Michael D. Brier

Partner

Michael Brier represents closely held businesses, including many technology companies, in high-stakes, complex commercial disputes. Clients see him primarily as a problem solver, dedicated to securing the best results for their businesses in what are almost always difficult situations.

Michael Brier represents closely held businesses, including many technology companies, in high-stakes, complex commercial disputes. Clients see him primarily as a problem solver, dedicated to securing the best results for their businesses in what are almost always difficult situations.

Background & Experience

Experience

Sometimes, that means going to court. Michael has won numerous cases on behalf of his clients. For example, Michael has won:

  • A $3.4 million arbitration award (plus attorneys’ fees) for breach of a manufacturing contract and related unfair and deceptive conduct;
  • A $7.7 million judgment in a lawsuit for breach of a loan agreement;
  • Summary judgment for two clients accused of breaching their fiduciary duties to a business partner;
  • Summary judgment in favor of a corporate executive accused of tortious interference with contract; and
  • After trial, a defense judgment and an award of attorneys’ fees in favor of a client accused of breaching its incentive bonus plan.

However, the best resolution from the client’s point of view often involves settlement. Michael frequently helps clients avoid the distraction and expense of trial by resolving their disputes out of court, including through mediation.

Prior to entering private practice, Michael worked as a criminal prosecutor, trying approximately forty cases to verdict and winning convictions against defendants for a number of serious crimes. Although his practice is now primarily civil, he continues to use the courtroom experience he gained as a prosecutor to good effect.

Michael serves as Co-Chair of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s Business Litigation Conference and as a member of the Boston Bar Association’s Business Litigation Steering Committee. In in his spare time, Michael enjoys reading history, jogging, and spending time with his wife and two young sons.

Publications

Michael D. Brier, The Operating Agreement: Protecting Your New BusinessGesmer Updegrove LLP (2024)

Michael D. Brier, Preparing for LayoffsGesmer Updegrove LLP (2023)

Education/Training

  • Boston College Law School, J.D., 2010, cum laude

Contact Michael D. Brier

Memberships

  • Boston Bar Association
  • Communications Committee
  • Temple Beth Shalom, Needham

Admissions

  • Massachusetts
Awards & Accolades
2023 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2022 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2021 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2020 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2019 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

Awards & Accolades
2023 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2022 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2021 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2020 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars

2019 New England Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Stars