith Kane’s management team. As a business and litigation attorney, 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 contract and business disputes, False Claims Act matters, State Ethics Commission inquiries, and government and internal investigations. Salsburg also advises closely held businesses on corporate and employment matters. Prior to joining Smith Kane, Salsburg was a litigator at a large international law firm, in its Florida and Boston offices. She is a sought-after speaker on many topics, including business litigation, ethics, and lawyer well-being. Salsburg is recognized for her deep commitment to volunteerism in the community. Her pro bono experience includes several successful CORI-sealing petitions, petitions for asylum, an appeal from an inmate on Florida’s death row, litigation and appeal to assist a not-for-profit foundation, and invoking Hague Convention protection to return a child wrongfully removed to the United States by a parent. She was also a bar advocate for criminal matters at the district court level.

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.

Smith Kane Attorneys Serve as Faculty for MCLE’s 11th Annual Appellate Practice Conference

Smith Kane, LLP managing partner Matthew A. Kane and partner Payal Salsburg served as faculty for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE) 11th Annual Appellate Practice Conference on December 11. Kane covered new developments in civil law practice. Salsburg was conference co-chair and moderated a panel of the newest judges of the Massachusetts Appeals Court, including Assoc. Justice Jennifer Allen, Assoc. Justice Gloria Tan, and Assoc. Justice Chauncey Wood. They discussed good appellate briefs and oral arguments, as well as their experiences as the newest appeals court justices.

A premier yearly event for appellate practitioners, the conference featured a full-day, concentrated focus on the appellate process. This year, the conference covered important key changes happening in appellate practice, including developments in criminal law and civil law, new judges, new clerk of court, and more. Each topic was timely and geared toward helping attorneys become better appellate litigators.

The recorded conference was rebroadcast from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on December 29 and January 6, 2026.

Kane is a member of Laredo, Smith & Kane’s management team, and has been serving as the incoming managing partner since January 1, 2025. As a business litigation attorney, he focuses on business and commercial law. Representing banks, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals, Kane is a key member of the firm’s business litigation practice. He is known for his extensive experience in consumer finance, employment, construction, real estate, and general litigation. He is also particularly skilled in appellate advocacy, having successfully argued before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

Salsburg is also a member of the firm’s management team. As a business and litigation attorney, 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 contract and business disputes, False Claims Act matters, State Ethics Commission inquiries, and government and internal investigations. Salsburg also advises closely held businesses on corporate and employment matters.

MCLE is a non-profit corporation that aims to raise the caliber of lawyers’ professional and ethical service to their clients and communities by providing comprehensive and practical continuing legal education of the highest quality to the broadest possible audience.

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.

Laredo, Smith & Kane Rebrands as Smith Kane Following Co-Founder’s Election as Mayor of Newton

Laredo, Smith & Kane has rebranded to Smith Kane, LLP, reflecting the next chapter in the firm’s nearly 30-year history. The change follows the election of Marc C. Laredo, the firm’s co-founder and former managing partner, as Mayor of the City of Newton, Massachusetts. Laredo will step down from the firm on January 1, 2026, to assume his new role in public service.

This rebranding underscores the firm’s stability and strength under the leadership of Managing Partner Matthew A. Kane and Partner Payal Salsburg, who together have guided the firm’s strategic direction and client service since January 2025.

“Marc’s election is an exciting milestone and a proud moment for our firm,” said Kane. “His commitment to leadership and community mirrors the values that have defined this firm since its founding. As we move forward as Smith Kane, our focus remains on providing clients with the highest level of strategic, responsive, and results-driven legal counsel.”

Founded in 1996, the firm has earned a reputation for combining large-firm sophistication with personalized, pragmatic legal advice. As Smith Kane, the firm will continue its long history of representing businesses, financial institutions, and individuals across a range of practice areas, including business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and employment law.

“The transition to Smith Kane reflects both continuity and confidence in our future,” said Salsburg. “We have an exceptional team of lawyers and loyal clients who have been with us through decades of growth and change. We’re proud to carry forward the culture of excellence that Marc helped establish.”

Laredo, who co-founded the firm in Boston’s Financial District, has served the City of Newton for more than two decades, including 14 years on the Newton City Council and eight years on the Newton School Committee. He is currently the City Council President and formerly served as the chair of the School Committee. His election as mayor is the culmination of years of civic engagement rooted in consensus-building and service, principles that have also shaped the firm’s collaborative approach to client representation.

“It’s been an honor to help build this firm from the ground up,” said Laredo. “Matt, Payal, and our entire team have positioned Smith Kane for continued success. I’m deeply grateful to our clients and colleagues who have made this journey possible.”

Smith Kane’s rebrand includes a new visual identity and website, which will debut later this year. The firm will continue to operate from its Boston office, maintaining its commitment to exceptional client service and community involvement.

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.

Boston Globe: As Marc Laredo leaves to become mayor of Newton, law firm changes name

As published in the Boston Globe on December 17th:

The new year will mean a new mayor in Newton — and a new name for the law firm he used to lead.

As Marc Laredo prepares to be sworn in as mayor on Jan. 1, taking over for Ruthanne Fuller, he’s also wrapping up matters at the Boston firm he cofounded in 1996, now called Laredo, Smith & Kane. Within a few weeks, his name comes off the sign. So it will just be Smith Kane as Laredo ends his equity investment in the firm to focus on his new City Hall job.

Laredo was already starting to step back. A year ago, Matthew Kane took over for Laredo as the 10-person litigation firm’s managing partner, and Kane’s name was added to the firm’s name. That name change happened with little fanfare — the firm’s website still makes it seem as if the business is called Laredo & Smith — but there will be a bigger push to promote the latest iteration. (Partner Mark Smith, who joined about 25 years ago, will remain on board.)

Laredo says he’ll miss working with his clients. But the longtime city councilor will now need to spend more time on solving school budget issues, making sure the parks stay green and the trash gets picked upon time, and dealing with other headaches of municipal government.

“I decided to run for mayor over 18 months ago,” Laredo said. “Early on, we decided this would be a really good time to think about the firm’s future. It’s very important to me that a place I helped build thrives going forward [and] we transition to the next generation, whether I won or lost the election.”

What happens when HR execs violate their own policies?

Darshana Indira authored an article, “What Happens When HR Execs Violate Their Own Policies,” for HR Executive. In the article, Darshana discusses how recent headlines involving HR executives and workplace misconduct highlight a critical issue for employers: the heightened legal exposure and credibility concerns that arise when compliance leaders violate the policies they enforce. The article examines why consistent enforcement matters, how to conduct impartial investigations when leadership is involved, and the reputational consequences of failing to hold HR leaders accountable.

Payal Salsburg Moderated MCLE 11th Annual Appellate Practice Conference Panel of Judges

Payal Salsburg co-chaired the 11th annual MCLE Appellate Practice Conference in December.

A premier yearly event for appellate practitioners, the conference featured a full-day, concentrated focus on the appellate process. This year, the conference covered exciting changes happening in appellate practice, including developments in criminal law and civil law, new judges, new clerk of court, and more. Each topic was timely and geared toward helping attorneys become better appellate litigators.

As part of the programming, Payal moderated a panel of the newest judges of the Massachusetts Appeals Court, including Assoc. Justice Jennifer Allen, Assoc. Justice Gloria Tan, and Assoc. Justice Chauncey Wood. The justices provided feedback on good appellate briefs and oral arguments, as well as their experiences as the newest justices on the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

Brendan Cox Discusses Defending Cases Amid Science Distrust in Recent Law360 Article

Brendan Cox was quoted in a recent Law360 article, “What To Do When Jurors Don’t ‘Trust the Science.'”

The article discusses declining trust in science and regulatory agencies and how that complicates jury trials. Recent stats show that attorneys report that regulatory approval, which once carried significant weight with jurors, no longer has the same impact.

Cox addresses how scientific skepticism particularly affects defense attorneys. He shares that in the criminal defense context, juries that are less likely to accept scientific evidence as an open-and-shut case may be a boon to attorneys working within the context of a “reasonable doubt” standard. He states: “I think 15 years ago, 20 years ago, if you had DNA, if you had fingerprints, that carries the day because there is an assumption that educated, smart, scientific people did the base research and then did the specific analysis for that particular matter, and science is science.” He continues: “At a very high level, there has been a sea change in how juries view scientific information.”

Matt Kane Quoted in a recent Legal Management Article on Partner Transition Planning

Managing Partner, Matt Kane, was quoted in a recent article, “Critical Moves to Make When a Partner Leaves” published by the ALA’s magazine, Legal Management.

The article examines the challenges law firms face when partners depart. Matt discussed the firm’s experience managing the departure of the former Managing Partner Marc Laredo, who announced in mid-2024 he would run for mayor of Newton, Massachusetts, and leave in January 2026. Kane emphasized the importance of client communication: “It’s been a lot of communicating with clients and getting everyone prepared for the transition. He’s got a number of clients who are small businesses [and] just have periodic and sporadic needs; we made a concerted effort to reach out to them. We’ve had dozens of handoff meetings.”

Kane also talked about the benefits of preparing for this kind of departure with “a long runway” referring to updating website domains, logos, signage, letterhead, and LinkedIn profiles. He also discussed the firm’s partnership agreement: “From time to time, as equity partners have come and gone, there have been discussions, revisions and tweaks. When the partnership changes, we take an opportunity to go through the agreement and make sure everyone’s comfortable and talk about anything that might need to change.”

Brendan Cox Quoted in Article Published in the Concord Bridge

Brendan Cox was quoted in the recent article published in the Concord Bridge, “Free Speech, or Viable Threat.” The article examines a legal case in Concord involving an individual who was arrested for allegedly violating a harassment prevention order by placing “scarecrow” displays targeting the School’s Superintendent.

Cox, an experienced criminal defense lawyer, discusses two points regarding the case. First, that prosecutors must prove this individual physically placed the signs. He noted, “Fingerprints are not infallible,” suggesting this evidence alone may not be sufficient for conviction. Second, he also argued that the alleged targeted individual’s status as a public official “should factor into the analysis” because it changes “the degree of privacy the person is entitled to and the degree of public discourse that they can expect to be subjected to.”