Mathilda is a multifaceted litigator who solves clients’ business disputes and personal challenges through creative solutions driven by each client’s particular priorities. She is equally comfortable as an advocate in the courtroom and the boardroom.
Mathilda’s practice encompasses complex commercial litigation, class actions, white-collar criminal and administrative investigations, trust and estate litigation, appellate litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. She has repeatedly obtained favorable pre-trial resolutions and won cases on motions to dismiss, at summary judgment, and following trial. Mathilda’s appellate experience uniquely positions her to help clients anticipate and navigate potential appellate issues as well.
In her Complex Commercial Litigation practice, Mathilda handles business disputes for companies and non-profits in the higher education, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, retail & consumer brands and real estate industries, among others. Mathilda’s expertise includes contract disputes, trade secrets cases, joint venture and partnership disputes, and business tort claims. In addition, Mathilda regularly and successfully defends against class action claims arising under state consumer protection laws, particularly those brought against landlords and property managers by residential tenants, and is one of a handful of class action defense lawyers in Massachusetts with in-depth knowledge of the Massachusetts security deposit and submetering laws.
Mathilda also routinely serves as a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals. As a member of the firm’s White-Collar Criminal Defense Group, Mathilda has expertise representing high-profile individuals in all manner of investigations, with a particular focus on fraud investigations and charges levied by the Department of Justice and private institutions. She also counsels private clients in various probate-related disputes including trustee removal actions, executor and administrator fiduciary duty claims, and a range of will and trust disputes.
Mathilda has a particular passion for legal issues facing the higher education industry. For clients in this sector, Mathilda draws on her broad experience as a lead team member in the defense of the “Varsity Blues” college admissions cases, an advisor to companies operating in the education space, and directly in the industry, including as a former legal intern at the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, an Education Pioneers Fellow, and an administrator at Columbia University. Mathilda has leveraged this experience to advise clients on compliance with federal education laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and aid clients in navigating Title IX investigations on campus, among other representations.
Mathilda also has an active pro bono practice, with a particular focus on immigration and education equity issues.
Prior to joining the firm, Mathilda served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Robert J. Cordy of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and to the Honorable Douglas P. Woodlock of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. During law school, Mathilda was editor-in-chief of the Boston College Law Review and a student attorney in the Boston College Legal Assistance Bureau.
Mathilda is a multifaceted litigator who solves clients’ business disputes and personal challenges through creative solutions driven by each client’s particular priorities. She is equally comfortable as an advocate in the courtroom and the boardroom.
Mathilda’s practice encompasses complex commercial litigation, class actions, white-collar criminal and administrative investigations, trust and estate litigation, appellate litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. She has repeatedly obtained favorable pre-trial resolutions and won cases on motions to dismiss, at summary judgment, and following trial. Mathilda’s appellate experience uniquely positions her to help clients anticipate and navigate potential appellate issues as well.
Experience
Commercial Litigation
- Representing one of the largest generic drug manufacturers in two breach of contract cases.
- Secured summary judgment and leveraged successful settlement for joint venture fund client in a dispute over ownership rights associated with an $80 million+ hotel property.
- Prevailed at trial on behalf of a major interactive entertainment company against a claim brought by a player who was banned for cheating.
- Obtained dismissal of a complex counterclaim asserting violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) in federal district court.
- Served as second chair at a trial representing a limited liability company in complex commercial litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery relating to claims concerning contractual interpretation and fiduciary duties.
- Obtained a favorable arbitration award in California in a dispute over an oral joint venture to open and operate a garment manufacturing facility in China.
- Part of a team that obtained complete dismissal of a breach of contract and antitrust complaint in federal district court.
Class Action Defense
- Defeated a motion for class certification and obtained summary judgment on claims brought by a putative class of tenants of a residential realty company asserting violations of the Massachusetts utility submetering laws and the Massachusetts consumer protection act, chapter 93A.
- Obtained voluntary dismissal of a consumer class action involving unsolicited text messages under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
White Collar Criminal Defense
- Part of a team that achieved the only acquittal of a parent, Amin C. Khoury, in the “Varsity Blues” college admissions cases. Mr. Khoury was found not guilty of all charges following a jury trial.
- Part of a team that resolved a second case on behalf of a charged parent in the Varsity Blues cases.
- Helped to secure dismissal on behalf of a former Saudi intelligence official in a case brought by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund and its subsidiaries, alleging our client embezzled billions of dollars.
Trust and Estate Litigation
- Representing a prominent individual in his capacity as trustee of a multi-million dollar family trust in a dispute in Massachusetts Probate Court regarding the interpretation of core trust terms.
- Represented a high-net-worth individual as a beneficiary of a $1b estate in a dispute in Massachusetts Probate Court regarding the proper distribution of assets.
Appellate
- Representing a residential realty trust in a landlord-tenant class action before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
- Representing a high-profile former Saudi official in a complex dispute before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
- Representing intervenors in Boston Parent Coalition for Academic Excellence Corp. v. The School Committee of the City of Boston before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
- Representing a trustee in a trustee removal action currently pending before the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
- Represented a residential realty company in an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on a certified question from the First Circuit.
- Represented amici in several cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the United States Supreme Court, including:
- President and Fellows of Harvard College, et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-11283 (D. Mass.), a case challenging interim guidance issued by DHS and ICE during the COVID-19 pandemic that would have prevented international students on F-1 visas from taking online courses while enrolled in a United States academic program.
- Department of Commerce, et al. v. New York, et al., No. 18-966 (U.S. Sup. Ct.), a case challenging the inclusion of a citizenship question on the decennial census questionnaire.
- Abigail Noel Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, et al., No. 14-981 (U.S. Sup. Ct.), a seminal case involving the issue of affirmative action in higher education.
- President and Fellows of Harvard College, et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-11283 (D. Mass.), a case challenging interim guidance issued by DHS and ICE during the COVID-19 pandemic that would have prevented international students on F-1 visas from taking online courses while enrolled in a United States academic program.
viewpoints
Can a beneficiary serve as a witness in a will contest without losing their inheritance? The Massachusetts Appeals Court says yes.
November 8, 2024 | Blog | By Mathilda McGee-Tubb, Mirele A. Sagan
In light of the McLoughlin decision and the Court’s seeming commitment to interpreting in terrorem clauses narrowly, estate planners and testators alike should keep the following considerations in mind when including in terrorem clauses in estate plans.
Arbitration Clauses and Class Action Waivers in Residential Leases: Are They Enforceable?
September 4, 2024 | Blog | By Mathilda McGee-Tubb, Janki Viroja
Landlords and property managers are increasingly adding arbitration clauses with class action waivers to their residential leases. These lease provisions can protect landlords from the significant time and costs associated with litigating claims brought by residents, including potential class claims that present high exposure risk for multifamily owners and managers. But the enforceability of these types of provisions remains an open question in many states.
Collaborating to Expand Access to Boston's Exam Schools
January 3, 2022 | Article
A COVID-19 Ready Campus: Steps Colleges and Universities Should Take to Avoid Future Litigation Over Tuition and Fees
June 29, 2020 | Blog | By Mathilda McGee-Tubb
COVID-19 Tuition and Fees Lawsuits: Defending University Practices and Defeating Class Claims
June 26, 2020 | Blog | By Thomas Wintner, Mathilda McGee-Tubb
Massachusetts SJC Recognizes Limited Affirmative Duty of Universities to Take Suicide Prevention Measures for Known-Risk Students
May 9, 2018 | Blog | By Mathilda McGee-Tubb
Where is the Line? Options for Professional Leagues and Teams Facing On-Field Player Social Activism
February 22, 2018 | Blog | By Mathilda McGee-Tubb
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Affirmative Action Program at University of Texas
June 23, 2016 | Blog | By Mathilda McGee-Tubb
Settlement Agreements with Students Are Protected Student Records But Must Be Disclosed in Redacted Form Under Public Records Law, Says Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
November 30, 2015 | Blog | By Mathilda McGee-Tubb
News & Press
The Best Lawyers in America 2025 Recognizes 184 Mintz Attorneys across 56 Practice Areas
August 15, 2024
187 Mintz attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers® in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Notably, three Mintz attorneys received 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” awards, and 64 firm attorneys were included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Seven Mintz attorneys were recognized in Benchmark Litigation’s 2024 “40 & Under List” which spotlights the “top emerging talent in litigation” who are 40 years old and under. The annual “40 & Under List” is compiled through peer and client review, as well as consideration of individual cases.
Mintz Announces Record Member Growth in 2023
December 22, 2023
Mintz proudly announced the election of 13 attorneys to Members and the addition of a record-setting 22 new lateral Members in 2023, with 11 Partners in the newly opened Toronto office. This diverse group strengthens Mintz’s core areas, spanning Commercial and IP Litigation, Life Sciences, Tech, Private Equity, and Energy & Sustainability. The elevated Members and new lateral additions bring invaluable expertise to help clients navigate complex legal landscapes.
Fifty-Nine Attorneys Recognized as 2023 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
October 12, 2023
Mintz is pleased to announce that 32 attorneys have been named Massachusetts Super Lawyers and 27 attorneys have been named Massachusetts Rising Stars for 2023.
Mintz is pleased to announce that 120 firm attorneys have been recognized as leaders by Best Lawyers® in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
Law360 Names Mathilda McGee-Tubb a 2023 Rising Star
August 14, 2023
Associate Mathilda McGee-Tubb has been named a White Collar Rising Star by Law360. She was chosen for her role representing Amin Khoury in the "Operation Varsity Blues" litigation.
BOSTON – Mintz is pleased to announce that two of its attorneys have been included in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2023 ‘Excellence In Law’ recognition.
Ambiguity Found Between Trust Document, Code Provision
December 29, 2022
Mintz Associate Mathilda McGee- Tubb was quoted in an article published by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly about the Appeals Court’s decision in In the Matter of the Leo Kahn Revocable Trust.
35 Mintz attorneys have been named Massachusetts Super Lawyers and 25 Mintz attorneys have been named Massachusetts Rising Stars for 2022.
Best Lawyers® recognized 108 firm attorneys in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Notably, two Mintz attorneys – Poonam Patidar and Scott M. Stanton – received 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” awards, and 28 firm attorneys were included in the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Mintz, along with co-counsel Black Srebnick PA, secured a full acquittal on all charges brought against client Amin Khoury, who had been charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, honest services fraud and federal programs bribery. The trial was the final case tied to the nationwide college admissions scandal known as “Operation Varsity Blues,” and the only case out of 57 to end in an acquittal. Every other defendant was convicted following a guilty plea or trial.
A Tort Without a Cause: Section 12 of the Restatement of the Law, Liability Insurance
April 19, 2021
Mintz Honored with PAIR’s 2020 Pro Bono Mentor Award
May 22, 2020
The first-of-its-kind class action lawsuit, Pereira Brito v. Barr, was filed in June on behalf of immigrants who were jailed due to flawed detention hearings in which the detainee was required to bear the burden of proof as to not being a flight risk or a danger to the community. The latest ruling holds that the class of immigrants are entitled to bond hearings at which the government bears the burden of justifying an immigrant’s detention, and at which the immigration court must consider someone’s ability to pay when setting a bond amount.
The Mintz pro bono team representing the plaintiffs in this case includes Members Susan Finegan and Susan Cohen, Special Counsel Andrew Nathanson, and Associates Mathilda McGee-Tubb, Jennifer Mather McCarthy, and Ryan Dougherty.
Federal Judge Rules Detained Immigrants Are Entitled to Fair Hearings
November 27, 2019
Gov't Often Has 'Nothing' To Hold Immigrants, Judge Says
November 6, 2019
Immigration Courts Are 'Ignoring The Law,' Mass. Judge Says
August 6, 2019
Defending Ill. Biometric Privacy Suits After Rosenbach
March 29, 2019
Events & Speaking
Mathilda is a multifaceted litigator who solves clients’ business disputes and personal challenges through creative solutions driven by each client’s particular priorities. She is equally comfortable as an advocate in the courtroom and the boardroom.
Mathilda’s practice encompasses complex commercial litigation, class actions, white-collar criminal and administrative investigations, trust and estate litigation, appellate litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. She has repeatedly obtained favorable pre-trial resolutions and won cases on motions to dismiss, at summary judgment, and following trial. Mathilda’s appellate experience uniquely positions her to help clients anticipate and navigate potential appellate issues as well.
Recognition & Awards
Law360: Rising Star - White Collar (2023)
Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch": Appellate Practice (2022-2025)
Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch": Commercial Litigation (2021-2025)
Massachusetts Super Lawyers: Rising Star (2021 - 2023)
Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch": Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2021-2025)
Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch": Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2024-2025)
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly: Up & Coming Lawyer Honoree (2023)
Richard Mintz Pro Bono Award (2019)
Benchmark Litigation: 40 & Under Hot List (2024)
Lawyers for Civil Rights, Pro Bono Award (2016 and 2019)
Order of the Coif
McGrath & Kane Award, Boston College Law School (2013)
Mathilda is a multifaceted litigator who solves clients’ business disputes and personal challenges through creative solutions driven by each client’s particular priorities. She is equally comfortable as an advocate in the courtroom and the boardroom.
Mathilda’s practice encompasses complex commercial litigation, class actions, white-collar criminal and administrative investigations, trust and estate litigation, appellate litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. She has repeatedly obtained favorable pre-trial resolutions and won cases on motions to dismiss, at summary judgment, and following trial. Mathilda’s appellate experience uniquely positions her to help clients anticipate and navigate potential appellate issues as well.
Involvement
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation
- Trustee, The Chestnut Hill School (2023- present)
- Member, Subcommittee on Alternative Paths to Admission of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s Steering Committee on Bar Admissions (2021- present)
- Board Member, Lawyers for Civil Rights (2020- present)
- Gubernatorial Appointee, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (2018– present)
- Associate Editor, ABA Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal (2021- 2023)
- Member, Boston Bar Association Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Section Steering Committee (2020- 2022)
- Member, Supreme Judicial Court Law Clerks’ Society Governing Board (2015- 2022)
- Member, Boston Bar Association Public Interest Leadership Program, Class of 2019- 2020
- Vice Chair and Board Member, Apprentice Learning (2016– 2019)
- At-Large Member, Oberlin College Alumni Leadership Council (2016– 2019)
- Member, ONEin3 Advisory Council to Mayor Thomas M. Menino (2013- 2014)
- Member, Executive Board & Nominations Committee, Oberlin Alumni Association (2011- 2014)
- Class Trustee, Oberlin College (2007- 2010)