M. Connor Benjamin Lyman

Full Report

Key Points

• M. Connor Benjamin Lyman is a shareholder and attorney at the law firm Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, based in Massachusetts.

• He is implicated in a legal malpractice lawsuit filed by Century Focused Fund IV, LP against Nixon Peabody LLP, where Lyman previously worked as a partner.

• The lawsuit alleges negligent advice concerning an investment in a company that later failed, leading to financial losses for the plaintiff.

• No direct consumer reviews or feedback specifically about Lyman were found in the provided sources or publicly available data.

• Risks associated with Lyman primarily stem from the ongoing malpractice lawsuit, which could impact his professional reputation and the firm’s standing.

• No evidence of bankruptcy, unpaid debts, or other lawsuits involving Lyman personally was identified.

Overview

M. Connor Benjamin Lyman is a seasoned attorney and shareholder at Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, a Massachusetts-based law firm with offices in Boston, Worcester, and Framingham. His practice focuses on business and corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and general counsel services for businesses. Prior to joining Bowditch & Dewey, Lyman was a partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, a prominent international law firm. He is recognized for his expertise in advising clients on complex business transactions and has been named a “Go To Lawyer” for business and transactional law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 2022, highlighting his reputation as an experienced and knowledgeable attorney in his field.

Lyman’s professional background includes significant experience in corporate governance, contract negotiation, and strategic business planning. He is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and is actively involved in the legal community, contributing to his firm’s reputation for providing high-quality legal services to businesses ranging from startups to established corporations.

Allegations and Concerns

The primary concern involving M. Connor Benjamin Lyman is a legal malpractice lawsuit filed by Century Focused Fund IV, LP against Nixon Peabody LLP, where Lyman was a partner at the time of the alleged misconduct. The lawsuit, documented in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (Lawyers Weekly No. 09-147-23), alleges that Lyman and other attorneys at Nixon Peabody provided negligent legal advice regarding an investment in a company that subsequently failed. The plaintiff claims that this negligence led to significant financial losses. The Superior Court denied Nixon Peabody’s motion for summary judgment, indicating that the case has sufficient merit to proceed, as the plaintiff’s claims were not barred by the statute of limitations or other legal defenses.

No additional allegations, complaints, or lawsuits directly naming Lyman were identified in the provided sources or through available public records. However, the malpractice lawsuit represents a significant professional concern, as it questions the quality of legal advice provided during his tenure at Nixon Peabody.

Customer Feedback

No direct consumer reviews or client feedback specifically mentioning M. Connor Benjamin Lyman were found in the provided sources or through searches of publicly available platforms such as Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or other legal review sites. This lack of feedback may be due to the private nature of legal services, where client reviews are less commonly shared publicly compared to other industries.

However, Lyman’s recognition as a “Go To Lawyer” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly suggests positive professional regard within the legal community. The publication describes a “Go To Lawyer” as “an expert in his or her field; a senior attorney well-versed in case law, statutes and regulations” with “a record of success in cases.” This indicates that Lyman is viewed favorably by peers and industry observers for his expertise and accomplishments.

Without specific client testimonials, it is challenging to assess direct customer satisfaction. The absence of negative reviews or complaints beyond the malpractice lawsuit suggests that Lyman maintains a generally positive professional reputation, though the lawsuit may raise concerns among potential clients.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: The ongoing legal malpractice lawsuit could damage Lyman’s professional reputation, particularly if the court rules against Nixon Peabody or if the case receives further public attention. This could affect his standing at Bowditch & Dewey and his ability to attract new clients.

• Legal Risk: While the lawsuit targets Nixon Peabody, Lyman’s involvement as a partner at the time of the alleged negligence could lead to scrutiny of his professional conduct. An unfavorable outcome could result in financial penalties for the firm, potentially implicating Lyman indirectly.

• Financial Risk: There is no direct evidence of personal financial risk to Lyman, such as unpaid debts or bankruptcy. However, the lawsuit’s outcome could have indirect financial implications if it affects his firm’s profitability or his professional standing.

• Client Trust Risk: Potential clients may hesitate to engage Lyman’s services due to the malpractice allegations, particularly those seeking risk-averse legal counsel for high-stakes transactions.

Business Relations and Associations

• Bowditch & Dewey, LLP: Lyman is currently a shareholder at this firm, where he works alongside other attorneys specializing in business law, real estate, and litigation. The firm is well-established in Massachusetts and serves a diverse client base, including corporations, nonprofits, and individuals.

• Nixon Peabody LLP: Lyman was previously a partner at Nixon Peabody, an international law firm with a strong presence in corporate and transactional law. The malpractice lawsuit stems from his time at this firm, indicating his involvement in high-profile investment-related legal work.

• Professional Recognition: Lyman’s designation as a “Go To Lawyer” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly suggests connections with the broader Massachusetts legal community, including peers who recognize his expertise.

• No specific partnerships or affiliations with other businesses or individuals were detailed in the provided sources beyond his law firm associations.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Legal Malpractice Lawsuit: The most significant legal concern is the lawsuit filed by Century Focused Fund IV, LP against Nixon Peabody LLP (Lawyers Weekly No. 09-147-23). The plaintiff alleges that Lyman and other attorneys negligently advised on an investment, leading to the failure of the invested company and financial losses. The Superior Court’s denial of summary judgment indicates that the case will proceed, suggesting potential merit in the plaintiff’s claims.

• No Bankruptcy or Debt Records: No records of personal bankruptcy, unpaid debts, or other financial concerns involving Lyman were found in the provided sources or public databases.

• No Additional Lawsuits: Beyond the malpractice case, no other lawsuits or legal actions directly involving Lyman were identified.

Risk Assessment Table

M. Connor Benjamin Lyman is an experienced attorney with a strong reputation in business and transactional law, as evidenced by his recognition as a “Go To Lawyer” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. His role at Bowditch & Dewey and prior partnership at Nixon Peabody highlight his expertise in handling complex corporate transactions. However, the legal malpractice lawsuit filed by Century Focused Fund IV, LP against Nixon Peabody represents a significant concern. While the lawsuit does not directly target Lyman personally, his involvement in the case raises questions about the quality of legal advice provided during his tenure at Nixon Peabody. The court’s decision to allow the case to proceed suggests that the allegations have some merit, which could impact his professional reputation.

Cautionary Advice: Potential clients considering Lyman’s services should weigh his demonstrated expertise against the ongoing malpractice lawsuit. While his track record and industry recognition suggest competence, the lawsuit may indicate a need for thorough due diligence, particularly for high-stakes transactions. Clients should inquire about the specifics of his involvement in the case and seek references from past clients to assess his reliability.