Our History and Our Future...

A 2010 message from David P. Rosenblatt, Managing Partner

A year ago we wrote about the uncertain times ahead and pledged to provide amazing client service and outstanding value. 2009 was even more tumultuous than 2008 and the impact on the global and local economy was worse than anyone expected. It has caused us all to look at how we do business, how we think about the future, how we treat our clients and fellow workers, and how we find ways to once again excel.

Many businesses, industries and individuals are finding the need to re-invent themselves, to position themselves for a new and uncertain future. The legal industry is among those that are changing. Change requires vision, flexibility, creativity, great talent and hard work. Yet these are values that have always been a major component of Burns & Levinson. We have spent this past year assisting our clients; some have sold businesses, some have purchased them and some have restructured. We have helped clients secure and defend their intellectual property, and are helping them position themselves for our future economy. We have guided our clients through changing family needs, employment concerns and pursuing their business and personal needs through the court systems.

"Change requires vision, flexibility, creativity, great talent and hard work. Yet these are values that have always been a major component of Burns & Levinson."

The business model that Burns & Levinson has followed over the years now appears to be the business model that other law firms are trending towards. The business community is now, more than ever before, seeing value in working with midsize law firms because of a consistent focus placed on access to senior partners, an efficient structure and tremendous value. Our history of treating our clients as if their businesses and individual issues are our own continues; clients know that we are stable and that our attorneys and staff are always there for them.

We are excited that we ended 2009 with more attorneys than we had at the beginning of the year. New partners and new associates expanded our intellectual property, finance and litigation practices in both our Boston and Providence offices. Experienced attorneys are enthusiastic about joining our Firm because of our long-time commitment to client service, our understanding of our clients' businesses and needs, and providing value to our clients by working efficiently and creatively.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2010, it is appropriate that we look at both our history and our future. We are thrilled that the values of our founders, including passion for the law and commitment to our clients and communities, are the values of our attorneys today. The spirit and purpose with which Tom Burns and Larry Levinson created this firm in 1960 carry forward into our sixth decade. We hope to continue providing you the best and most caring service and appreciate your ongoing support.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy new year.

Sincerely,