Jody is an employment lawyer, independent investigator, and mediator with more than 35 years’ experience in resolving workplace disputes and investigating bias and sexual misconduct cases across workplaces and college campuses.
Jody is a tenacious and passionate advocate with a record of resolving the most entrenched and contentious employment disputes. Jody’s experience includes representing companies and individuals, from the trades to the C-suite, in all industries. Her deep background in employment litigation, including jury trials, non-jury trials, administrative hearings, and appeals, made her an early adopter of alternative dispute resolution and collaborative law practices for the valuable closure they provide without the risks and costs of litigation.
Jody is also well-versed in helping employers avoid lawsuits by adopting best practices, including lessons learned from the #MeToo Movement. She is skilled at keeping employers abreast of the rapidly evolving laws addressing paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, and pay equity, as well as, most recently, advising businesses on their COVID-19 response.
Beyond client advocacy, Jody has developed an employment-focused practice as an
independent investigator of workplace discrimination and other misconduct claims. She has served as an instructor for human resources professionals on conducting effective internal investigations and provides individualized workplace trainings on employment law developments, implicit bias, and contemporary sexual harassment prevention. Colleges and universities look to Jody’s strength in conducting independent investigations in gender bias and sexual misconduct claims under Title IX. She is certified to conduct Title IV investigations and serves on a panel of neutral investigators and adjudicators for Harvard Law School.
Prior Experience & Education
Jody began her career more than 35 years ago with Boston litigation firm Collora LLP, serving as Managing Partner from 2007 to 2012 prior to the firm’s merger with Hogan Lovells US, LLP. Jody received her J.D. cum laude from Suffolk University Law School and her B.A. cum laude from the University of Delaware.
Associations and Community Involvement
Jody is an active member of various nonprofit organizations, devoting significant time to support their missions. She has served on the Boards of Directors of Lawyers for Civil Rights, the Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. She has also served on the Women's Network Advisory Board of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and as Boston Chapter Co-Chair of the Women in Law Empowerment Forum.
Education
Suffolk University Law School
J.D. cum laude
University of Delaware
B.A. cum laude
Mass. Continuing Legal Education,
Mediation Certificate, 2014
AIXA, Certified Title IX Investigator,
2015
Professional Recognitions
Martindale-Hubbell,
AV-Rating (highest attorney peer rating for professional excellence)
The Best Lawyers in America 2006-2025
● Employment Law, Individual
● Employment Law, Management
Chambers USA,
Band 1, Labor & Employment
Super Lawyers, 2004-present
● Employment Litigation, MA
● Top Women in MA
● Top Women in New England
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly,
Top Women of Law, 2014
Jewish Alliance for Law & Social Action, Distinguished Community Leadership Award, 2010
Bar and Court Admissions
Massachusetts
U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
Lovett O'Brien LLP
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