Smith Kane Contributes Chapter to MCLE’s Massachusetts Evidence: A Courtroom Reference Guide

Smith Kane announces that Matthew A. Kane and Payal Salsburg co-authored a chapter for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE) Massachusetts Evidence: A Courtroom Reference guide. Their chapter, “Documentary Evidence,” provides Massachusetts litigators with practical tools for getting documents admitted and keeping damaging ones out. With up-to-date case law and commentary on authentication, the best evidence rule, and hearsay, the chapter helps lawyers walk into court prepared for any objection.

MCLE’s Massachusetts Evidence: A Courtroom Reference is a comprehensive guide to the admissibility of evidence, presented by authors who have confronted these issues in the crucible of the courtroom. The book is packed with useful features: judicial commentary from experienced Massachusetts trial court judges, online updates that brief readers on post publication developments in the law, and an electronic version of the book provided for enhanced searchability and for ready reference on the road and in the courthouse. Designed to assist Massachusetts courtroom lawyers at every stage of their careers, Massachusetts Evidence: A Courtroom Reference is a trusted companion for evidentiary practice in Massachusetts.

Kane is Smith Kane’s managing partner and a member of the firm’s management team. As a business litigation attorney, he focuses on business and commercial law, and represents banks, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals. 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. His experience resolving banking and financial services litigation includes handling complex cases involving mortgage and title disputes, commercial workouts and collections, civil check fraud, and fair debt collection issues. Regularly appearing at all levels of state and federal courts across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, his firsthand advocacy experience couples with his strong appellate experience and strategic approach, making him a trusted advisor in the legal community. Kane serves on the BBA’s Business and Commercial Litigation Section Steering Committee.

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, she 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. On November 5, Salsburg will receive the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) 2026 Voice of Change Award, which recognizes a luminary leader in the legal community who has forged a new path and played an extensive role in advancing diversity.

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’s Payal Salsburg Presented at BC Law’s Lawyer Well-Being Panel

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Payal Salsburg spoke on a Lawyer Well-Being Panel on September 29, 2026, at Boston College (BC) Law School. The program, which focused on the mental demands of the legal profession, was hosted by BC Law’s Lambda, the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), and the Middle Eastern & South Asian Law Students Association (MESALSA).

Salsburg was joined by fellow panelists, Stacey Best, Executive Director, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, and Gavin Alexander, Well-Being Director, Jackson Lewis P.C. Together, they shared personal stories and offered advice on managing well-being in the legal profession.

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, she 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. Salsburg is the 2026 recipient of the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) 2026 Voice of Change Award, which recognizes a luminary leader in the legal community who has forged a new path and played an extensive role in advancing diversity.

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.

Lawdragon Honors Two Smith Kane Partners in 2027’s Top 500 Litigators

Boston law firm Smith Kane announces that Matthew A. Kane and Payal Salsburg were named to the list of the 2027 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, which recognizes accomplished trial lawyers from across the nation. With two of the firm’s four partners earning a place on the list, the recognition reflects the depth of Smith Kane’s litigation practice and the caliber of its attorneys.

Each year, Lawdragon identifies litigators who have distinguished themselves through courtroom leadership, significant matters and contributions to the practice of law. The 2027 Lawdragon 500 honorees were selected based on submissions, journalistic research of the lawyers behind the biggest cases, and editorial vetting from a board of peers. The publisher describes this year’s honorees as “the brilliant lawyers who bring justice to life” and “excel at the art of advocacy before juries, judges and other decision makers on behalf of their clients.”

The Lawdragon recognition is the latest in a series of honors for Smith Kane and its attorneys. The firm was named a 2026 Best Legacy Law Firm by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, a distinction that recognizes Massachusetts-founded law firms with a proven record of success, longevity, workplace excellence, and community engagement. In addition, several attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 edition. Also, Partner Mark D. Smith was inducted into the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2026 Hall of Fame, and he received 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.

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.

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’s Payal Salsburg to Receive BBA’s 2026 Voice of Change Award

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Payal Salsburg is the recipient of the Boston Bar Association’s (BBA) 2026 Voice of Change Award.

As part of the BBA’s annual Beacon Awards, the Voice of Change Award recognizes a luminary leader in the legal community who has forged a new path and played an extensive role in advancing diversity and inclusion within the profession. Throughout her distinguished career, Salsburg has exemplified those qualities through her exceptional legal work, steadfast commitment to mentorship, and longstanding dedication to strengthening both the legal profession and the communities it serves. Salsburg will be honored at the BBA’s 16th Annual Beacon Awards Gala on November 5, 2026.

For more than 16 years, the Beacon Awards have recognized groundbreaking leaders who have forged bold paths in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In a statement, BBA President-Elect Mark C. Fleming said, “Payal’s career has always combined outstanding professional achievement with a dedication to investing in others. Our profession is so fortunate to benefit from Payal’s mentorship, service, and unwavering commitment to our legal community, all of which have made a lasting impact on the future of our profession. We are proud to recognize her with the Voice of Change Award.”

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.

An active volunteer and mentor, Salsburg serves in leadership positions with the following organizations: Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts, Boston CASA, Boston Bar Association, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, Supreme

Judicial Court’s Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being, Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts, Women’s Bar Foundation, and Women’s White Collar Defense Association.

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 Appointed to the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston’s Advisory Board

Smith Kane, LLP announces that Partner Payal Salsburg was appointed to the Advisory Board of the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (SABA GB). In this role, she works with other board members to help the organization advance initiatives that promote the mentorship and professional development of South Asian legal professionals.

A longtime SABA GB member and supporter, Salsburg has served in a number of leadership roles, including as President (2021-2022) and Board Director (2019-2020). In 2020, she received the SABA GB Mentor of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication to mentoring law students and early-career attorneys.

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.

SABA GB is a local chapter of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA NA), which is the umbrella organization for local SABA groups throughout the United States and Canada.

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.

Smith Kane’s Payal Salsburg Speaks at AALAM Webinar on the Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Process

Partner Payal Salsburg served as a panelist for the webinar, “From AAPI Attorney to Judge: Becoming a Judge in Massachusetts,” on May 26th. Hosted by the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts (AALAM), the webinar provided an overview of the Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and the judicial application process.

The program featured former and current members of the JNC, along with AAPI judges who have successfully navigated the nomination process. The discussion provided attendees with valuable insight into how the JNC operates and offered practical guidance on pursuing a judicial appointment in the Commonwealth.

A current JNC Commissioner, Salsburg was joined by a distinguished panel that included the Hon. Gloria Tan of the Massachusetts Appeals Court (formerly of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court), the Hon. Catherine Ham of the Massachusetts Superior Court, and Peggy Ho, former JNC Commissioner. The program was moderated by AALAM board member and Judicial Pipeline Committee member Mian Wang of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

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 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.