FIRM PROFILE
Sarah J. Gibson has provided representation and training since 1992 in occupational health and safety and related labor and employment issues. Ms. Gibson has trained and advised unions, individual employees and employers on the technical and legal dimensions of health and safety issues, including indoor air quality, toxic exposures, workplace accommodations for employees, work-related disability retirement, handicap discrimination and collective bargaining/contract issues. She has represented clients in the grievance arbitration process, administrative proceedings and related negotiations, and has provided assistance with and oversight of evaluations of workplace conditions.
Ms. Gibson has worked with public employee unions in the area of public construction projects, helping employee organizations understand and participate in feasibility studies, selection of designers and contractors, and in monitoring the construction project. Ms. Gibson also advises clients on the legal requirements of school funding and construction and their impact on building quality and function. Ms. Gibson has provided testimony to state legislators on the subject of school construction, and on behalf of employee organizations and health and safety advocacy groups has participated in developing changes in state programs and regulations governing school construction.
In addition to work in occupational health and safety, Ms. Gibson has represented employers and employees in general employment-related issues, including discimination cases, terminations, lay-offs, and the development of employment handbooks and policies.
Ms. Gibson has served on panels for education programs of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Massachusetts Public Health Association, Boston Society of Architects, and other organizations. Ms. Gibson has an M. S. from the Department of Work Environment at the University of Massachusetts/Lowell and is a graduate of Wellesley College and Northeastern University School of Law. She is co-chair of the Boston Society of Architects Indoor Air Quality Committee and serves on the Massachusetts Healthy Schools Network.
Steven Halpern joined the firm in October 1997 and concentrates on advising business clients on corporate organization, financing and contract issues. Mr. Halpern has advised software companies, biotech start-ups, executive search firms, retailers and manufacturers on business organization and maintenance matters, mergers, sales and consolidations, financing agreements, employment contracts and executive compensation. He has negotiated a variety of contracts on behalf of clients, including sales, supply and service contracts, and intellectual property licensing and real estate leasing agreements. Mr. Halpern also provides advice to galleries and art dealers on auction law and related issues, as well as general business and contract matters. Mr. Halpern was previously an associate with the firms of Goulston & Storrs and Keegan, Werlin & Pabian, and served as a hearing officer with the Department of Public Utilities (currently the Department of Telecommunications and Energy.) Mr. Halpern is a graduate of Reed College, the University of Toronto (M. A.) and Northeastern University School of Law.
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