The Boston Globe Remembers Bill Looney

"William F. Looney Jr., mentor to many Boston lawyers"

When William F. Looney Jr. walked into his law firm’s offices each day, it was as if he were stepping into the present from a bygone era. He set an example for young lawyers through his own actions, which he supplemented with a few basic rules.

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In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our firm’s founder, William F. Looney, Jr. on November 4, 2011 in Needham, Massachusetts.

Bill graduated from Boston Latin School in 1949 and Harvard University in 1953.  Following his service as an artillery officer in the United States Army, Bill attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1958.  After a clerkship with R. Ammi Cutter, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and service as an associate at Goodwin Procter & Hoar and as an Assistant United States Attorney in Boston, Bill entered private practice in 1965, founding the firm that continues to bear his name.

Bill’s intellect was brilliant.  He was unapologetically curious about life and passionate about challenging social and legal injustices.  He was a lawyer’s lawyer in every sense of that term, receiving many of his clients by referral from lawyers, and representing many lawyers as clients. Bill also recognized that lawyers had responsibilities beyond the courtroom. He served as President of the Boston Bar Association, Founder and Chair of the Boston Latin School Association, Director of the Coast Guard Foundation, and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.  His commitment to his law firm, the legal profession, his community, local charities and political activities was infectious, and he leaves a legacy of lawyers who have been guided by his spirit and example.

While Bill loved his profession, his greatest love was for his family, most deeply for his wife Connie, and his four children and twelve grandchildren. Bill’s wit was as dry as it was keen, and he most enjoyed regaling all he met with tales of success and failure.

Bill’s life is aptly summarized in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson:

To laugh often and much: to win the respect
of intelligent people and the affection of
children; to earn the appreciation of honest
critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy
child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social
condition; to know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived. This is to have
succeeded.

By that measure Bill’s life was a resounding success, but perhaps his spirit is best captured by his own words. Upon returning from the funeral of another co-founder of the firm, he said, “I now know two things I have to tell my relatives for my funeral. First – if they have to say something, keep it brief; and second, just say that I was a good guy – as far as they knew."

He was a good guy, and we knew it.

Looney & Grossman's Unsung Hero, Andrew Chiang

On Friday, October 21, Andrew Chiang was recognized for his hard work and dedication as an Accounting professional at the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Unsung Heroes event. 

Andrew J. Chiang has been an invaluable member of Looney & Grossman’s Accounting Department for more than two years.  As the Firm’s Financial Manager, Andrew is responsible for all accounting and billing functions, monthly time and expenses entries, financial reporting, budgeting analysis and forecasting, collections, 401(k) and retirement trust administration, and supervising accounting staff.

Right from the start, Andrew hit the ground running, teaching himself the ins and outs of legal financial management.  As a small business owner, he was aware of the intricacies of business administration and financial management, and was quickly able to apply his experience to a law firm setting, establishing himself as the go-to person for all accounting questions, while successfully and efficiently managing the Firm’s finances.  His commitment to growing profit through operational excellence and value creation quickly established him as a capable and dedicated Financial Manager, while his approachable, friendly nature also endeared him to the partners and coworkers, who appreciate Andrew’s responsiveness. 

Andrew always makes himself available to the Firm’s attorneys and staff, hosting Microsoft Excel workshops and financial information sessions, in addition to answering questions and addressing concerns relating to individual financial matters.  As administrator for the Firm’s 401(k) retirement plan, Andrew exhibits the sensitivity and know-how employees have come to expect from him, making them feel secure in the knowledge that their payroll allocations are being handled responsibly, with their best interests taken to heart. 

In addition to his role as Looney & Grossman’s Financial Manager, Andrew is also active in the Boston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators as a former member of their Community Relations Committee.  He and his family enjoy ice hockey, skiing, and snowboarding, and he has also coached youth soccer.

Andrew continues to be an asset to the Firm through his unyielding dedication to its employees and his commitment to its success and longevity.  For his capability, sensitivity and trustworthiness in his capacity as Financial Manager, Andrew is one of Looney & Grossman’s Unsung Heroes.  

Congratulations, Andrew!

Congratulations to Pat Saint James!

Looney & Grossman Partner Patricia Saint James was recently featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as part of their 2011 Top Women of Law honorees!

The award celebrates legal educators, trailblazers and role models who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in social justice, advocacy and business.

Pat joined an elite group of thirty-five women who were honored at this event, a total of only 119 women having been honored over the past three years.  The Top Women of Law awards ceremony took place on Friday, September 23, 2011 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.  Liz Walker, Boston media personality and humanitarian, was this year's keynote speaker.

See a copy of Pat's Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly interview here!

Congratulations to Adam Ruttenberg!

Adam Ruttenberg, Esq. has been awarded the BBA Bankruptcy Section's Special Achievement Award for his outstanding efforts over a number of years in connection with the Consumer Finance Working Group. Under his leadership, the Consumer Finance Working Group worked to provide recommendation for changes to specific rules to protect consumers from the use of modern technologies in debt collection activities—voice mails, cell phone calls, text messages—by creditors who crossed the line into unfair and deceptive practices, effectively suggesting regulations designed to halt harassment and abuse of consumers.

This is the fourth Special Achievement award that the Section has bestowed in a twelve year period. 

Congratulations, Adam! 

Congratulations and Welcome!

Congratulations to Pat McAleer, who has become a Partner of the Firm!

Peter Coppinger has also joined the Firm as Of Counsel.

Maritime Law Association Annual Spring Meeting

Pat McAleer, Esq. plans to attend this year's annual Maritime Law Association Spring Meeting on May 6 in New York, NY.  Pat will also be in attendance at the Association's Marine Salvage, Recreational Boating and Maritime Torts Committee meetings.