Sullivan
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Biography

Nicole, a former member of the firm's management committee, is the leader of our Private Investment Funds and Institutional Investor practice group. Her practice covers all aspects of private capital investment including private investment fund formation, equity co-investments, joint ventures, LP investments, separately managed accounts, funds of one and preferred equity. She also works with investors and investment managers in alternative asset classes, with a particular focus on timberland and agriculture investing. Her work for investment managers includes advising clients in connection with their investment management and advisory agreements and fiduciary duties in this area. Nicole also has broad experience in advising public and private companies in connection with financings, junior capital, mergers, acquisitions, shareholder issues and other corporate matters.

Education
  • University of Virginia School of Law (J.D.)
  • Virginia Tech (B.S., magna cum laude)
Bar & Court Admissions
  • Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
Professional Qualifications
  • Boston Bar Association
Awards & Honors
  • Recommended by The Legal 500 U.S. (2017-2019, 2021-2022, 2024)
  • Chambers USA, Recognized Practitioner in Private Equity: Fund Formation (Massachusetts), 2021-2023, 2025-2026
Community Engagement
  • Past President, American College of Investment Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester Ranked in Chambers USA 2026 Edition
Boston, MA – Sullivan & Worcester announced that its practice groups and attorneys have been highly ranked by Chambers USA in its annual rankings of the foremost law firms and attorneys in the country. In the 2026 guide, the firm is newly ranked in Banking & Finance in Massachusetts and partner Will Hanson is newly ranked in Private Equity: Fund Formation in Massachusetts. Partner Ameek Ashok Ponda retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax and a Band 1 ranking in Massachusetts for Tax. Partner Cameron Cosby retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax. Partners Amy Sheridan and David Guadagnoli retained Band 1 rankings in Massachusetts for Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation. Partner Stephanie Monaco retained a Band 1 ranking nationwide in Investment Funds: Regulatory & Compliance. The Chambers USA guide ranks firms and attorneys annually based on in-depth research, as well as client and peer interviews. Chambers evaluates attorneys based on their legal knowledge and experience, ability and effectiveness, and client service. Sullivan Practice Group Nationwide Rankings Registered Funds REITs Sullivan Practice Group Regional Rankings Banking & Finance (Massachusetts) Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts) Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts) Litigation: General Commercial (Massachusetts) Real Estate (Massachusetts) Tax (Massachusetts) Individual Rankings/Client Comments Ashley Brooks – Real Estate (Massachusetts). “Ashley Brooks has a burgeoning Boston-based real estate practice. She routinely assists with matters pertaining to acquisitions and developments. She often works on mixed-use residential and retail projects.” "Ashley has done an excellent job of building Sullivan & Worcester's practice as well as her own reputation and quality of work." Cameron Cosby – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). “Cameron Cosby is commended for his strength across the REIT tax space, with notable experience of formations, M&A and debt and equity offerings.” "He is one of the most well-respected REIT tax lawyers. Cam's decades of experience advising REITs in all asset classes makes him unique among REIT tax lawyers. He is able to navigate complex and contentious transactions with no drama." David Guadagnoli – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). “David Guadagnoli is an accomplished employee benefits practitioner, with notable expertise on the tax aspects of retirement plans and welfare benefits. He is also known for negotiating employment and severance agreements.” "His knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge is the best I have come across during my years." Will Hanson – Private Equity: Fund Formation. “William Hanson of Sullivan & Worcester advises both sponsors and investors on the formation of private equity funds targeting a wide range of sectors, with a particular focus on the food and beverage industry." Will Hanson is knowledgeable, efficient and listens patiently when we discuss issues. He ensures that what we need is appropriate to our business plan." Richard Jones – Tax (Massachusetts). “Richard Jones provides transactional advice and litigation counsel to his clients across a broad range of sectors. He is noted for his expertise in relation to state and local tax matters.” David Leahy – Registered Funds (Nationwide). “David Leahy is valued for his astute advice to independent trustees and directors of mutual funds, closed-end funds and ETFs.” "David is always knowledgeable, with a plethora of experience." David Mahaffey – Registered Funds (Nationwide). “David Mahaffey is best known for his high-level representation of independent trustees for ETFs and open- and closed-end funds.” "David is an industry exemplar with his breadth of experience and in-depth industry knowledge. He is very much a problem solver with a can-do attitude." Stephanie Monaco – Investment Funds: Regulatory and Compliance (Nationwide). “Stephanie Monaco of Sullivan & Worcester frequently advises both private and registered fund clients on SEC and ’40 Act compliance. She brings experience of working in the hedge funds sector to her private practice.” Louis Monti – REITs (Nationwide). “Louis Monti represents REIT clients in NYSE and NASDAQ-related matters. His work often includes a broad range of tax, corporate and wider finance matters.” Ameek Ashok Ponda – Tax (Massachusetts) and REITs: Tax (Nationwide). “Ameek Ashok Ponda's global transactional REIT practice regularly sees him handling REIT conversions as well as M&A.” "Ameek is a great leader in the industry and helps provide detailed advice – highly trusted." Domenick Pugliese – Registered Funds (Nationwide). “Domenick Pugliese's broad capabilities enable him to handle ETFs and mutual funds matters, with particular expertise in advising independent trustees.” Nicole Rives – Private Equity, Fund Formation (Massachusetts). “Nicole Rives of Sullivan & Worcester has a broad-based private equity practice that sees her acting on behalf of both sponsors and institutional investors.” Gregory Sampson – Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Massachusetts). “Gregory Sampson has experience across a range of real estate matters including permitting, developments, entitlements and loans.” "Greg Sampson is super smart. He continues to do wonderful things in land use development." Amy Sheridan – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). “Amy Sheridan has a broad practice and regularly advises on tax compliance, as well as assisting with transactional matters. She is also well-versed in deferred compensation plans.” "Amy is exceptional in all facets of ERISA. I trust her technical skills and professionalism." Douglas Stransky – Tax (Massachusetts). “Douglas Stransky has experience advising on complex domestic and international tax planning for clients across finance, life sciences and other sectors. He leads Sullivan's international tax practice group.” "Doug's deep knowledge of the law is matched by a sharp strategic mindset and exceptional attention to detail." Sarah Wellings – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). “Sarah Wellings is an up-and-coming practitioner at Sullivan & Worcester who is highly regarded for her REIT tax practice. Sarah is active acting as tax counsel in REIT compliance matters.” "Sarah is detail-oriented, proactive and a true partner. She is excellent and patient with educating clients regarding matters." Amy Zuccarello – Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts). “Amy Zuccarello focuses her practice on the area of corporate trust. She often serves as counsel to creditors and debtors in Chapter 11 bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings.” "Amy is always timely, conscientious and practical." Practices/Client Comments Banking & Finance – "The team provided creative advice in complex situations." Bankruptcy/Restructuring – "Sullivan & Worcester have a breadth of knowledge and the ability to provide necessary advice." Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation – "Sullivan & Worcester's attorneys have tremendous knowledge and the ability to share that knowledge in a clear, concise manner that assures understanding." Litigation: General Commercial – "Sullivan & Worcester is exceptional when it comes to complex litigation." Real Estate – "Sullivan's local knowledge, general expertise and good people distinguishes it." Registered Funds – "Sullivan & Worcester's team is very experienced and well-versed in a variety of topics." REITs – "Sullivan & Worcester are always available, proactive and extremely thorough. They provide practical advice, quickly analyzing changes to deal structure and recalling minute details along the way." Tax – "Sullivan & Worcester resolve issues efficiently and shows commitment to client satisfaction." About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a premier international law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service.
Sullivan & Worcester Ranked in Chambers USA 2025 Edition
Boston, MA – Sullivan & Worcester has announced that its practice groups and attorneys have been highly ranked by Chambers USA in its annual rankings of the foremost law firms and attorneys in the country. In the 2025 guide, Sullivan Partner Louis Monti was newly ranked nationwide, and Sarah Wellings was newly ranked in the Up & Coming category. Partner Ameek Ashok Ponda retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax and a Band 1 ranking in Massachusetts for Tax. Partner Cameron Cosby also retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax. Partner Amy Sheridan was elevated to Band 1 and Partner David Guadagnoli retained a Band 1 ranking in Massachusetts for Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation. Partner Stephanie Monaco retained a Band 1 ranking nationwide in Investment Funds Regulatory & Compliance. Each year, the Chambers USA guide ranks firms and attorneys based on in-depth research, as well as client and peer interviews. Chambers evaluates attorneys based on their legal knowledge and experience, ability and effectiveness, and client service. Sullivan Practice Group Nationwide Rankings Registered Funds REITs Sullivan Practice Group Regional Rankings Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts) Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts) Litigation: General Commercial (Massachusetts) Real Estate (Massachusetts) Tax (Massachusetts) Individual Rankings/Client Comments Ashley Brooks – Real Estate (Massachusetts). She leads Sullivan’s Real Estate Group and manages a Boston-based practice. She represents a broad range of clients, including international developers, institutional investors, government agencies, and public and private companies on all aspects of commercial development, debt and equity structures, acquisitions and dispositions, and leasing transactions. Cameron Cosby – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). Cosby advises clients on complex tax issues, with a focus on the REITs, partnership and real estate industries. "He has lots of experience in the space, is a creative lawyer and a go to for someone looking for tax counsel." Patrick Dinardo – Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts). Dinardo is co-director of the Litigation Department and represents clients in complex contract, trust and estate, and insolvency-related issues. "He's a fantastic bankruptcy lawyer, strategist and tactician." David Guadagnoli – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). Guadagnoli is widely known for his experience with tax aspects of retirement plans and welfare benefits and for his skill in negotiating employment and severance agreements. "David is thorough and consultative in his approach. He is a great partner to the business." Richard Jones – Tax (Massachusetts). He leads Sullivan’s Tax Group and represents clients in state and local tax litigation and controversies and transactional planning related to personal income, sales and use tax. "If you give him a good case, he will know how to win it through effective advocacy." David Leahy – Registered Funds (Nationwide). He advises investment advisors and independent directors of a wide range of funds on regulatory compliance matters related to federal laws. "David balances the role of being an advocate with good commercial sense." David Mahaffey – Registered Funds (Nationwide). He is managing partner of Sullivan’s D.C. office and is widely regarded for his work with independent trustees for ETFs and open-end funds. "David is very knowledgeable and he listens to the client." Stephanie Monaco – Investment Funds: Regulatory and Compliance (Nationwide). She advises investment management firms on a wide range of regulatory compliance issues related to business inception, SEC registration and transactional matters. "She has a great business sense of the law and understands its practical application. She is a strong advocate and defends our position with accuracy." Louis Monti – REITs (Nationwide). He represents public and private companies in a wide range of real estate transactions, with a focus on REITs. "Louis is a fantastic lawyer, who is strong technically and easy to work with. His awesome disposition helps to keep difficult deals on track." Ameek Ashok Ponda – Tax (Massachusetts) and REITs: Tax (Nationwide). He is director of the firm’s Tax Department. His practice focuses on domestic and international taxation, and he is nationally known for his work in REIT conversions and REIT cross-border matters. "Ameek's sophisticated handling of legal issues, coupled with his profound grasp of the commercial REIT landscape, enables him to offer strategic, business-focused advice." Domenick Pugliese – Registered Funds (Nationwide). He has four decades of experience representing mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and their boards of directors. Regarded as a pioneer in the ETF space, he represents a wide range of ETFs of all product types. Nicole Rives – Private Equity, Fund Formation (Massachusetts). She leads the firm’s Private Investment Funds and Institutional Investor Groups and advises clients on all aspects of private investment fund formation. She also works with investors and investment managers in alternative asset classes, particularly timberland and agriculture. Gregory Sampson – Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Massachusetts). He leads Sullivan’s Permitting & Land Use and Energy, Infrastructure & Sustainability Practice Groups. He advises clients on all aspects of real estate development, including transactions, financing and permitting and public approvals. "Gregory has really deep knowledge particularly on the regulatory side. He has an environmental planning background which really helps in his permitting advice." Amy Sheridan – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). She is widely regarded for her work with companies in designing, structuring and addressing compliance issues related to compensation and benefits plans. "Amy is strong on ERISA and executive compensation work for private companies." Douglas Stransky – Tax (Massachusetts). He leads Sullivan's International Tax Group and concentrates his practice on international tax planning for clients in a wide range of industries with a particular emphasis on U.S.-based clients investing in foreign jurisdictions. "He has great tax expertise and is able to communicate complex concepts in an understandable manner. He has vast knowledge of international tax law and is incredibly responsive." Sarah Wellings – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). She advises public and private REITs, both domestic and foreign, in a wide range of industries. She focuses on structuring and compliance matters, including cross-border transactions. “Sarah’s dedication to understanding and addressing client’s needs is unparalleled. Her blend of superior client service, legal expertise and commercial insight sets her apart as a top legal advisor.” Amy Zuccarello – Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts). She focuses her practice on corporate trust and represents borrowers and creditors in distressed transactions, bankruptcy proceedings and out-of-court restructurings. Practices/Client Comments Bankruptcy & Restructuring Group – “The Sullivan & Worcester attorneys I work with are very knowledgeable and protective of my interests.” Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation – “Sullivan & Worcester has a deep bench of lawyers and builds teams with expertise to tackle a wide range of complex issues on behalf of our organization.” Litigation Group – “Sullivan & Worcester are experts in specialized matters.” Real Estate – “The team has a great ability to compete real estate transactions. They have a strong team, know where to focus their time and energy and have experience across varying asset cases.” Registered Funds – “They are knowledgeable and see a wide swath of the industry. I am pleased with their advice.” “They are real experts in the fund space and are extremely detail-oriented.” REITs – "The team at Sullivan & Worcester provides timely and complete guidance and solutions. The law firm is quick to rally the necessary resources for complex issues." Tax – “The Sullivan & Worcester tax and corporate departments are experienced, extremely smart and very responsive.” About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a global, mid-sized law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service.

Nicole Rives

Nicole, a former member of the firm's management committee, is the leader of our Private Investment Funds and Institutional Investor practice group. Her practice covers all aspects of private capital investment including private investment fund formation, equity co-investments, joint ventures, LP investments, separately managed accounts, funds of one and preferred equity. She also works with investors and investment managers in alternative asset classes, with a particular focus on timberland and agriculture investing. Her work for investment managers includes advising clients in connection with their investment management and advisory agreements and fiduciary duties in this area. Nicole also has broad experience in advising public and private companies in connection with financings, junior capital, mergers, acquisitions, shareholder issues and other corporate matters.

Sullivan & Worcester Ranked in Chambers USA 2026 Edition
Boston, MA – Sullivan & Worcester announced that its practice groups and attorneys have been highly ranked by Chambers USA in its annual rankings of the foremost law firms and attorneys in the country. In the 2026 guide, the firm is newly ranked in Banking & Finance in Massachusetts and partner Will Hanson is newly ranked in Private Equity: Fund Formation in Massachusetts. Partner Ameek Ashok Ponda retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax and a Band 1 ranking in Massachusetts for Tax. Partner Cameron Cosby retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax. Partners Amy Sheridan and David Guadagnoli retained Band 1 rankings in Massachusetts for Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation. Partner Stephanie Monaco retained a Band 1 ranking nationwide in Investment Funds: Regulatory & Compliance. The Chambers USA guide ranks firms and attorneys annually based on in-depth research, as well as client and peer interviews. Chambers evaluates attorneys based on their legal knowledge and experience, ability and effectiveness, and client service. Sullivan Practice Group Nationwide Rankings Registered Funds REITs Sullivan Practice Group Regional Rankings Banking & Finance (Massachusetts) Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts) Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts) Litigation: General Commercial (Massachusetts) Real Estate (Massachusetts) Tax (Massachusetts) Individual Rankings/Client Comments Ashley Brooks – Real Estate (Massachusetts). “Ashley Brooks has a burgeoning Boston-based real estate practice. She routinely assists with matters pertaining to acquisitions and developments. She often works on mixed-use residential and retail projects.” "Ashley has done an excellent job of building Sullivan & Worcester's practice as well as her own reputation and quality of work." Cameron Cosby – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). “Cameron Cosby is commended for his strength across the REIT tax space, with notable experience of formations, M&A and debt and equity offerings.” "He is one of the most well-respected REIT tax lawyers. Cam's decades of experience advising REITs in all asset classes makes him unique among REIT tax lawyers. He is able to navigate complex and contentious transactions with no drama." David Guadagnoli – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). “David Guadagnoli is an accomplished employee benefits practitioner, with notable expertise on the tax aspects of retirement plans and welfare benefits. He is also known for negotiating employment and severance agreements.” "His knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge is the best I have come across during my years." Will Hanson – Private Equity: Fund Formation. “William Hanson of Sullivan & Worcester advises both sponsors and investors on the formation of private equity funds targeting a wide range of sectors, with a particular focus on the food and beverage industry." Will Hanson is knowledgeable, efficient and listens patiently when we discuss issues. He ensures that what we need is appropriate to our business plan." Richard Jones – Tax (Massachusetts). “Richard Jones provides transactional advice and litigation counsel to his clients across a broad range of sectors. He is noted for his expertise in relation to state and local tax matters.” David Leahy – Registered Funds (Nationwide). “David Leahy is valued for his astute advice to independent trustees and directors of mutual funds, closed-end funds and ETFs.” "David is always knowledgeable, with a plethora of experience." David Mahaffey – Registered Funds (Nationwide). “David Mahaffey is best known for his high-level representation of independent trustees for ETFs and open- and closed-end funds.” "David is an industry exemplar with his breadth of experience and in-depth industry knowledge. He is very much a problem solver with a can-do attitude." Stephanie Monaco – Investment Funds: Regulatory and Compliance (Nationwide). “Stephanie Monaco of Sullivan & Worcester frequently advises both private and registered fund clients on SEC and ’40 Act compliance. She brings experience of working in the hedge funds sector to her private practice.” Louis Monti – REITs (Nationwide). “Louis Monti represents REIT clients in NYSE and NASDAQ-related matters. His work often includes a broad range of tax, corporate and wider finance matters.” Ameek Ashok Ponda – Tax (Massachusetts) and REITs: Tax (Nationwide). “Ameek Ashok Ponda's global transactional REIT practice regularly sees him handling REIT conversions as well as M&A.” "Ameek is a great leader in the industry and helps provide detailed advice – highly trusted." Domenick Pugliese – Registered Funds (Nationwide). “Domenick Pugliese's broad capabilities enable him to handle ETFs and mutual funds matters, with particular expertise in advising independent trustees.” Nicole Rives – Private Equity, Fund Formation (Massachusetts). “Nicole Rives of Sullivan & Worcester has a broad-based private equity practice that sees her acting on behalf of both sponsors and institutional investors.” Gregory Sampson – Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Massachusetts). “Gregory Sampson has experience across a range of real estate matters including permitting, developments, entitlements and loans.” "Greg Sampson is super smart. He continues to do wonderful things in land use development." Amy Sheridan – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). “Amy Sheridan has a broad practice and regularly advises on tax compliance, as well as assisting with transactional matters. She is also well-versed in deferred compensation plans.” "Amy is exceptional in all facets of ERISA. I trust her technical skills and professionalism." Douglas Stransky – Tax (Massachusetts). “Douglas Stransky has experience advising on complex domestic and international tax planning for clients across finance, life sciences and other sectors. He leads Sullivan's international tax practice group.” "Doug's deep knowledge of the law is matched by a sharp strategic mindset and exceptional attention to detail." Sarah Wellings – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). “Sarah Wellings is an up-and-coming practitioner at Sullivan & Worcester who is highly regarded for her REIT tax practice. Sarah is active acting as tax counsel in REIT compliance matters.” "Sarah is detail-oriented, proactive and a true partner. She is excellent and patient with educating clients regarding matters." Amy Zuccarello – Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts). “Amy Zuccarello focuses her practice on the area of corporate trust. She often serves as counsel to creditors and debtors in Chapter 11 bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings.” "Amy is always timely, conscientious and practical." Practices/Client Comments Banking & Finance – "The team provided creative advice in complex situations." Bankruptcy/Restructuring – "Sullivan & Worcester have a breadth of knowledge and the ability to provide necessary advice." Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation – "Sullivan & Worcester's attorneys have tremendous knowledge and the ability to share that knowledge in a clear, concise manner that assures understanding." Litigation: General Commercial – "Sullivan & Worcester is exceptional when it comes to complex litigation." Real Estate – "Sullivan's local knowledge, general expertise and good people distinguishes it." Registered Funds – "Sullivan & Worcester's team is very experienced and well-versed in a variety of topics." REITs – "Sullivan & Worcester are always available, proactive and extremely thorough. They provide practical advice, quickly analyzing changes to deal structure and recalling minute details along the way." Tax – "Sullivan & Worcester resolve issues efficiently and shows commitment to client satisfaction." About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a premier international law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service.
Sullivan & Worcester Ranked in Chambers USA 2025 Edition
Boston, MA – Sullivan & Worcester has announced that its practice groups and attorneys have been highly ranked by Chambers USA in its annual rankings of the foremost law firms and attorneys in the country. In the 2025 guide, Sullivan Partner Louis Monti was newly ranked nationwide, and Sarah Wellings was newly ranked in the Up & Coming category. Partner Ameek Ashok Ponda retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax and a Band 1 ranking in Massachusetts for Tax. Partner Cameron Cosby also retained a Band 1 nationwide ranking for REITs: Tax. Partner Amy Sheridan was elevated to Band 1 and Partner David Guadagnoli retained a Band 1 ranking in Massachusetts for Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation. Partner Stephanie Monaco retained a Band 1 ranking nationwide in Investment Funds Regulatory & Compliance. Each year, the Chambers USA guide ranks firms and attorneys based on in-depth research, as well as client and peer interviews. Chambers evaluates attorneys based on their legal knowledge and experience, ability and effectiveness, and client service. Sullivan Practice Group Nationwide Rankings Registered Funds REITs Sullivan Practice Group Regional Rankings Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts) Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts) Litigation: General Commercial (Massachusetts) Real Estate (Massachusetts) Tax (Massachusetts) Individual Rankings/Client Comments Ashley Brooks – Real Estate (Massachusetts). She leads Sullivan’s Real Estate Group and manages a Boston-based practice. She represents a broad range of clients, including international developers, institutional investors, government agencies, and public and private companies on all aspects of commercial development, debt and equity structures, acquisitions and dispositions, and leasing transactions. Cameron Cosby – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). Cosby advises clients on complex tax issues, with a focus on the REITs, partnership and real estate industries. "He has lots of experience in the space, is a creative lawyer and a go to for someone looking for tax counsel." Patrick Dinardo – Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts). Dinardo is co-director of the Litigation Department and represents clients in complex contract, trust and estate, and insolvency-related issues. "He's a fantastic bankruptcy lawyer, strategist and tactician." David Guadagnoli – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). Guadagnoli is widely known for his experience with tax aspects of retirement plans and welfare benefits and for his skill in negotiating employment and severance agreements. "David is thorough and consultative in his approach. He is a great partner to the business." Richard Jones – Tax (Massachusetts). He leads Sullivan’s Tax Group and represents clients in state and local tax litigation and controversies and transactional planning related to personal income, sales and use tax. "If you give him a good case, he will know how to win it through effective advocacy." David Leahy – Registered Funds (Nationwide). He advises investment advisors and independent directors of a wide range of funds on regulatory compliance matters related to federal laws. "David balances the role of being an advocate with good commercial sense." David Mahaffey – Registered Funds (Nationwide). He is managing partner of Sullivan’s D.C. office and is widely regarded for his work with independent trustees for ETFs and open-end funds. "David is very knowledgeable and he listens to the client." Stephanie Monaco – Investment Funds: Regulatory and Compliance (Nationwide). She advises investment management firms on a wide range of regulatory compliance issues related to business inception, SEC registration and transactional matters. "She has a great business sense of the law and understands its practical application. She is a strong advocate and defends our position with accuracy." Louis Monti – REITs (Nationwide). He represents public and private companies in a wide range of real estate transactions, with a focus on REITs. "Louis is a fantastic lawyer, who is strong technically and easy to work with. His awesome disposition helps to keep difficult deals on track." Ameek Ashok Ponda – Tax (Massachusetts) and REITs: Tax (Nationwide). He is director of the firm’s Tax Department. His practice focuses on domestic and international taxation, and he is nationally known for his work in REIT conversions and REIT cross-border matters. "Ameek's sophisticated handling of legal issues, coupled with his profound grasp of the commercial REIT landscape, enables him to offer strategic, business-focused advice." Domenick Pugliese – Registered Funds (Nationwide). He has four decades of experience representing mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and their boards of directors. Regarded as a pioneer in the ETF space, he represents a wide range of ETFs of all product types. Nicole Rives – Private Equity, Fund Formation (Massachusetts). She leads the firm’s Private Investment Funds and Institutional Investor Groups and advises clients on all aspects of private investment fund formation. She also works with investors and investment managers in alternative asset classes, particularly timberland and agriculture. Gregory Sampson – Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (Massachusetts). He leads Sullivan’s Permitting & Land Use and Energy, Infrastructure & Sustainability Practice Groups. He advises clients on all aspects of real estate development, including transactions, financing and permitting and public approvals. "Gregory has really deep knowledge particularly on the regulatory side. He has an environmental planning background which really helps in his permitting advice." Amy Sheridan – Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Massachusetts). She is widely regarded for her work with companies in designing, structuring and addressing compliance issues related to compensation and benefits plans. "Amy is strong on ERISA and executive compensation work for private companies." Douglas Stransky – Tax (Massachusetts). He leads Sullivan's International Tax Group and concentrates his practice on international tax planning for clients in a wide range of industries with a particular emphasis on U.S.-based clients investing in foreign jurisdictions. "He has great tax expertise and is able to communicate complex concepts in an understandable manner. He has vast knowledge of international tax law and is incredibly responsive." Sarah Wellings – REITs: Tax (Nationwide). She advises public and private REITs, both domestic and foreign, in a wide range of industries. She focuses on structuring and compliance matters, including cross-border transactions. “Sarah’s dedication to understanding and addressing client’s needs is unparalleled. Her blend of superior client service, legal expertise and commercial insight sets her apart as a top legal advisor.” Amy Zuccarello – Bankruptcy/Restructuring (Massachusetts). She focuses her practice on corporate trust and represents borrowers and creditors in distressed transactions, bankruptcy proceedings and out-of-court restructurings. Practices/Client Comments Bankruptcy & Restructuring Group – “The Sullivan & Worcester attorneys I work with are very knowledgeable and protective of my interests.” Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation – “Sullivan & Worcester has a deep bench of lawyers and builds teams with expertise to tackle a wide range of complex issues on behalf of our organization.” Litigation Group – “Sullivan & Worcester are experts in specialized matters.” Real Estate – “The team has a great ability to compete real estate transactions. They have a strong team, know where to focus their time and energy and have experience across varying asset cases.” Registered Funds – “They are knowledgeable and see a wide swath of the industry. I am pleased with their advice.” “They are real experts in the fund space and are extremely detail-oriented.” REITs – "The team at Sullivan & Worcester provides timely and complete guidance and solutions. The law firm is quick to rally the necessary resources for complex issues." Tax – “The Sullivan & Worcester tax and corporate departments are experienced, extremely smart and very responsive.” About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a global, mid-sized law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service.