Experience

Attorney Jay Tehan specializes in trial and appellate proceedings in all areas of municipal litigation, including civil rights, tort claims, and labor-related issues and supervision of associates in those areas. Attorney Tehan is actively involved in insurance defense practice, including lead defense in trials and appeals as well as supervision and management of insurance defense matters. He practices in all levels of the state, federal, and appellate courts.

Prior to joining the firm, Attorney Tehan was Supervisor of Litigation of the City of Boston Law Department. As such, he was responsible for development and implementation of City of Boston litigation policy, all major litigation involving the City and supervision of all City trial and appellate attorneys, preparation and trial of medical malpractice actions involving the City and trial of major civil rights cases.

Representative Matters

• LaFrenier v. Town of Townsend, et al., U. S. District Court, C.A. No. 04-40114-FDS (2007). Obtained summary judgment in U.S. District Court in a police excessive force case.
• Garrison v. Sergeant Souza, et al., Barnstable Superior Court, C.A. No. 03-0121 (2007). Received defense verdict in Barnstable Superior Court in a police excessive force case.
• Paton v. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, et al., U.S. District Court, C.A. No. 03-12048-PBS (2006). Received defense verdict in U.S. District Court in a malicious prosecution civil rights case.
• Thore v. Howe (City of Fitchburg), U.S. District Court, C.A. No. 03-CV-11999-NG (2006). Obtained summary judgment in U.S. District Court in a police excessive force case; affirmed by First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Prior Experience

City of Boston, Law Department, Boston, MA
Deputy Corporation Counsel (1992)
Supervisor of Litigation (1990-1992)
Responsible for development and implementation of City of Boston Litigation policy, all major litigation involving the City and supervision of all City trial and appellate attorneys, preparation and trial of medical malpractice actions involving the City and trial of major civil rights cases.

City of Boston, Department of Health and Hospitals, Boston, MA
Special Assistant Corporation Counsel (1984-1990)
Involved in the representation of Boston City Hospital and its affiliated chronic care institutions, Long Island Hospital and Mattapan Hospital, as general counsel. Responsible for preparation and trial of all medical malpractice actions involving these hospitals, and/or individual members of their nursing and house officer staffs. Served periodically as litigation counsel to other Boston departments in tort actions in Superior Court and in civil rights actions in Federal District Court.

City of Boston, Neighborhood Development Agency, Boston, MA
Legal Counsel (1980-1982)
Involved in negotiation and administration of Boston’s annual federally-funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); contract preparation and negotiation with nonprofit vendors pursuant to proposals submitted for CDBG funding; and preparation of closing documents including mortgages, notes and security agreements in connection with Boston’s 312 Home and Commercial Rehabilitation Program.

City of Boston, Building Department, Boston, MA
Legal Counsel (1977-1980)
Active in preparation and trial of civil and criminal cases incident to enforcement of Massachusetts Housing and Building Codes and City of Boston Zoning Code; appeared in Massachusetts District Court Housing Court and Superior Courts and jury trials. Reported directly to Building Commissioner and prepared legal memoranda and opinions on request.

Honors & Awards

• Recipient of 1989 Shattuck Award for Outstanding Public Service

Memberships & Affiliations

• Boston Bar Association
• Massachusetts Bar Association

Bar & Court Admissions

• Massachusetts Bar
• U. S. District Court (Mass.)
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

Education

Suffolk Law School
Juris Doctor, 1977

Boston College
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, 1974

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