Our History

1933:
Lowrance & Levin — a new law firm including attorneys Benjamin Levin, Haskell Cohn, and John Lowrance — serves individuals, banks, and private companies from office space at One Federal Street in Boston. John Lowrance leaves the firm by the end of the year.

Securities Act of 1933 is enacted.

1935:
Warner Act of 1935 is signed into law, establishing the National Labor Relations Board and giving workers the right to unionize.

Social Security Act of 1935 signed into law. The law provides old-age benefits for workers, benefits for victims of industrial accidents, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent mothers and children, the blind, and people with physical disabilities.

1937:
Herman Mintz joins the firm, now called Mintz, Levin and Cohn, based on the year each person graduated from law school. The clientele expands to include real estate companies, Boston theaters, New England motion picture chains, shoe manufacturers, and retailers.

1939:
Herman Mintz becomes a full partner in the firm. The firm consists of 5 attorneys (3 Partners and 2 Associates).

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1954:
Richard Mintz becomes a partner in the firm.

US Supreme Court rules unanimously in Brown v. Board of Education that state laws mandating public school segregation are unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment.

1958:
National Aeronautics and Space Act is signed, creating NASA.

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1961:
Congress passes Public Law 87-293, establishing the Peace Corps.

1962:
US Supreme Court decides that prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.

Antitrust Civil Process Act signed into law.

1963:
Equal Pay Act is signed.

1964:
Firm’s name becomes Mintz, Levin, Cohn, and Glovsky.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed by Congress, making discrimination in public places illegal as well as discrimination based on race or sex illegal in hiring, promoting, and firing.

1965:
Firm starts its Summer Associates program.

Social Security Amendments of 1965 signed into law, establishing Medicare, a health insurance program for the elderly, and Medicaid, a health insurance program for the poor.

1966:
Firm hires its first female attorney, and moves its office to the sixth floor of One Center Plaza, across from Boston City Hall.

"Miranda Rights” are created when the US Supreme Court rules in Miranda v. Arizona that police must inform criminal suspects of their Fifth Amendment rights prior to questioning.

1967: 
Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, is sworn in.

1968: 
R. Robert Popeo joins the firm as its first lateral Partner and establishes the Litigation Practice.

1969: 
Benjamin Levin becomes the president of the Boston Bar Association, and serves until 1971. During his time as president, he and Philip Sisk, then president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, establish Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

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1970:
Environmental Protection Agency established.

1971:
Firm’s name becomes Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Glovsky and Popeo.

26th Amendment lowers the voting age to 18 from 21.

1972:
Firm hires its first attorney of color.

1975:
Firm expands into municipal bonds when Kidder Peabody and the City of Everett, Massachusetts, hire it as underwriter’s counsel.

1976:
Firm engaged as bond counsel for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

1977:
Firm grows to 32 attorneys (19 Partners, 1 Counsel, and 12 Associates).

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 signed into law.

National drinking water standard goes into effect, three years after the Safe Drinking Water Act is passed.

1978:
Firm serves as bond counsel in the first-ever refinancing of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bonds, saving $75 million to benefit state-administered pension systems.

1979:
Firm’s Washington, DC office opens to focus on federal regulation, legislation, and litigation with an emphasis on communications, the environment, health care, antitrust, and banking.

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1980:
US Supreme Court allows patents on living organisms.

1981:
Firm establishes its Communications Practice when Charles Ferris joins the firm after resigning as chairman of the FCC.

Firm becomes a professional corporation and changes its name to Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Sandra Day O’Connor becomes the first female justice on the US Supreme Court.

1983:
Firm offers its first Flexible Work Arrangement.

Biogen, represented by Mintz, becomes the first biotechnology company in the United States to go public.

1985:
Firm is the first law firm in Boston to put a personal computer on every attorney's desk.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) is signed into law.

1986:
First LGBT attorney is made a Member in the firm.

Firm helps Elizabeth Stone House, a newly formed shelter for battered women, acquire two buildings, beginning its ongoing relationship with the nonprofit.

Two Mintz attorneys and others establish the Boston Lawyers Group, a nonprofit consortium of law firms committed to the hiring and retention of attorneys of color.

1988:
Firm establishes its Bankruptcy Practice

1988:
Firm drafts its Pro Bono Policy.

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1990:
Firm establishes its Health Care Practice.

1991:
Two first-year Associates start the firm’s Domestic Violence Project.

ML Strategies, LLC, the firm’s first consulting affiliate, is established, providing government relations, communications, and project management services to clients.

1992:

Firm guides AOL through its groundbreaking IPO.

1993:
First attorney of color is made a Member in the firm.

1994:
Firm offers benefits to employees’ same-sex domestic partners.

1995:
Firm receives the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Community Service Award.

1996:
Firm grows to 214 attorneys (102 Members and 111 Associates).

Qiagen, represented by Mintz, becomes the first German biotechnology company to go public in the United States.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is signed into law.

1998:
Mintz Levin Financial Advisors, LLC, the firm’s second subsidiary, is established to provide financial planning and investment advisory services to individuals and families.

1999:
Firm opens an office in Reston, Virginia.

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2000:
Firm opens offices in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut.

Patent Law Treaty is signed in Geneva, Switzerland.

2001:
Firm opens an office in Los Angeles, California.

2003:

Firm establishes its Diversity Committee.

Massachusetts Supreme Court rules in favor of gay marriage.

2004:
Firm receives Shining Star Award from the Victim Rights Law Center.

2005:
Firm receives the Standing in the Light of Justice Award from the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Firm receives the Adams Pro Bono Publico Award from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services.

2006:
Firm opens offices in Palo Alto and San Diego, California.

Firm is ranked #15 nationwide in quality of life and #19 for diversity in Vault’s Top 100 Law Firms Guide.

2007:
Firm formalizes its Flexible Work Arrangement Policy.

Working Mother names Mintz Best Law Firm for Women.

Firm is ranked fifth in the annual American Lawyer Summer Associates Survey.

Firm is listed as one of the Top Ten Family Friendly Firms by Yale Law Women.

MultiCultural Law recognizes Mintz as a Top 100 Law Firm for Diversity, a Top 25 Law Firm for African Americans, a Top 100 Law Firm for Women, and a Top 50 Law Firms for Partners.

2008:
Firm celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 signed into law.

Firm grows to 481 attorneys.

Firm receives a perfect score the on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Firm makes Yale Law Women’s list of Top Ten Family Friendly Firms for the second year in a row.

New Hampshire legalizes civil unions for same-sex couples.

2009:
American Lawyer ranks Mintz among the Top 100 Firms for Pro Bono.

Firm receives its second consecutive perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.

Sonia Sotomayor becomes the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice.

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Firm plays a key role in the passage of the Harassment Prevention Bill in Massachusetts.

Firm receives the ABA Pro Bono Publico Award for its “outstanding commitment to volunteer legal services.”

Firm announces the Richard Mintz Diversity Scholarship for first-year law students of color.

Sponsor & Retention Program is established at the firm to help retain and promote the success of Associates of color.

Firm receives its third consecutive perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.

UK Bribery Act of 2010 signed into law.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy in the US Military is repealed.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is signed into law

Human Rights Campaign names Mintz as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” giving the firm a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index for the fourth year in a row.

Firm is listed as one of the Top Ten Family Friendly Firms for the fourth year in a row by Yale Law Women.

Firm is ranked #4 in The Best Law Firms to Work in 2012 by Vault.

Mintz moves its Palo Alto office to San Francisco, California.

Firm is listed as one of the Top Ten Family Friendly Firms for the fifth year in a row by Yale Law Women.

Mintz receives its fifth consecutive perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Firm is ranked among the top 30 “Best Places to Work” in American Lawyer’s Midlevel Associates Survey.

Firm scores 100% for the sixth year in a row on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Mintz listed in the top 20 “Best Places to Work” in American Lawyer’s Midlevel Associates Survey.

Firm establishes a dedicated Product Risk Management & Response Practice.

For the seventh year in a row, Mintz receives a perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Firm is listed among the top 25 law firms for associate satisfaction in Vault’s Best Firms to Work For and ranked among the top 100 most prestigious law firms in the country.

National Legal Aid & Defender Association selects Mintz for its Beacon of Justice Award for the firm’s involvement in two innovative programs — the Access to Justice Fellows Program and the Know Your Rights! Program.

For the eighth consecutive year, Mintz receives a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Firm is listed among the top 25 law firms for associate satisfaction in Vault’s Best Firms to Work For.

Firm receives the Women in Law Empowerment Forum’s Gold Standard Certification, a designation based on how firms compensate women and integrate them into top leadership roles.

Mintz welcomes 16 new lateral hires, including senior attorneys joining our Immigration, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Public Finance, Real Estate, and Tax practices.

Firm hits record-breaking revenue and profits, with growth totaling nearly 13.9%.

Firm initiates new compensation structure designed to foster greater collaboration between Mintz legal teams and to maximize client results.

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Mintz receives a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the ninth consecutive year.

Firm launches MintzEdge, an online, one-stop business and legal resource for entrepreneurs.

Mintz named among Top Life Sciences Law Firms by Lake Whillans.

Firm has another year of record revenue and profits.

Mintz is one of only 54 US law firms recognized by BTI Consulting Group as highly collaborative, based on input from corporate counsel.

Sue Finegan, Chair of the Pro Bono Committee, leads Mintz attorneys working with the ACLU and Oxfam America to challenge the Trump administration's travel ban and represent immigrants detained at Boston's Logan Airport. A 7-day restraining order obtained by the group serves as a model for subsequent orders that restrict the ban's implementation.

Eleven firm attorneys named on list of Top Authors in JD Supra 2017 Readers' Choice Awards, and Mintz recognized as the Top Firm with readers in the energy industry.

Firm receives tenth consecutive perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

Mintz sees third consecutive year of record revenue and profits. 

Firm is again recognized with the Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) Gold Standard Certification Award.

Firm receives eleventh consecutive perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, the national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

Mintz achieves fourth consecutive year of record-breaking revenue — reaching $430 million in fiscal year 2018 – and celebrates by awarding $1,000 bonuses to staff.

Mintz provides pro bono representation and support to Freedom for All Massachusetts in its successful Yes on 3 campaign, which makes Massachusetts the first state in the nation to defend transgender rights by popular vote.

Mintz receives Top Firm Award in health care for the second consecutive year in the Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizing widely read authors and articles on JD Supra.

Mintz’s Public Finance Practice recognized in The Bond Buyer’s 2018 “Northeast Yearend Review” for leadership in the industry.

Mintz signs on to ABA’s Well-Being Pledge and Campaign, designed to support lawyers’ well-being.Firm launches new visual Mintz brand and website.

Mintz profiled in Law360 as a Massachusetts Powerhouse law firm.

Working Mother names Mintz among “Best Law Firms for Women.” 

Mintz receives American Association of Pro Bono Lawyers (AILA) - New England's Pro Bono Award and is recognized in particular for co-counseling the challenge to the first "travel ban" executive order.

Firm initiates significant expansion and remodeling of Mintz’s San Diego space.

Mintz again awarded Gold Standard Certification by Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF).

Mintz featured as a Top Five Firm for Lead Counsel in Debtwire’s 1H19 Restructuring Advisory Mandates report.

Firm receives twelfth consecutive perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, the national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

Working Mother recognizes Mintz among “Best Law Firms for Women.”

Firm executes a total renovation of flagship Boston office.

Law360 ranks Mintz among the “Best Law Firms for Minority Attorneys.” 

Mintz and ACLU file class action lawsuit challenging ICE’s practice of denying due process to detained immigrants. 

Mintz and its attorneys recognized by Get Konnected! for promoting diversity and inclusion in the Greater Boston legal community.

Mintz honored by Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) and Victim and Witness Assistance Board (VWAB) with the Corporate Leadership Award for the firm’s dedication to supporting crime victims.

Mintz recognized as Top Tier Firm in 2019 U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firm” rankings.

Mintz scores 100% on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Index for 13th consecutive year.

In the midst of the economic downturn resulting from the pandemic, the Mintz community learns that the firm’s revenue grew significantly in 2019 — marking the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking returns.

Mintz recognized as client services “powerhouse” by BTI Consulting.

On Juneteenth, Managing Member Bob Bodian announces new firm initiatives to end social injustice, including making November 3 a paid day off to encourage attorneys and staff to assist with Election Day activities.

Mintz signs on as charter member of Law Firm Antiracism Alliance.

Mintz earns Women in Law Empowerment Forum’s Gold Standard Certification for the third consecutive year.

Mintz receives National Legal Aid and Defender Association’s 2020 Beacon of Justice Award, recognizing law firms with pro bono programs serving vulnerable individuals fleeing to the US border.

Mintz Managing Member Bob Bodian receives Outstanding Ally Award from Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: North America 2020.

Mintz establishes Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) Practice.

Mintz appoints its first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Mintz celebrates two decades in New York.

Mintz welcomes 21 new lateral members.

Seven of Mintz’s nine newly elected Members are women.

For FY 2020,  beginning at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mintz’s profits grew by a third, marking the firm’s 6^th consecutive year of record-breaking growth. 

For the 14^th consecutive year, Mintz scores 100% on HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index measuring LGBTQ workplace equality. 

Mintz Chairman Bob Popeo honored among Most influential Bostonians by Boston Magazine for 26^th consecutive year. 

Mintz receives a National Legal Aid & Defense Association 2021 Beacon of Justice Award for furthering racial equity, promoting access to justice in communities of color, and supporting civil rights–focused nonprofits.

Mintz publishes its first Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report.

Mintz launches SPAC Litigation & Risk Management practice. 

Continuing its growth in the Washington, DC area, Mintz relocates to new, expanded office space at 555 12th St., NW.

Mintz launches Advertising & Marketing practice. 

The firm expands its New York footprint, leasing spacious new quarters at 919 Third Avenue.

Mintz ranks among Vault’s 2022 Best Law Firms for Diversity based on associate feedback.

Mintz is featured by Law360 among 2021 Regional Powerhouses for Massachusetts, alongside just four other firms. 

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance recognizes Mintz for “tipping the scales” towards gender parity -- promoting 50% or more women to partner in 2021. Seven of nine Mintz attorneys promoted to Member in 2021 are women.

Mintz serves as counsel in Bond Buyer’s “deal of the year.”

Los Angeles Business Journal lists Mintz, for second consecutive year, among its most admired law firms. The list includes the best law firms to work for in the region — specifically those working toward creating diverse, positive, and supportive environments.

Mintz announces the Compassionate Leave Policy, expanding paid time off to include non-medical reasons and losses including miscarriage, failed surrogacy, adoption, or fertility treatment.

For the 15^th consecutive year, Mintz achieves a perfect score on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index measuring LGBTQ workplace equality. 

Mintz’s Private Equity practice experiences strategic growth, steering complex deals across the media, technology, healthcare, retail, and other industries.

In fiscal year 2021, Mintz sees 27.6% net income growth and crosses $2 Million in profits per partner for the first time.

Mintz is named a recipient of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA)’s 2022 Beacon of Justice Award for its efforts to address systemic racial disparities in 2022.

83 Mintz attorneys and 34 Mintz practice areas are recognized as leaders in their field in the 2022 edition of Chambers USA.

Mintz-led research finds life sciences deal market hit record year in 2021.

IAM Patent 1000 names Mintz a Leading Firm for Patent Prosecution And Litigation.

Mintz is named and profiled by Law360 as one the 2022 Powerhouses for Massachusetts.

Antler Innovation U.S. LLC selects Mintz as its law firm partner of choice to support its portfolio companies in the U.S. 

     Mintz establishes Equity Advisory Council as part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to ensure equity in the workplace. 

     Mintz New York relocates to accommodate accelerated growth, reinforce culture of collaboration, and dedication to client service.

Mintz announces that it has won the Innovation In Diversity and Inclusion award at the California Legal Awards.

Mintz announces new member growth through the promotion of seven attorneys to member and the addition of ten lateral members in 2022.

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In fiscal year 2022, Mintz sees growth in revenue and partner profits, along with strong momentum in its intellectual property, litigation, and corporate practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Mintz entered the Miami market with a new office in 2023.

Mintz’s leading Energy & Sustainability practice closed 57 deals worth $4.6 billion in 2022, as global investment into energy transition and climate technology skyrocketed.

Mintz launches its inaugural report highlighting the achievements and impacts of women attorneys: Setting the Pace.

The firm expands to Canada with the opening of a Toronto office. Mintz Toronto will advance the firm's global Life Sciences, Private Equity, Capital Markets, and Pensions and Employment practices.

Mintz names new office Managing Members in Washington, DC and San Francisco.

Mintz launches a Women's Health and Technology Practice.

Six attorneys are ranked in the 2024 edition of Chambers Canada, marking the first time that Mintz appears in the guide.

Mintz is recognized in the Chambers Global guide. 

BTI Consulting ranks Mintz among Top 10 Law Firms for Client Service in 2023. 

Mintz receives LPL Financial's inaugural Law Firm DEI Award. 

Mintz is named the recipient of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA)'s 2023 Beacon of Justice Award for its efforts to address issues related to LGBTQ+ rights and gender-based equity issues that intersect with racial equity.

81 Mintz attorneys and 39 Mintz practice areas are recognized as leaders in their field in the 2023 edition of Chambers USA. 

Mintz earns top rankings in the 2023 edition of Legal 500 United States.

Mintz's Chairman, R. Robert Popeo passes away at 85. 

Mintz represents Future Electronics in $3.8 billion announced sale to WT Microelectronics. 

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