For Immediate Release

BOSTON, MA, May 20, 2021 – Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice welcomed Alison V. Douglass, Partner at Goodwin Procter LLP, Laura E. Martin, Litigation Associate at Mintz, and Peter P. Tobani, Senior Counsel of Global Retail Markets at Liberty Mutual Insurance, to its Board of Directors on March 25, 2021. Massachusetts Appleseed, a nonprofit organization that advocates for systemic reform in areas such as access to justice, education, and youth homelessness, is pleased to have these three stellar members of the legal community join the Board.

Alison V. Douglass, Goodwin Procter LLP

Alison V. Douglass, Goodwin Procter LLP

Alison Douglass works as a partner in Goodwin’s Complex Business Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Financial Industry Litigation, and ERISA Litigation practices, primarily focusing on commercial litigation in the areas of ERISA, mutual fund, and securities litigation. She brings to the Board extensive pro bono experience from her work as a volunteer with the New England Innocence Project representing incarcerated individuals and serving as a Committee for Public Counsel Services Bar Advocate representing indigent criminal defendants.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity to join the Board of Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice,” said Alison Douglass. “Equal rights and access to justice are causes dear to my heart, and Appleseed is at the forefront of the fight to close critical gaps in services and opportunities available in our community. I look forward to contributing to the Center’s important mission.”

Laura E. Martin, Mintz

Laura E. Martin, Mintz

As a Litigation Associate at Mintz, Laura Martin’s practice encompasses labor and employment litigation, government investigations and enforcement proceedings, internal investigations, and white collar criminal defense for clients in a variety of industries. Ms. Martin’s dedication to expanding access to justice began early in her career when she served as a Student Public Defender with the Committee for Public Counsel Services of the Plymouth County Trial Office and a Law Student Intern for Greater Boston Legal Services’ CORI & Re-Entry Project.

“I am honored and excited to join the Massachusetts Appleseed Board of Directors,” said Laura Martin. “The organization’s broad mission and dedicated staff are the foundation to create much needed changes within our community. I look forward to supporting Massachusetts Appleseed as it strives to improve access to justice for all.”

Peter P. Tobani, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Peter P. Tobani, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Peter Tobani works as corporate counsel for Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Global Retail Markets Strategic Business Unit where, among other things, he provides legal and regulatory guidance to their small commercial underwriting department and Strategic Partnerships Group. Mr. Tobani first came to Massachusetts Appleseed as a volunteer when he joined dozens of fellow attorneys from Liberty Mutual to help create the Massachusetts Homeless Youth Handbook, a know-your-rights resource aimed at helping youth experiencing homelessness understand and exercise their legal rights.

“I am honored and excited to join Massachusetts Appleseed and contribute to their very important mission of addressing systemic injustices throughout the Commonwealth,” Peter Tobani said.

“Alison, Laura, and Peter all bring a wide range of skills and experiences to the Board, but what they share is their absolute commitment to building a future guided by justice and equity,” said Melanie Todman, Chair of the Board. “We are thrilled to welcome them during one of the most difficult and extraordinary times our organization has seen, as our advocacy to meet the rapidly growing needs of our communities continues to gain momentum. To have such exceptional attorneys join us in this work, at this moment, is a true gift.”

About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice:

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. We research the ways in which the justice system, schools, and government agencies are systematically failing our most vulnerable residents. We collaborate with community partners to ensure that recommended plans of action are practical and comprehensive. We advocate for the implementation of solutions that will create lasting change.

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