Allison O'Neil's practice includes employment law, commercial litigation and white collar criminal defense. Allison has extensive experience in the litigation of employment issues, business torts, contract disputes, and fiduciary duty claims arising in closely-held companies and partnerships. Allison is experienced at conducting complex internal investigations and advising publicly-traded companies on FCPA matters. She has briefed and argued cases in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Allison has experience in crisis management and media and government relations. Her clients include businesses, executives, and professionals in financial services and other regulated industries.
Allison also has extensive trial experience in a variety of criminal matters in state and federal courts. She is uniquely suited to represent clients who face complex civil disputes with related criminal issues, including commercial crimes. As a former Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney, she prosecuted a wide variety of matters, including rape, fraud, and civil rights cases in Superior Court. Allison was a member of the prosecution team that tried and convicted John Geoghan, a defrocked priest, for child abuse.
Allison O'Neil's practice includes employment law, commercial litigation and white collar criminal defense. Allison has extensive experience in the litigation of employment issues, business torts, contract disputes, and fiduciary duty claims arising in closely-held companies and partnerships. Allison is experienced at conducting complex internal investigations and advising publicly-traded companies on FCPA matters. She has briefed and argued cases in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Allison has experience in crisis management and media and government relations. Her clients include businesses, executives, and professionals in financial services and other regulated industries.
Allison also has extensive trial experience in a variety of criminal matters in state and federal courts. She is uniquely suited to represent clients who face complex civil disputes with related criminal issues, including commercial crimes. As a former Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney, she prosecuted a wide variety of matters, including rape, fraud, and civil rights cases in Superior Court. Allison was a member of the prosecution team that tried and convicted John Geoghan, a defrocked priest, for child abuse.
Allison was named as a Rising Star (2005-2012) and as a Super Lawyer (2014-2016) in the Super Lawyers Edition of Law & Politics and Boston Magazine. Allison was listed as a "Top 50 Woman" for lawyers who ranked top of the list in the 2016 New England Super Lawyers process.
Prior to joining the Firm, Allison was a shareholder in a Boston law firm. In her 10 years with that firm, she represented a diverse mix of clients, including a Fortune 500 company.
Allison serves on the Board of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and is actively involved with fundraising for the Museum School at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She is also a member of the Board of Directors at Locke Lord.
Representative Experience
- Represented an individual in a complex business dispute with former venture capital firm, specializing in early and late-stage life sciences investing. The case involved issues of fiduciary duty, fraud, accounting, and breaches of contract. Obtained full dismissal of all claims against the individual and an award in the client's favor valued over $15 million.
- Conducted an internal investigation on behalf of a private equity firm into the billing and FCPA compliance practices of one of its portfolio companies, a global supplier of specialty adhesives portfolio company.
- Represented an international privately-owned shoe company and related foundation in all aspects of start-up including drafting the distributorship agreements, employee handbook and employment agreements for key employees.
- Defended a textile company against discrimination and Wage Act claims. Obtained dismissal of all claims through motions to dismiss and for summary judgment.
- Defended two general security representatives in an employment dispute with their former employer, a broker dealer institution. At issue were the terms of the non-compete agreement and forgiveness under a promissory note along with counterclaims of fraudulent inducement and unfair dealing. The matter went before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and settled favorably for the individuals after two days of testimony.
- Represented the President of a medical facility construction company in a commercial bribery case brought by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The matter was resolved short of trial on terms favorable to the individual, who continues to work in the field of medical facility construction.
- Represented the controller at a Boston based father-son hedge fund under SEC Enforcement investigation for its pre-inception performance records. Investigation of the long serving controller terminated with no charges brought against her.
- Represented a Nantucket based restaurant. Handled offering materials, employment agreements and a related criminal matter once the restaurant was open.
- Advised an entrepreneur/venture capitalist negotiating departure from his own firm where restricted stock units, noncompetition and nonsolicitation considerations were at issue.
- Represented the President of a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) company who was charged with conspiracy in Federal Court. The case was resolved with the President receiving a straight probationary term and a modest restitution order.
- Advised the controller at a money management firm specializing in emerging markets that was under investigation by the SEC for its marketing materials and handling of client funds. Though the controller had authority to direct client funds, the investigation terminated and no charges were brought against the controller.
Professional Affiliations and Recognitions
- Honoree, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2017 Top Women of Law
- Member, Boston Bar Association - Labor and Employment Section
- Member, American Bar Association - White Collar Crime Division