Smith Kane’s Payal Salsburg Presented on the BBA Webinar, “Civil Motions 101: A Practical Guide for New Litigators”

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Payal Salsburg presented on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, “Civil Motions 101: A Practical Guide for New Litigators,” May 15.

Hosted by the BBA’s Business & Commercial Litigation Section, the webinar provided early-career attorneys with a clear, practical introduction to common civil motions and their role in litigation. Geared toward lawyers handling motions practice for the first time, it covered key types of motions, governing standards, and essential procedural rules. Salsburg and fellow speakers provided guidance on how to craft effective written submissions, develop persuasive arguments, and navigate motion hearings with confidence.

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

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’s Payal Salsburg Speaks at the BBA’s “Game Changers: Celebrating Living Legacies of Women in the Law” Event

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Payal Salsburg presented at the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) annual “Game Changers: Celebrating Living Legacies of Women in the Law” event, May 14. The program featured a distinguished panel of trailblazing women who have broken barriers across the legal profession, offering insights on leadership, career progression, and the evolving role of women in law. Salsburg joined fellow panelists, representing diverse generations and sectors of the legal industry, to discuss the profession’s evolution, as well as their personal experiences with career advancement, mentorship, and work-life integration.

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

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.

 

Payal Salsburg Quoted in Mass Lawyers Weekly on Law Firm Succession Planning

Smith Kane partner Payal Salsburg was recently quoted in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article covering succession planning challenges facing small and midsize law firms. The article is entitled “Are small, midsize firms facing succession planning crisis?” and discussed Payal’s firsthand account of Smith Kane’s recent successful leadership transition.

In the article, Payal describes the firm’s multi-year transition plan that was put into motion three years ago when co-founder and former partner Marc C. Laredo decided to run for mayor of Newton. Payal explained that the plan addressed three critical areas: transition of leadership, transition of the business, and transition of client relationships.

Payal emphasized the importance of reassuring clients that the firm’s approach to practicing law would continue under the firm’s new leadership, noting that this was particularly important for the firm’s small business clients. As part of the plan, upcoming junior partners and senior associates were actively involved in the firm’s cases so that clients knew them by name well before the transition took effect.

Payal shared that the transition was seamless while co-founding partner Mark Smith stepped back from an active administrative role and Matthew Kane succeeded Marc Laredo as managing partner.

Payal shared several takeaways from the firm’s experience that she believes are relevant to other small and midsize firms. She urged firm leaders to start planning early rather than waiting until transitions become urgent, noting that the wave of baby boomer attorneys who have been running small and midsize firms are reaching retirement age. While she emphasized it is not an immediate crisis, planning needs to begin early for how firms will sustain their practices as partners retire.

Payal also stressed the importance of having a written transition plan and of engaging junior partners and senior associates in the process early, so they are prepared to take on expanded roles. She acknowledged that attorneys of a younger generation may not always be interested in taking on the business side of a small-firm practice, which may require firms to consider bringing in lateral hires or exploring mergers with other small firms to keep the practice going.

The full article is available to subscribers at Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

Smith Kane’s Payal Salsburg Moderates BBA Webinar, “Behind the Curtain at the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission: A Practitioner’s Guide”

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Payal Salsburg served as a moderator on the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) webinar, “Behind the Curtain at the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission: A Practitioner’s Guide,” April 16.

The panel featured members of the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission, offering an overview of practice before the Commission with perspectives from both its Legal and Enforcement Divisions. Moderated by Salsburg, the discussion addressed how public employees, volunteer public servants, and individuals and entities doing business with the Commonwealth can seek prospective ethics advice, the progression of investigations and enforcement actions, and common conflict-of-interest pitfalls. Drawing on real-world scenarios and emerging trends, Salsburg and the panelists delivered actionable guidance for advising and defending clients under Massachusetts ethics law.

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

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 Celebrates 30 Years of Strategic Growth and Leadership

Smith Kane, LLP is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of effective legal counsel, courtroom excellence, and unwavering commitment to clients and community.

Founded originally as Laredo & Smith in 1996 in Boston’s Financial District, the firm was built on a clear vision: to combine large-firm sophistication with the agility, responsiveness, and client-centered approach of a boutique practice. Over the past 30 years, the firm has grown into a respected litigation and business law firm serving businesses, financial institutions, and individuals throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

This milestone comes during a defining chapter in the firm’s evolution. In 2025, the firm transitioned leadership as part of its long-term growth strategy, with Matthew A. Kane assuming the role of Managing Partner and Partner Payal Salsburg joining the management team. Later that year, following the election of co-founder Marc C. Laredo as Mayor of the City of Newton, the firm rebranded as Smith Kane, LLP, reflecting both continuity and confidence in its future.

“Reaching 30 years is a significant milestone and a testament to the trust our clients place in us every day,” said Kane. “Our success has always been rooted in proactive problem-solving and thoughtful planning — the same forward-looking guidance we provide to our clients — along with a steadfast commitment to delivering practical, results-driven legal solutions.”

Throughout its history, the firm has guided clients through high-stakes litigation, complex business disputes, white collar criminal defense matters, government investigations, and employment issues. Known for its tenacious representation and strong appellate advocacy, the firm has successfully represented clients before state and federal trial courts, as well as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court.

“Our rebrand marked the beginning of our next chapter, but our foundation remains the same,” said Salsburg. “We have an exceptional team of lawyers and staff and a culture built on integrity, collaboration, and excellence. As we celebrate 30 years, we are focused not only on where we’ve been, but on how we continue to grow and serve our clients in the decades ahead.”

Laredo, who co-founded the firm and helped guide it for nearly three decades, played a central role in establishing its reputation for thoughtful advocacy and community engagement. His election to public office reflects the leadership values that have long defined the firm’s culture.

As Smith Kane enters its next decade, the firm will continue to invest in its people, its brand, and its long-term growth. A refreshed visual identity and forward-looking business plan underscore the firm’s commitment to remaining a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex legal and business challenges.

 

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’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.

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.