Matthew A. Kane was recently named Managing Partner of BBA Sponsor Firm Laredo, Smith & Kane. We caught up with Matt to learn more about his new role, his advice to new lawyers in Boston, and more. Check out the full interview below:
Boston Bar Association: What inspired you to become a lawyer, and more specifically, what drew you to a business litigation practice?
Matt Kane: Like many entering college, I was unsure of my career path. I have always been curious, driven to undertake challenging projects, and open to opportunities that allow me to explore complex ideas, which led me to explore becoming a lawyer. I graduated from Boston College Law School, and passed the bar in 2006. It finally clicked for me when I had clients who needed my help. The ability to build relationships with clients and truly help people and businesses energizes me. I am honored to be able to use my legal skills to assist so many individuals and businesses. I most enjoy working with small business owners who often need a wide range of legal guidance, and it is gratifying and a privilege to serve as their trusted advisor.
BBA: Do you have any particular highlights from your career that you’re especially proud of?
Kane: Throughout my career, I have successfully tried cases to verdict and argued many times before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court. However, I will never feel as proud as I did in the moments leading up to and following the first time I was given the opportunity to do so as a young associate.
In addition to my trial experience, some of the most rewarding moments throughout my career are the private moments of celebration shared with my clients. Seeing the hard work pay off through success is one of the most pleasurable experiences as a lawyer—it makes the hard days worth it.
BBA: How has your practice changed over the last few years, especially regarding mortgage and title litigation, which I’m sure has been affected by recent changes to interest rates and the housing market more generally?
Kane: Obviously, mortgage and related title litigation spiked after 2008. That litigation has been slowly ebbing for years as the law settles and bad mortgages are slowly wrung through the legal system. It’s hard to predict whether and to what extent recent stagnation in the real estate market will impact mortgage and title litigation in the future. But banks end up in litigation for all kinds of reasons. Banking litigation is always active and evolving. As mortgage and title litigation has ebbed, other areas have tended to flow.
BBA: What are you focused on as a Managing Partner, not just in the year to come but over the next several years? What are the priorities for the firm, and what opportunities or hurdles do you foresee?
Kane: As the incoming Managing Partner of Laredo, Smith & Kane, I am privileged to lead a team of lawyers who not only excel in their profession but also genuinely care for each other and our clients. My goal is to continue fostering a firm culture that prioritizes the well-being of our lawyers and provides them with opportunities to thrive.
As a firm, our long-term priority is to provide clients with the legal services to succeed, particularly in the areas of business law and litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, employment law, and school disciplinary and Title IX matters. We will continue to attract talented, skilled lawyers across these practice areas, who share our client service philosophy.
BBA: How has the firm’s longstanding partnership with the Boston Bar Association supported you and the firm, and where do you see the BBA playing a role in meeting needs of the legal profession during such a dynamic time in the legal market?
Kane: Our partnership with the BBA has given us the opportunity to truly become a part of the Boston legal community. It has opened networking opportunities, given us the chance to expand our practice through educational programs, and kept us up to date on the latest legal developments in and around the Commonwealth.
Like many industries, the legal industry is at a pivotal point, and staying current with cases and available resources is essential to our firm’s success. The BBA’s programs, newsletters, and publications give us a competitive edge.
BBA: What advice do you have for newer lawyers, whether at your firm or more generally?
Kane: The best advice I can offer newer lawyers is to find a mentor, get comfortable being uncomfortable, and stay curious. Although new opportunities may sometimes seem daunting, never shy away from the hard stuff—in the end, that’s what will help you grow your skills and your practice.
BBA: You’re a graduate of one of our partner law schools; what was your favorite memory of your time attending BC Law?
Kane: My classmates became lifelong friends during my time at BC Law. Some of my fondest memories are spent with them, both during my time at BC Law and after graduating.
BBA: If you weren’t a lawyer, what occupation do you think you would have pursued?
Kane: Music. I’ve been a part of some fantastic bands and count several career musicians among my friends. It’s more of a hobby now, but I try to keep my skills sharp for when opportunities come knocking to sit in for a show.
BBA: What is your favorite fall activity to do around the city?
Kane: I enjoy spending quality time with my family when I’m not serving clients. We love hiking with our dog or frequenting our favorite restaurants.
