By Valerie Franchi, Contributing Writer
Region – Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie & Lougee, LLP, a full service law firm with offices in Worcester, Westborough and Boston, is marking its 100th anniversary this year. The firm celebrated by showing appreciation to its business partners, employees and clients at a gathering June 2 at the Mercantile Center Courtyard in Worcester.
“Over the past century, Mirick O’Connell has evolved from a family-centered law firm into a regional, mid-size firm representing businesses and individuals throughout the region,” said Managing Partner David E. Surprenant.
Since its founding in 1916, Mirick O’Connell has established itself as one of the leading business-focused law firms in the region, focused on offering legal counsel in a variety of practice areas, and giving back to the local community through numerous philanthropic initiatives.
“Mirick O’Connell has evolved over the years from a small family-owned law firm to a firm with three locations and 65 attorneys,” explained the firm’s Executive Director Diane Power.
And the firm is growing even further, with the announcement of the expansion of its Boston presence with the opening of a new office at 175 Federal St. near South Station.
“We want to address all the needs of clients, even geographically,” Power said.
According to Power, that philosophy of putting the client first is the main reason for their long-term success.
A framed mission statement simply titled “The Client” is present in every employee’s office – either on the shelf, on the desk or on the wall.
“It is to remind all of us why we are here,” Power said. “From top to bottom, it is all about the client.”
Mirick O’Connell specializes in practices including business and reorganizations, labor, employment and employee benefits, litigation and trusts and estates. In 2016, Worcester Business Journal named Mirick O’Connell “Best Law Firm to Serve Businesses,” and in 2014 named the firm a top place to work.
In addition to the firm’s reputation among business clients, it also places a strong focus on community involvement and mentoring. A staple of the firm’s community service is participating in the United Way’s annual workplace campaign and Day of Caring, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to build playhouses for disadvantaged children, and participating in several community walks such as the Central Massachusetts Heart Walk, the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“Giving back is instilled in our employees as new associates and stays with them,” Power said. “It’s important to give back and support the community.”
She said that all employees are encouraged to volunteer and support causes they are passionate about. Mirick O’Connell matches donations raised by their employees.
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Mirick O’Connell launched a yearlong initiative called “#100ThankYous!” to highlight the various ways the firm has given back to the community, partnered with clients, and shown appreciation for its clients and employees. Through the initiative, in 2016 the firm has participated in the American Heart Association’s National Go Red for Women Day; provided complimentary educational seminars for its clients; sponsored chambers of commerce events; sponsored Working for Worcester’s Build Day; and hosted a luncheon for its attorneys and staff in honor of Administrative Professionals Day.
The initiative, Power said, “showcases our commitment to the community and our appreciation for our clients and employees.”
The firm will continue to highlight these efforts throughout the year on its website and Facebook page.
Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie and Lougee, LLP, was founded in 1916 by George Hammond Mirick at 340 Main St. in Worcester. In 1930, Mirick was joined in the practice by Paul Revere O’Connell. Gardener Graves DeMallie joined the firm in 1936. Laurence Hodgdon Lougee began practicing law in 1935. The firm has seen successive Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie, and Lougee generations join the firm. David L. Lougee and John O. Mirick are currently in practice and Paul Revere O’Connell Jr. recently retired.
“We have a lot of longevity in the firm,” Power said. “In the past, lawyers were seen as confidantes. The client put their trust in them and we have kept that trust through the years.”
The firm moved into the 100 Front St. building in 1970, and continues to maintain its headquarters there. The Westborough office was opened in October 2001 at 1800 West Park Drive, Suite 400.
Surprenant expressed thanks to all who have played a part in Mirick O’Connell’s success.
“We are grateful to our clients and the community for their trust in us over the past 100 years,” he said, “and we look forward to continuing to meet and exceed the highest standards of excellence as we begin our second century in business.”
For more information on the firm, visit www.mirickoconnell.com.
Photos/Shannon Power Photography