Massachusetts Discovery Practice

Table of Contents

Chapter 01 - An Introduction to Massachusetts Discovery Practice

Mackenzie C. McBurney,
Hinckley Allen LLP

Michelle R. Peirce, Esq.,
Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP

Chapter 02 - Analyzing Discovery and Investigation Issues

Michael G. Bongiorno, Esq.,
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

Benjamin Conery, Esq.,
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

Checklist 2.1 - Checklist of Initial Questions to Ask in Identifying Employees Responsible for the Subject Transaction
Chapter 03 - Creating a Discovery Plan

Stephen C. Reilly, Esq.,
Fitch Law Partners LLP

Exhibit 3A - Sample Keeper-of-the-Records Subpoena
Exhibit 3B - Sample Superior Court Rule 13 Order
Exhibit 3C - Sample Release Prior to Inspection
Exhibit 3D - Sample Letter Confirming Discovery Agreement
Exhibit 3E - Sample Motion to Amend Tracking Order
Chapter 04 - Selected Case Investigation Techniques

Brian M. Casaceli, Esq.,
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee LLP

Danielle Kemp,
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee LLP

Checklist 4.1 - Investigation Game Plan
Checklist 4.2 - Client Meeting Agenda
Checklist 4.3 - Outline of Client Interview
Checklist 4.4 - Checklist for Client Interview
Exhibit 4A - Initial Chronology
Exhibit 4B - Updated Chronology
Exhibit 4C - Litigation Chronology
Exhibit 4D - Joint Representation Agreement
Chapter 05 - Conducting Internal Investigations

Ara B. Gershengorn, Esq.,
Office of General Counsel, Harvard University

Checklist 5.1 - Sample Investigation Checklist
Exhibit 5A - Sample Joint Defense Agreement
Chapter 06 - Obtaining Information from Government Sources

Michael E. Brangwynne, Esq.,
Fletcher Tilton, PC

Anthony Moroso,
Fletcher Tilton, PC

Damon M. Seligson, Esq.,
DiNicola, Seligson & Upton LLP

Andrew F. Upton, Esq.,
Upton Connell & Devlin, LLP

Exhibit 6A - Public Records Request
Chapter 07 - Using the Internet in Discovery and Investigation

Amanda Bailey,
KPMG LLP

Domenic Paolini, Esq.,
Paolini & Haley

Chapter 08 - Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence

Mark J. Hoover, Esq.,
Pierce Davis & Perritano LLP

Exhibit 8A - Sample Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Exclude Evidence
Exhibit 8B - Sample Motion to Limit the Testimony of Plaintiffs’ Expert
Chapter 09 - Protecting Confidential Information Before and During Discovery

Jamie N. Dalton, Esq.,
Morse

John J. Tumilty, Esq.,
Morse

Paige Zacharakis, Esq.,
Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton, PC

Exhibit 9A - Sample Confidentiality Order (One-Tier)
Exhibit 9B - Sample Confidentiality Order (Two-Tier)
Exhibit 9C - Assent to Be Bound by Confidentiality Order
Chapter 10 - Interrogatories

Andrea L. Davulis, Esq.,
McCormack Suny LLC

Exhibit 10A - Sample Final Request for Answers Pursuant to Mass. R. Civ. P. 33(a)(3)
Exhibit 10B - Sample Application for Entry of Final Judgment Pursuant to Mass. R. Civ. P. 33(a)(4)
Exhibit 10C - Sample Affidavit in Support of Application for Final Judgment Pursuant to Mass. R. Civ. P. 33(a)(4)
Exhibit 10D - Sample Interrogatories in Products Liability Case
Exhibit 10E - Sample Interrogatories in Medical Malpractice Case
Exhibit 10F - Sample Interrogatories in Employment Discrimination Case
Chapter 11 - Requests for Documents and Things and for Entry upon Land

Tyler E. Chapman, Esq.,
Todd & Weld LLP

Michael F. Connolly, Esq.,
Rubin and Rudman LLP

A. W. Phinney, III, Esq.,
Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Exhibit 11A - Sample Requests for Production of Documents
Exhibit 11B - Sample Response to Requests for Production of Documents
Exhibit 11C - Bibliography
Chapter 12 - Organizing Documents Identified During Discovery in Complex Cases

Michelle Treadwell Briggs, Esq.,
Goodwin Procter LLP

Danielle M. Panetta, Esq.,
Goodwin Procter LLP

Checklist 12.1 - Checklist for Developing a Names Directory
Checklist 12.2 - Checklist of Fields to Include in Document Databases
Exhibit 12A - Sample Data Entry Form
Exhibit 12B - Sample Display of Fields on Computer Screen
Exhibit 12C - Sample Privilege Log
Exhibit 12D - Sample Deposition Summary Form
Chapter 13 - Depositions

Joseph Rutkowski, Esq.,
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, PC

Adam P. Samansky, Esq.,
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, PC

Checklist 13.1 - Checklist for Taking an Effective Deposition
Exhibit 13A - Notice of Deposition Pursuant to Rule 30(b)(6) (Sample No. 1)
Exhibit 13B - Notice of Deposition Pursuant to Rule 30(b)(6) (Sample No. 2)
Exhibit 13C - Sample Notice for Deposition of Individual
Exhibit 13D - Advice for a Witness Prior to a Deposition
Chapter 14 - Physical and Mental Examinations

Samuel M. Furgang, Esq.,
Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Exhibit 14A - Motion for Independent Medical Examination
Exhibit 14B - Memorandum in Support of Motion for Independent Medical Examination
Exhibit 14C - Motion for Independent Mental Examination
Exhibit 14D - Memorandum in Support of Motion for Independent Mental Examination
Exhibit 14E - Plaintiff’s Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant’s Motion for Neurological Examination
Exhibit 14F - Opposition to Motion to Conduct Rule 35 Examination and to Obtain Medical and Employment Records from Plaintiff
Chapter 15 - Requests for Admission

John Gallagher, Esq.,
Global Partners LP

Kevin J. O'Connor, Esq.,
ChemGenes Corporation

Exhibit 15A - Sample Requests for Admissions
Exhibit 15B - Sample Responses to Requests for Admissions
Exhibit 15C - Sample Motion to Determine Sufficiency of Responses and to Deem Matters Admitted
Exhibit 15D - Sample Motion to Withdraw and Amend Responses
Exhibit 15E - Sample Motion for Expenses for Failure to Admit
Exhibit 15F - Sample Declaration of Counsel in Support of Motion for Expenses for Failure to Admit
Exhibit 15G - Bibliography
Chapter 16 - Evidentiary Privileges

William Eugene Evans, Esq.,
Goodwin Procter LLP

Chapter 17 - Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine

J. Allen Holland, Jr., Esq.,
Rich May, PC

Christopher M. Hynes, Esq.,
Rich May, PC

Checklist 17.1 - Attorney-Client Privilege Checklist
Checklist 17.2 - Checklist for Application of the Attorney-Client Privilege to Corporate Agents
Checklist 17.3 - Checklist for Application of the Attorney-Client Privilege Within a Law Firm
Checklist 17.4 - Checklist Regarding Waiver of the Attorney-Client Privilege
Checklist 17.5 - Checklist Regarding Inadvertent Disclosures and the Attorney-Client Privilege
Checklist 17.6 - Checklist of Conditions for Overcoming the Work Product Doctrine
Checklist 17.7 - Checklist of Components of a Privilege Log
Chapter 18 - Discovery from Out-of-State and Foreign Nonparty Witnesses

Joshua W. Gardner, Esq.,
Gardner & Rosenberg PC

Nicholas J. Rosenberg, Esq.,
Gardner & Rosenberg PC

Exhibit 18A - Motion for Letters Rogatory and Associated Papers
Exhibit 18B - Request for Appointment of Commission
Exhibit 18C - Proposed Order for Appointment of Commission
Exhibit 18D - Application for Issuance of Request for the Examination of Witness Pursuant to the Hague Convention for the Taking of Evidence Abroad
Exhibit 18E - Request for International Judicial Assistance Pursuant to the Hague Convention
Exhibit 18F - Sample Cover Letter
Exhibit 18G - Originating Motion and Associated Papers for Filing with Australian Court
Exhibit 18H - Bibliography
Chapter 19 - Discovery Motions and Appeals

James P. Hoban, Esq.,
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee LLP

Exhibit 19A - Request for Final Answers to Interrogatories
Exhibit 19AA - Motion for Leave to Take the Deposition of Defendant’s Expert Witness
Exhibit 19B - Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Responses to Request for Production (No Response)
Exhibit 19BB - Motion to Strike Plaintiff’s Supplemental Interrogatory Answer and for an Order Precluding Plaintiff from Offering Expert Testimony on Damages at Trial
Exhibit 19C - Application for Entry of Final Judgment for Relief or Dismissal
Exhibit 19CC - Opposition to Motion for Leave to Depose Expert Witness
Exhibit 19D - Affidavit Pursuant to Mass. R. Civ. P. 33(a)(4) in Support of Application for Final Judgment for Relief or Dismissal
Exhibit 19DD - Motion to Strike Emergency Motion for Issuance of Letter Rogatory
Exhibit 19E - Motion to Compel Answers to Interrogatories (No Response Received)
Exhibit 19EE - Motion to Compel Plaintiff to Submit to Physical Examination Pursuant to Mass. R. Civ. P. 35(a)
Exhibit 19F - Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Nonparty Witness to Comply with Subpoena Duces Tecum and for Costs
Exhibit 19FF - Motion to Compel Defendant to Permit Entry upon Land to Conduct Inspection
Exhibit 19G - Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Nonparty Witness to Comply with Deposition Subpoena and for Costs
Exhibit 19GG - Joint Opposition of Defendant and Nonparty Expert Witness to Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Production of Documents
Exhibit 19H - Plaintiff’s Motion for Issuance of a Letter Rogatory to Out-of-State Court
Exhibit 19HH - Opposition to Motion to Compel Entry upon Land and Request for Protective Order
Exhibit 19I - Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Compliance with Deposition Subpoena to Keeper of Records
Exhibit 19II - Motion to Quash Deposition Subpoena of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Employee
Exhibit 19J - Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Compliance with Renotice of Deposition Pursuant to Mass. R. Civ. P. 30(b)(6)
Exhibit 19JJ - Petition to the Single Justice for Reversal of Order Permitting Subpoena of Mental Health Records
Exhibit 19K - Affidavit of Compliance with Superior Court Rule 9C
Exhibit 19KK - Memorandum in Support of Petition to the Single Justice
Exhibit 19L - Affidavit of Compliance Pursuant to Superior Court Rule 9A
Exhibit 19LL - Emergency Motion to Superior Court for Stay to Permit Interlocutory Review by Single Justice
Exhibit 19M - List of Documents Pursuant to Superior Court Rule 9A
Exhibit 19MM - Motion to Single Justice to Stay Lower Court’s Order Pending Resolution of Petition to the Single Justice
Exhibit 19N - Defendant’s Motion to Compel Further Response to Request for Production of Documents
Exhibit 19NN - Motion of Nonparty Witness for Reconsideration on Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Production of Documents
Exhibit 19O - Motion to Quash Deposition Subpoena
Exhibit 19OO - Opposition to Motion to Compel Third-Party Defendant’s Deposition
Exhibit 19P - Application for Inspection of Hospital Records
Exhibit 19PP - Motion for Protective Order (in Absence of Factual Basis for Claim)
Exhibit 19Q - Order Requiring Hospital to Produce Medical Records
Exhibit 19QQ - Motion to Test Sufficiency of Responses to Request for Admissions
Exhibit 19R - Affidavit of Notice of Intent to Apply for Medical Records
Exhibit 19RR - Standing Order Concerning Petitions to the Single Justice
Exhibit 19S - Motion to Compel Execution of Social Security Administration Consent for Release of Information
Exhibit 19T - Motion to Compel Keeper of Records to Comply with Subpoena Duces Tecum
Exhibit 19U - Order Finding Waiver of Privilege and Compelling Compliance with Subpoena Duces Tecum
Exhibit 19V - Motion to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum Served on Defendant’s Treating Psychiatrist and for Protective Order
Exhibit 19W - Motion for Criminal Offender Record Information, Conviction Data, Arrest Reports, and Probation Records
Exhibit 19X - Order for Inspection and Copying of Criminal Record Information, Conviction Data, Arrest Reports, and Probation Records
Exhibit 19Y - Affidavit of Counsel Supporting Request for Criminal Offender Record Information
Exhibit 19Z - Motion to Compel Production of the Medical Records of the Plaintiff’s Decedent
Chapter 20 - Electronic Discovery

James Fullmer, Esq.,
Foley Hoag LLP

Matthew E. Miller, Esq.,
Foley Hoag LLP

Exhibit 20A - Electronic Discovery Reference Model
Exhibit 20B - Sample Electronic Discovery Outline for Preparing or Deposing a Business Witness
Exhibit 20C - Sample Questionnaire for Interviewing Client Technology Personnel
Exhibit 20D - Sample Notices (Formal and Basic)
Exhibit 20E - Sample Preservation Letter
Exhibit 20F - Model Order Regarding Preservation
Chapter 21 - An Overview of Differences Between State and Federal Discovery Practice

David A. Rich, Esq.,
Chapter 22 - Discovery Relating to Experts

Laura R. Studen, Esq.,
Burns & Levinson LLP

Christopher Wurster, Esq.,
Burns & Levinson LLP

Exhibit 22A - Sample Interrogatories
Exhibit 22B - Products Liability Deposition Outline
Exhibit 22C - Expert Deposition Outline
Exhibit 22D - Physician Expert Deposition Outline for Mental Capacity
Exhibit 22E - Outline for Treating Mental Health Clinician Qualified as Expert
Chapter 23 - Discovery in Alternative Forums: Labor and Employment Cases

James W. Bucking, Esq.,
Foley Hoag LLP

Christopher S. Feudo, Esq.,
Foley Hoag LLP

Laura D. Gradel, Esq.,
Foley Hoag LLP

Exhibit 23A - MCAD Postdetermination Discovery Order

Authors

Editor(s)

Kelly L. Frey, Esq.
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, PC, Boston

Judicial Commentator(s)

Hon. Robert B. Gordon
Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston

Hon. Paul D. Wilson
Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.)

Ethical Commentator(s)

Allen N. David, Esq.
Peabody & Arnold LLP, Boston

Kristyn St. George, Esq.
Peabody & Arnold LLP, Boston

Author(s)

Amanda Bailey
KPMG LLP

Michael G. Bongiorno, Esq.
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, Boston

Michael E. Brangwynne, Esq.
Fletcher Tilton, PC, Worcester

Michelle Treadwell Briggs, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston

James W. Bucking, Esq.
Foley Hoag LLP, Boston

Brian M. Casaceli, Esq.
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee LLP, Westborough

Tyler E. Chapman, Esq.
Todd & Weld LLP, Boston

Benjamin Conery, Esq.
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, Boston

Michael F. Connolly, Esq.
Rubin and Rudman LLP, Boston

Jamie N. Dalton, Esq.
Morse, Waltham

Andrea L. Davulis, Esq.
McCormack Suny LLC, Boston

William Eugene Evans, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston

Christopher S. Feudo, Esq.
Foley Hoag LLP, Boston

James Fullmer, Esq.
Foley Hoag LLP, Boston

Samuel M. Furgang, Esq.
Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston

John A. Gallagher, Esq.

Joshua W. Gardner, Esq.
Gardner & Rosenberg PC, Boston

Ara B. Gershengorn, Esq.
Office of General Counsel, Harvard University, Cambridge

Laura D. Gradel, Esq.
Foley Hoag LLP, Boston

James P. Hoban, Esq.
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee LLP, Worcester

J. Allen Holland, Jr., Esq.
Rich May, PC, Boston

Mark J. Hoover, Esq.

Pierce Davis & Perritano LLP

Christopher M. Hynes, Esq.
Rich May, PC, Boston

Danielle Kemp
Mirick, O'Connell, DeMallie & Lougee LLP, Worcester

Mackenzie C. McBurney
Hinckley Allen LLP, Boston

Matthew E. Miller, Esq.
Foley Hoag LLP, Boston

Anthony Moroso
Fletcher Tilton, PC, Worcester

Kevin J. O'Connor, Esq.
ChemGenes Corporation, Boston

Danielle M. Panetta, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston

Domenic Paolini, Esq.
Paolini & Haley , Woburn

Michelle R. Peirce, Esq.
Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP, Boston

A. W. Phinney, III, Esq.
Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston

Stephen C. Reilly, Esq.
Fitch Law Partners LLP, Boston

David A. Rich, Esq.

Nicholas J. Rosenberg, Esq.
Gardner & Rosenberg PC, Boston

Joseph Rutkowski, Esq.
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, PC, Boston

Adam P. Samansky, Esq.
Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, PC, Boston

Damon M. Seligson, Esq.
DiNicola, Seligson & Upton LLP, Needham

Laura R. Studen, Esq.
Burns & Levinson LLP, Boston

John J. Tumilty, Esq.
Morse, Waltham

Andrew F. Upton, Esq.
Upton Connell & Devlin, LLP, Boston

Christopher Wurster, Esq.
Burns & Levinson LLP, Boston

Paige Zacharakis, Esq.
Morse, Barnes-Brown & Pendleton, PC, WEYMOUTH