F. Beirne Lovely, a corporate partner in our Boston office for 25 years, is retiring from the firm on December 31, 2007 to become the Archdiocese of Boston’s first in-house general counsel.
Archdiocese Chancellor James P. McDonough said: "Beirne’s distinguished and multifaceted career in private practice provides an exceptional foundation for management of legal matters involving the local Church."
Attorney Paul Sandman, a member of the Archdiocese’s Finance Council who chaired the search committee, and a Goodwin Procter alumnus, said of Beirne: "the Archdiocese has hired an experienced attorney who possesses a strong legal background, a deep commitment to the good works of the Church, and the ability to satisfy many varied legal needs."
Beirne is an outstanding lawyer who has the character and experience to excel in this prestigious position. We are very proud of his appointment, yet sad that he is leaving Goodwin Procter. Those who know Beirne well, however, know that this position is a calling for him; one which he could not turn down when the Cardinal called.
During Beirne's 25 years as a partner, he touched the lives of many people at the firm. In fact, it was Beirne's unrelenting recruiting that persuaded our Managing Partner, Regina Pisa, to join Goodwin Procter in 1982, as well as many other Goodwin lawyers who are partners at the firm today.
Beirne started at the firm in 1976 as an associate, becoming a partner in 1982. After college and prior to law school, he served three tours of duty in Vietnam as a Marine Corps infantry officer, receiving a Purple Heart and being decorated for heroism on three occasions.
During his more than 30 years of active practice, Beirne has focused primarily on corporate and financing transactions, also serving as outside general counsel for a variety of public and private corporations, partnerships and banks.
Beirne is active in community, church and pro bono endeavors, including serving multiple terms as chairman of the Milton School Committee – the Massachusetts town where he resides with his wife.
We congratulate Beirne on his appointment and wish him success in his new position with the Archdiocese.