7 Best Class-Action Law Firms in Massachusetts
Class-action lawsuits in Massachusetts require specialized legal expertise to navigate federal and state court systems effectively. Claims administrators and law firms benefit from partnering with experienced class-action attorneys who understand complex litigation procedures, settlement distributions, and regulatory compliance requirements.
The Massachusetts legal landscape includes several prominent firms that handle large-scale consumer protection cases, securities fraud, and product liability claims. Massachusetts class action attorneys offer varying levels of experience in multi-district litigation, settlement administration, and case management. These firms serve both plaintiff and defendant sides, providing comprehensive legal services for complex group litigation matters.
1) Shapiro Haber & Urmy LLP
Shapiro Haber & Urmy LLP operates as a boutique litigation firm in Boston with seven attorneys specializing in complex class action cases. The firm handles antitrust, securities fraud, consumer protection, and mass tort litigation.
The firm's partners hold Super Lawyers designations in class action and mass tort practice areas. Edward F. Haber focuses on consumer law, while Thomas V. Urmy, Michelle H. Blauner, and Ian J. McLoughlin concentrate on class action and mass tort cases.
Shapiro Haber & Urmy represents plaintiffs in securities-related class actions and consumer fraud litigation. Their attorneys have experience with ERISA cases, federal practice, and appellate work.
The firm maintains a focused approach to class action litigation rather than operating as a full-service practice. This specialization allows them to concentrate resources on complex litigation matters.
Thomas V. Urmy received his legal training from Yale Law School. The firm's attorneys regularly handle cases involving securities fraud, antitrust violations, and consumer protection issues across Massachusetts and federal courts.
2) Prince Lobel Tye LLP
Prince Lobel Tye LLP operates as a Boston-based law firm with 107 attorneys across multiple Massachusetts locations. The firm maintains offices in Boston and Worcester to serve clients throughout the state.
The firm earned recognition in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms with Tier 2 national rankings in four practice areas and Tier 3 national rankings in four additional areas. This recognition reflects client feedback and professional evaluations.
Prince Lobel received 7 national tier listings and 22 Boston tier listings in the 2023 Best Law Firms rankings. The firm also earned inclusion in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's "Best Legacy Law Firms" list for firms operating over 25 years.
The firm focuses on business litigation with trial-tested attorneys who take a cost-conscious approach. Their litigation team addresses complex commercial disputes and class action matters for corporate clients.
Claims administrators work with Prince Lobel on multi-jurisdictional cases requiring coordination across different courts and regulatory environments. The firm's experience spans various industries and practice areas relevant to large-scale litigation management.
3) Kantrowitz Goldhamer & Graifman PC
Kantrowitz Goldhamer & Graifman PC operates as a multi-state law firm with offices located 20 miles outside New York City. The firm has provided legal services since 1975, building four decades of litigation experience.
The firm maintains an active national class action litigation practice headed by partner Gary S. Graifman. Their class action expertise covers consumer protection matters, automotive recalls, securities litigation, and pharmaceutical cases.
Gary Graifman brings over 30 years of legal experience to the firm's class action division. He previously worked as a partner at Atlas & Graifman before joining KGG in 1989.
The firm recently established a dedicated team to handle GM engine failure cases. This demonstrates their ability to quickly mobilize resources for emerging class action opportunities.
Kantrowitz Goldhamer & Graifman combines large firm resources with focused attention on individual cases. Their experience spans personal injury, business litigation, and matrimonial law alongside their class action practice.
For claims administrators and law firms seeking co-counsel, KGG offers established procedures for handling complex multi-state litigation matters across New York and New Jersey jurisdictions.
4) Keller Rohrback L.L.P.
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. operates as a consumer-rights class-action law firm with offices in 6 locations. The firm has secured judgments and settlements exceeding $18 billion for clients.
The firm maintains specialized in-house resources that distinguish it from other plaintiffs' class action firms. These resources contribute directly to case outcomes and settlement negotiations.
Keller Rohrback's trial lawyers have won verdicts in state and federal courts nationwide. They handle cases for clients with local, national, and international interests.
The firm earned recognition in the 2025 Best Lawyers Best Law Firms rankings across multiple practice areas and locations. This recognition reflects their legal expertise and case management capabilities.
Their attorneys focus on complex litigation involving business disputes and consumer protection matters. The firm's approach emphasizes efficient case resolution strategies.
Keller Rohrback maintains an extensive international network for cross-border cases. This network enables them to pursue legal remedies across multiple jurisdictions when necessary.
Claims administrators working with Keller Rohrback benefit from their systematic approach to class action administration and their established relationships with settlement processing vendors.
5) Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP
Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP operates as a 135+ attorney AV-rated law firm founded in 1972. The firm maintains offices in San Francisco, New York, Nashville, and Munich.
The firm exclusively represents plaintiffs in individual, group, and class action lawsuits. They have served as court-appointed Plaintiffs' Lead or Class Counsel in hundreds of state and federal coordinated litigation cases throughout the United States.
Lieff Cabraser focuses on antitrust, mass tort, and product liability cases. The firm assists companies, governments, and consumers affected by anticompetitive conduct in the marketplace.
The American Lawyer describes them as "one of the nation's premier plaintiffs' firms." They rank among the largest law firms in the U.S. that only represent plaintiffs.
U.S. News & Best Lawyers awarded the firm Tier 1 rankings for National Mass Tort Litigation in 2022. The firm also received recognition as Class Action Litigation Department of the Year.
The firm has faced sanctions in some cases, including a formal sanction over attorney fees in a State Street class action settlement involving foreign exchange products.
6) Morgan & Morgan
Morgan & Morgan operates as one of the largest plaintiffs' law firms in the United States with significant class action capabilities. The firm handles class action and mass tort lawsuits across multiple practice areas nationwide.
The firm maintains offices throughout Massachusetts, including specialized class action attorneys in Waltham. They offer free case evaluations to determine whether class action litigation serves as the appropriate legal strategy for potential claims.
Morgan & Morgan's attorneys focus on cases where large numbers of people suffered similar harm from companies or organizations. The firm has experience with product liability, consumer protection, and corporate negligence matters.
Claims administrators working with Morgan & Morgan can expect structured communication protocols and systematic case management approaches. The firm's size allows for dedicated teams to handle different aspects of class action administration and settlement processes.
The firm operates ClassAction.com as a consumer information platform. This resource helps potential class members understand their legal rights and options for joining existing litigation or filing new claims.
Morgan & Morgan's Massachusetts presence includes attorneys licensed to practice in state and federal courts. They handle cases ranging from consumer fraud to defective products affecting multiple plaintiffs.
7) Cooley LLP
Cooley LLP operates as one of the most active class action practices in the US with extensive experience across multiple litigation areas. The firm maintains a significant presence in Massachusetts with 284 attorneys recognized for their legal expertise.
The firm handles high-stakes fraud and class action cases regularly. Their attorneys work extensively with life sciences and technology companies throughout Massachusetts and nationwide.
Cooley's product safety team provides comprehensive services including pre-market reviews, risk assessments, and post-recall class actions. They advise major consumer, manufacturing, and technology brands on regulatory compliance and innovative products.
The firm received recognition in the Chambers USA 2025 guide with 78 practice area rankings. This acknowledgment reflects their capabilities in securities and commercial litigation matters.
Claims administrators and law firms can expect Cooley to handle complex class action defense work. The firm's experience spans consumer products, technology disputes, and mass tort litigation defense cases.
Their Boston office focuses on antitrust, bankruptcy, and commercial class action litigation. The firm's attorneys possess noteworthy experience in trade secrets and patent-related disputes.
What to Look for in a Class-Action Law Firm
Selecting the right class-action law firm requires careful evaluation of specific credentials and performance metrics. Claims administrators and law firms should prioritize Massachusetts-specific experience, documented settlement history, and verified professional standing.
Relevant Experience in Massachusetts
Massachusetts class-action litigation involves unique state laws and procedural requirements that demand specialized knowledge. Firms must demonstrate familiarity with Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A) claims, which often form the foundation of consumer class actions in the state.
Key Massachusetts-specific considerations include:
- State court filing procedures and timelines
- Local federal court practices in the District of Massachusetts
- Massachusetts-specific consumer protection statutes
- Relationships with state regulatory bodies
Experienced firms understand how Massachusetts courts handle class certification motions. They know which judges prefer certain procedural approaches and can navigate the state's specific discovery rules.
The firm should have handled cases similar to yours within Massachusetts jurisdiction. A firm that primarily handles securities fraud may not be the best choice for a consumer products liability class action. Class action lawyers specialize in different areas of law.
Track Record of Successful Settlements
Financial results provide the clearest measure of a firm's effectiveness. Review the firm's settlement amounts from the past five years, focusing on cases similar to your matter.
Settlement evaluation criteria:
- Total dollar amounts recovered
- Number of class members compensated
- Percentage of recovery versus potential damages
- Time to resolution
Firms should provide specific case examples with documented outcomes. Be wary of firms that only mention "millions recovered" without specific details or context.
The best firms maintain detailed records of their class action successes. They can explain their negotiation strategies and demonstrate how they maximize recovery for class members while minimizing administrative costs.
Professional Reputation and Bar Memberships
Professional credentials indicate a firm's commitment to maintaining high standards. Active bar memberships in Massachusetts and relevant federal courts are essential requirements.
Important professional indicators:
- Massachusetts Bar Association membership
- Federal court admissions (District of Massachusetts, First Circuit)
- American Bar Association Class Action and Derivative Suits Committee participation
- Professional liability insurance coverage
Check disciplinary records through the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. Leading class action law firms typically maintain spotless disciplinary records and active involvement in professional organizations.
Peer recognition through legal directories and industry rankings provides additional validation. However, focus on substantive achievements rather than marketing awards or paid listings.
Class-Action Lawsuits in Massachusetts
Massachusetts class-action lawsuits require specific legal criteria including numerosity, commonality, and typicality for certification. These cases typically involve consumer fraud, employment violations, and product liability claims with complex procedural requirements and extended timelines.
Typical Types of Class-Action Cases
Consumer protection cases dominate Massachusetts class-action litigation. These involve deceptive business practices, false advertising, and data breach incidents affecting multiple consumers.
Employment law violations represent another major category. Wage and hour disputes, discrimination claims, and benefits violations frequently result in class certification when they affect large groups of employees.
Product liability cases include defective medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. These cases often involve nationwide coordination with Massachusetts serving as a key jurisdiction.
Securities fraud claims target publicly traded companies for misleading investors. These cases require proof of material misstatements and investor reliance on false information.
Common case types include:
- Consumer fraud and deceptive practices
- Employment wage and hour violations
- Product defect and safety issues
- Data privacy breaches
- Securities and investment fraud
Legal Process and Timelines
Class certification represents the critical first phase in Massachusetts class-action litigation. Courts evaluate six key requirements: numerosity, commonality, typicality, adequacy, predominance, and superiority as outlined by Massachusetts class action requirements.
The certification process typically takes 6-12 months after filing. Discovery occurs simultaneously with certification briefing to establish class parameters and common issues.
Timeline breakdown:
- Filing to certification: 6-12 months
- Discovery phase: 12-24 months
- Motion practice: 6-12 months
- Trial or settlement: 12-36 months
Notice requirements mandate court-approved communication to all class members. This process involves notice design, distribution methods, and opt-out procedures for potential class members.
Settlement approval requires court review for fairness and adequacy. Top class action attorneys in Massachusetts handle these complex procedural requirements throughout the litigation process.
Client Rights and Responsibilities
Class representatives bear fiduciary duties to absent class members. They must fairly represent the class interests and cannot pursue conflicting individual claims that compromise the group's position.
Key responsibilities include:
- Participating in discovery and depositions
- Reviewing settlement terms and fairness
- Communicating with counsel regularly
- Avoiding conflicts with class interests
Class members retain specific rights throughout the litigation. They can object to proposed settlements, request exclusion from the class, and receive notice of significant case developments.
Member rights encompass:
- Notice of case proceedings and settlements
- Right to object to unfair settlement terms
- Option to opt-out and pursue individual claims
- Access to case documents and court filings
Claims administrators handle notice distribution and settlement payments. They maintain class member databases, process claim forms, and distribute approved settlements according to court-ordered allocation methods.
Legal fee arrangements typically involve contingency structures with court approval required for reasonableness. Attorney fees cannot exceed statutory limits and must align with class benefit recovery amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Claims administrators and law firms need specific information when evaluating class-action representation in Massachusetts. These questions address critical factors including firm selection criteria, performance metrics, and available legal resources.
What factors should be considered when choosing a class-action law firm in Massachusetts?
Experience in relevant practice areas ranks as the primary consideration. Firms should demonstrate successful track records in specific industries or claim types matching the case requirements.
Financial resources determine a firm's ability to handle complex litigation. Class-action cases require substantial upfront investment for expert witnesses, discovery costs, and extended trial preparation.
Staff size and specialization affect case management efficiency. Larger firms like Prince Lobel Tye LLP typically maintain dedicated class-action teams with specialized expertise.
Settlement authority and negotiation experience prove crucial during resolution discussions. Firms with established relationships often secure better outcomes for class members.
What are the recent notable settlements achieved by class-action law firms in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts class-action law firms have secured significant settlements across consumer protection, securities fraud, and product liability cases. Settlement amounts vary widely based on case complexity and defendant financial capacity.
Recent pharmaceutical settlements have ranged from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. These cases often involve multiple law firms working together on nationwide litigation.
Consumer protection settlements frequently address data breaches, false advertising, and unfair business practices. Technology companies and financial institutions represent common defendants in these matters.
How can clients assess reviews and reputations of class-action law firms in Massachusetts?
Professional directories provide standardized evaluation metrics. Detailed reports on Massachusetts attorneys include peer endorsements, disciplinary records, and client feedback.
Bar association ratings offer objective assessments of legal competence. These ratings consider trial experience, ethical standards, and professional conduct.
Case outcomes and settlement histories demonstrate practical results. Firms should provide specific examples of successful class-action resolutions.
Client testimonials from institutional clients carry particular weight. Large corporations and government entities typically conduct thorough due diligence before selecting counsel.
What criteria define the success rate of a class-action law firm?
Settlement percentages compared to initial damage estimates indicate negotiation effectiveness. Successful firms consistently achieve settlements representing significant portions of potential maximum recovery.
Class certification rates demonstrate procedural expertise. Firms must successfully navigate complex procedural requirements to achieve class certification.
Trial verdicts in contested cases show litigation capability. While most class actions settle, occasional trial victories establish credibility for future negotiations.
Speed of resolution affects overall case value. Efficient firms minimize administrative costs while maximizing net recovery for class members.
How do location and accessibility impact the choice of a class-action law firm in Massachusetts?
Proximity to federal and state courts reduces travel costs and improves scheduling flexibility. Boston-based firms maintain advantages for cases filed in Massachusetts federal court.
Local counsel relationships facilitate procedural compliance. Established firms understand local court preferences and judicial temperaments.
Client accessibility affects communication effectiveness. Firms must balance national reach with local presence for optimal client service.
Technology infrastructure enables remote case management. Modern firms utilize secure communication platforms and document management systems.
What legal resources and expertise are offered by top class-action law firms in Massachusetts?
Specialized practice groups focus on distinct areas like securities fraud, consumer protection, and product liability. Each practice area requires specific regulatory knowledge and procedural expertise.
Expert witness networks provide crucial testimony support. Established firms maintain relationships with economists, industry specialists, and damages experts.
Litigation funding arrangements enable complex case prosecution. Top firms either self-fund cases or maintain relationships with reputable litigation funders.
Technology resources support large-scale discovery and case management. Document review platforms, data analytics, and case management systems handle massive caseloads efficiently.