Robert A. Gelinas

Born: Springfield, Massachusetts, 1930

Education: St. Michael's College, B.S., 1951, Boston University School of Law, J.D., 1953

Practice Areas: Labor Relations; Litigation; College and University Law; Government Strategies

Admissions: 1953, Massachusetts

Miscellaneous Information: Special Assistant Massachusetts Attorney General, 1964-1970. Member, 1971-1976, Chairman, 1976, Federal Wage and Hour Industry Committees - Puerto Rico.

Biography:

Bob Gelinas is a member of the firm’s Litigation/ADR Department and also works with the firm’s Government Strategies, Health Law and Employment Law Practice Groups. Mr. Gelinas focuses his practice in resolving disputes through advice, litigation or alternative dispute resolution in such areas as health care, employment, land use, taxation, and construction.

Mr. Gelinas has long represented the major medical providers in western Massachusetts before various agencies and courts. He has represented nearly all of the major educational institutions in the region regarding issues including labor relations, construction, real estate, and professional and personal conduct. Mr. Gelinas is well known for his expertise in securing federal, state, and local permits, obtaining equitable tax treatment, and otherwise securing the cooperation of government agencies in developing novel or complex projects. These have included large-scale real estate developments, wireless communication expansions, and various types of energy generation and transmission contracts.

A Springfield, Massachusetts native, Mr. Gelinas graduated from St. Michael’s College and Boston University School of Law. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1953. Before commencing his practice in 1957, Mr. Gelinas graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School and served with the Pacific Fleet as a Naval Air Intelligence Officer. He has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General, as a Master for the U.S. District Court, and on various Industry Committees for the U.S. Department of Labor. He has been listed in Best Lawyers In America for many years, and was named in 2004 and 2005 as a Massachusetts “Super Lawyer” in Boston Magazine.

Mr. Gelinas has been an active member of his professional and local communities. He has served as a Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Holyoke (Massachusetts) Community College, as President of the Chicopee (Massachusetts) Community Center, and as Chairman of the United Way Professional Campaign Unit. Mr. Gelinas has been honored for his service by several civic organizations. He is a member of a number of professional associations, and has been a faculty member on numerous continuing legal education programs.