William W. HaysPartner
Bill has been practicing law since 1971. His practice began in Washington D.C. and then in 1975 he moved back to Massachusetts. Since returning to Massachusetts, Bill's practice has included general civil litigation, zoning law, business and commercial law and probate matters. Additionally, Bill is an experienced arbitrator, mediator and conciliator. He also frequently serves on Medical Malpractice Tribunals for the Superior Court. Bill has tried cases in both state and federal courts for both plaintiffs and defendants. He is admitted to practice in Washington D.C and the state courts of Massachusetts as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Bill graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1967 and the Washington College of Law of American University in 1971. He is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association. Bill is the former co-chair of the District Court Committee and has previously served as Chairperson of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee for the Worcester Bar Association and he is both a member and a participant on the Panel of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association. In addition to Bill's Bar Association participation, he is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys.
Successfully represented partners and minority shareholders in business disputes including dissolution of partnerships and closely held corporations.
Has represented both sellers and buyers in residential and commercial real estate transactions.
Assisted clients in deciding what form of business entity - partnership, LLC, LLP, S-Corporation, C-Corporation - to create to best meet the needs of a new business.
Has drafted dozens of Wills and Trusts, and has handled routine estate planning for clients.
Has regularly and routinely assisted corporations with charter documents, such as articles of organization or bylaws, and with maintenance of corporate records, including annual reports and amendments to corporate filings.
Represented developers before local zoning and permitting boards and handles all aspects of 40A and 40B appeals in Superior Court, Land Court and Appeals Court.
Successfully litigated action to force insurance company to pay claim to homeowners for frozen pipes despite insurance company’s claim that policy was void because homeowners’ failed to maintain adequate heat.
Conducted mediations in all civil litigation areas including personal injury, automobile accidents, business disputes, insurance issues, employment matters, contractor, construction and builder disputes.
Has served as an arbitrator in all civil litigation areas including claims of defective home construction, disputes regarding the extent of personal injury damages and business disputes between shareholders and partners.
Represented attorneys before the Board of Bar Overseers in matters concerning their professional careers.
Represented owner of liquor license before the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission with respect to transfer of liquor license associated with sale of restaurant.
Successfully resolved insurance claim on behalf of home owner who lost house in a fire.
Negotiated disputes between partners, shareholders and family businesses in an effort to reconcile and resolve differences.
Successfully mediated numerous motor vehicle accident and premises liability claims.
Selected as arbitrator to resolve motor vehicle accident and premises liability claims.
Represented clients in grandparent visitation matter before the Probate Court.
Assists clients with the filing of Wills and the probating of estates, including locating and notifying heirs and beneficiaries and preparing court required inventories.
Selected as arbitrator for complex faulty home construction claim.
Successfully represented guardians of mentally ill ward in proceeding regarding involuntary commitment before the Probate Court.
Has served as a court appointed discovery master in discovery disputes that arose during complex litigation.
Has represented Condominium Trust in all aspects of condominium management, including the drafting of condominium bylaws, assisting with the running of annual meetings, advising Trustees regarding duties and obligations and assisting condominium with the collection of fees.
Has represented a large mobile home park in all aspects of the business.
