Richard M. Zielinski

Richard M. Zielinski

Bet-the-Company Litigation

5.0 (1 reviews)
Boston, Massachusetts
45+ years experience
Goulston & Storrs PC
Updated:

Contact Information

One Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109
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Bio

Richard Zielinski, who practices in Boston and New York, is a nationally known ‘bet the company’ trial lawyer who handles a wide range of complex, high-stakes commercial litigation. He is also known for his specific expertise in legal malpractice defense.According to Chambers USA, Richard is ‘very smart, thorough and knowledgeable. ’ Clients say he is ‘fantastic on his feet’ and ‘thinks seven steps ahead of everyone else.’He has extensive trial experience in a wide range of business and real estate disputes, having handled cases involving the financing and construction of large office towers, breach of contract, partnership disputes, unfair competition, lender liability and cases under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A).Richard is well known for his representation of major law firms throughout the United States in malpractice cases, disciplinary matters and intra-firm disputes. In 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023 he was named Legal Malpractice Defense Lawyer of the Year by peer-reviewed Best Lawyers in America, recognizing his leading work in legal malpractice defense.He also defends manufacturers in products liability, mass tort and class action cases, and has been named Lawyer of the Year in these practice areas in the past as well. Representative clients include those from the pharmaceuticals, electrical products and tobacco industries.Richard is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the highest professional honor a trial lawyer can receive. Richard Zielinski, who practices in Boston and New York, is a nationally known ‘bet the company’ trial lawyer who handles a wide range of complex, high-stakes commercial litigation. He is also known for his specific expertise in legal malpractice defense.According to Chambers USA, Richard is ‘very smart, thorough and knowledgeable. ’ Clients say he is ‘fantastic on his feet’ and ‘thinks seven steps ahead of everyone else.’He has extensive trial experience in a wide range of business and real estate disputes, having handled cases involving the financing and construction of large office towers, breach of contract, partnership disputes, unfair competition, lender liability and cases under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A).Richard is well known for his representation of major law firms throughout the United States in malpractice cases, disciplinary matters and intra-firm disputes. In 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023 he was named Legal Malpractice Defense Lawyer of the Year by peer-reviewed Best Lawyers in America, recognizing his leading work in legal malpractice defense.He also defends manufacturers in products liability, mass tort and class action cases, and has been named Lawyer of the Year in these practice areas in the past as well. Representative clients include those from the pharmaceuticals, electrical products and tobacco industries.Richard is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the highest professional honor a trial lawyer can receive. Richard Zielinski, who practices in Boston and New York, is a nationally known ‘bet the company’ trial lawyer who handles a wide range of complex, high-stakes commercial litigation. He is also known for his specific expertise in legal malpractice defense. According to Chambers USA, Richard is ‘very smart, thorough and knowledgeable. ’ Clients say he is ‘fantastic on his feet’ and ‘thinks seven steps ahead of everyone else.’ He has extensive trial experience in a wide range of business and real estate disputes, having handled cases involving the financing and construction of large office towers, breach of contract, partnership disputes, unfair competition, lender liability and cases under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A). Richard is well known for his representation of major law firms throughout the United States in malpractice cases, disciplinary matters and intra-firm disputes. In 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023 he was named Legal Malpractice Defense Lawyer of the Year by peer-reviewed Best Lawyers in America, recognizing his leading work in legal malpractice defense. He also defends manufacturers in products liability, mass tort and class action cases, and has been named Lawyer of the Year in these practice areas in the past as well. Representative clients include those from the pharmaceuticals, electrical products and tobacco industries. Richard is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the highest professional honor a trial lawyer can receive.

Practice Areas

Bet-the-Company Litigation

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Boston (2025)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, Boston (2024)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Boston (2023)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Boston (2021)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Boston (2019)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Boston (2015)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Boston (2014)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Boston (2013)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Boston (2012)
  • Recognized: Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Recognized: Commercial Litigation
  • Recognized: Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Recognized: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
  • Recognized: Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Practice Area: Legal Malpractice Law
  • Practice Area: Litigation - Real Estate
  • The National Law Journal, Litigation Trailblazer, 2019
  • Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, Massachusetts, 2019 (Band 1)
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers: Massachusetts State Committee Chair, 2007-2009; Chair, Standing Committee on the Teaching of Trial and Appellate Advocacy, 2003-2005; National Trial Competition Committee, Vice Chair, 2021-2023
  • Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Rated AV Preeminent TM
  • Scholar-Mentor Award, MCLE, 2016
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2004 - 2022: Top 100 in Massachusetts and New England, 2007-2016; Top 10 in Massachusetts, 2010
  • "America’s Leading Business Lawyers," Chambers USA 2006-2016

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006

Education

  • Harvard University, J.D., graduated 1980
  • Colgate University, B.A., graduated 1977

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Reviews

S

Sharon Bailey

2 weeks ago

A formidable advocate in a high-stakes professional liability dispute

When our firm faced a complex, multi-million dollar legal malpractice claim, the board knew we needed a 'bet the company' litigator. Richard Zielinski was precisely that. His 45 years of experience, particularly his deep knowledge of defending professionals, was immediately evident. He masterfully guided us through every phase, from pre-trial strategy to a highly favorable settlement. Richard’s recent recognition as Lawyer of the Year was no surprise—his strategic acumen and calm, commanding presence are exceptional. He doesn't just know the law; he understands the profound stakes for a business's reputation and future. Engaging Richard and the team at Goulston & Storrs was the best decision we made.

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