Who We Are

Gone are the days when I’d say I would probably be one of those people who would stay in school until forever. Fresh out of my first year in law school, I am confident that once I cross that stage on graduation day, I will never again linger over the glossy pages of an educational institution’s informational handbook.

My first year can be most comparable to a roller coaster ride, complete with harrowing dips and stomach turning, upside down twists and flips.

One of the many reasons I wanted to go to law school was because I knew it would be a thought-provoking experience, and I love a good intellectual challenge. Who doesn’t? There’s nothing more satisfying than doing the things they say you cannot do. Little did I know that this would be more than a challenge, it would be life changing. Being the first in my immediate family to attend higher education, my mother was thrilled when I told her of my decision to become an attorney.

Giving credit where credit is due, I could not have made it through this first year without support. Support from my friends, family and most importantly, from the attorneys I currently work for, whom endured countless days where I flew out of the office before 5 pm, numerous questions that were more likely than not silly, and my panicky nerves all around the office.

My first year of law school was hectic; no one in my smiling group of orientation pals knew what we were getting ourselves into. To say that we performed a miracle with every late hour spent pouring over outlines and confusing cases falls short. The grueling moments before a final worth 80-85% of our entire grade, the nerve-wracking seconds before arguing your first motion for summary judgment. These are the moments that took over my life this past year, the moments I will hold dear in my heart and laugh at when I begin preparing for my first trial as an attorney and think, how hard.

One year ago yesterday, two bombs exploded at the finish line of the 117^th Boston Marathon and Boston was changed forever. The bombs injured more than 270 spectators and killed 3 people. MIT Officer Sean Collier was allegedly killed by the suspects just days after the explosions. Boston was placed under lock down as the nation watched our proud city stand up in the face of terror.

One Year After Boston Marathon Bombing

On April 15^th, a tributary ceremony was held at the Hynes Convention Center, which celebrated the lives of the fallen, the law enforcement officers who helped locate and detain the suspects, the hundreds of medical professionals and civilians who were there for the victims during the initial, unforgettably frightening moments and throughout their recoveries. With more than 3,000 people in attendance, including survivors of the twin blasts, speakers from around the nation and Massachusetts spoke of the tragedy and triumphs of the victims and the city. Oftentimes, the speakers cited the grace, fragility and adversity the city of Boston showed during the worst attack the city had ever experienced.

The tribute also included a flag raising ceremony at the finish line and a moment of silence at 2:48 p.m. to mark the moment the first blast went off, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Later during the day, a candle light vigil was held in Dorchester as the crowd prayed for the victims and their families.

We are Boston Strong

The 118^th Boston Marathon kicks off on the 3^rd Monday in April as always, April 21, 2014 as Boston comes together in remembrance of an event that showed Americans how human yet  strong and united we really are. One year later, Boston remains strong, Boston Strong.

Mazow|McCullough would like to welcome Matthieu J. Parenteau to the firm as an associate attorney. While in law school, Matthieu clerked for a nationally recognized plaintiff’s medical malpractice firm in Boston. He also helped to author a practitioner’s guide to Sale of Goods under the Uniform Commercial Code as a research assistant at Suffolk University Law School. Since being admitted to the Massachusetts bar Matthieu has focused his practice on fighting for the rights of those who have been injured. He has worked to save family homes through loan modification and debt relief, represented tenants in fighting illegal evictions, and assisted the injured in recovering for their loss. Matthieu is an active member of the Volunteer Lawyers Project, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Boston Bar Association. He lives in Charlestown with his wife and enjoys basketball, skiing, playing music and all things outdoors.