As of February 1, 2010, Burns & Levinson has 127 attorneys and 118 support staff in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Our attorneys practice in the areas of business law, business litigation, intellectual property, real estate, and private client services. These practices encompass many specialties, subspecialties and related services, ranging from general corporate, intellectual property (including patents), employment, finance, financial restructuring and workouts, securities, private equity, venture capital and real estate to tax, mediation, litigation, divorce, family law, trusts and estate planning and administration. We've also built a name for ourselves in other niche and industry areas, such as start-ups and emerging companies, life sciences, high-tech, banking and financial institutions, entertainment, sports, schools and colleges, white-collar criminal defense, franchise, energy/clean tech, export controls and government contracts, infringement of patents and trademarks, design and construction, and gay and lesbian client services, as well as working on inbound and outbound transactions involving countries and regions within Canada, Israel, Europe and China.

Much as before, we continue to represent dynamic, growth-oriented businesses, privately and publicly held companies, finance companies and lending institutions, colleges and universities, other institutions and individuals primarily located in the Northeast. These clients are in various industries from traditional New England manufacturing and service businesses, high-technology and life sciences companies, and emerging companies to scientists, entrepreneurs and foreign-based companies.

In addition to our reputation for being skilled, hardworking, aggressive, intelligent and creative, the firm is also known for cooperation, communication, teamwork and team building. Burns & Levinson is a place of perseverance, growth and sustainability.

We've continued our history of supporting youth and education as well as maintaining other community involvement. Most recently, Managing Partner, David Rosenblatt was elected as co-chair of the Boston Bar Association's Steering Committee, which manages the BBA's Summer Jobs Program. Additionally, four of our attorneys volunteer time and serve as mentors in the Discovering Justice program Stand Up for Your Rights, teaching students about the Bill of Rights and related Supreme Court cases.

Tom Burns still comes to the office almost every day. He recently said "The firm is in a different place than we were before. Times are different and with the leadership of David Rosenblatt [since 1998], the firm runs in a placid fashion. People like each other and get along." He added, "We are still a stable, sound firm-one of the leaders in the law. We are the kind of firm that a law firm should be and are led by people who have that same theory. We have great people. We have great lawyers, and it is my pleasure to have the firm still bear my name."

Sadly, Larry Levinson passed away in 2003 at age eighty-four, but he is still remembered every day for his legal acumen and as a great person and business advisor. He is often mentioned with regard to both his skill and his personality.

Several first- and second-generation lawyers from Burns & Levinson are still with the firm. They include Robert W. Weinstein, senior counsel and co-founding attorney, Real Estate Group (1960); Howard D. Medwed, partner and chairman, Tax Group (1968); Norman C. Spector, partner and co-chairman, Corporate and Finance groups (1969); Steven C. Goodwin, partner and past chairman, Trusts & Estates Group (1975); Paul E. Stanzler, past managing partner and senior counsel, Business Litigation, Labor, Employment Groups (1981); David E. Grossman, senior counsel, Real Estate Group (1982); David P. Rosenblatt, managing partner, chairman of Environmental Group, member of Real Estate Group (1982); Peter F. Zupcofska, partner, Probate & Trust Litigation and Divorce & Family Law Groups, member of Executive Committee (1983); Robert C. Rives, partner, Corporate Group (1984); Frederick S. Paulsen, senior counsel, Environmental Group (1985); Raymond E. Baxter, of counsel, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Groups (1986); Evelyn A. Haralampu, partner, Corporate, Employee Benefits, ERISA, and Tax Groups (1986); Clifford R. Cohen, partner and chair, Trusts & Estates Group (1989); and Nancy R. Van Tine, partner and chair, Divorce & Family Law Group, and co-chair, Private Client Group (1989).

"Our fiftieth anniversary is a great testament that many have stayed the course and serve clients even better than before, especially in a legal environment and business world that has had such dramatic shifts," said Rosenblatt. "This is a place where people came together from many other places to form strong bonds and a supportive culture for practicing law and sharing so much of our daily lives."