Biography | Roy W. Bjorlin

Roy Bjorlin represents clients in state and federal court in complex litigation matters with high stakes at issue. He vigorously defends individuals and companies against claims involving catastrophic personal injuries. Roy counsels and defends employers against alleged violations of state and federal employment laws. He also handles matters involving alleged professional malpractice, construction accidents and defects, and product liability.

Roy develops strong client relationships, providing clear and concise analysis that leads to cost-effective and favorable resolutions. Earlier in his career, Roy’s experience as a claims professional strengthened his understanding of the insurance industry, coverage issues and the need to be a reliable business partner with insurance companies. Roy began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he tried more than a dozen cases before juries. His experience as a state prosecutor provided him with a strong foundation for his capabilities as a trial attorney, a role he has engaged in and enjoyed for more than a decade.

Areas of Focus

Complex Tort & General Casualty
Roy defends complex tort and general liability matters often involving catastrophic personal injuries and significant economic damages. These actions typically address contractual indemnity claims with a focus on transferring risk or obtaining other insurance coverage for the client in order to reduce potential exposure.

Employment Practices Liability
Roy represents employers and individual managers before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts. He defends discrimination claims based on age, disability, race and gender, as well as harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination claims. He also defends claims brought pursuant to the wage-and-hour laws. In addition, he has advised clients on and litigated matters involving non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements.

Construction
Roy handles construction-related matters, defending against construction defects and construction accident claims. He also represents general contractors, subcontractors and other construction professionals in contract disputes.

Professional Liability
Roy defends lawyers, architects, engineers, accountants and other professionals in claims involving alleged malpractice and breach of fiduciary duties in state and federal courts.

Product Liability
Roy has defended a wide range of products claims, including those involving construction equipment, manufacturing and industrial machinery, HVAC systems, recreation equipment, consumer appliances, medical devices, and municipal water treatment and delivery systems. These cases often involve wrongful death and catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and amputation and paralysis, as well as substantial economic damages.

Education

Suffolk University Law School (J.D., 2006)
College of the Holy Cross (B.A., 2003)

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts
Connecticut

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut

Professional Affiliations

Massachusetts Bar Association
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association

Roy Bjorlin represents clients in state and federal court in complex litigation matters with high stakes at issue. He vigorously defends individuals and companies against claims involving catastrophic personal injuries. Roy counsels and defends employers against alleged violations of state and federal employment laws. He also handles matters involving alleged professional malpractice, construction accidents and defects, and product liability.

Roy develops strong client relationships, providing clear and concise analysis that leads to cost-effective and favorable resolutions. Earlier in his career, Roy’s experience as a claims professional strengthened his understanding of the insurance industry, coverage issues and the need to be a reliable business partner with insurance companies. Roy began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he tried more than a dozen cases before juries. His experience as a state prosecutor provided him with a strong foundation for his capabilities as a trial attorney, a role he has engaged in and enjoyed for more than a decade.

Bjorlin and Garrity Obtain Summary Judgment Defeating Wrongful Death Claim

Roy Bjorlin (Of Counsel-Boston) and Michael Garrity (Associate-Boston) prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in Suffolk Superior Court, Boston, Massachusetts, for Wilson Elser's client, a residential property management company. The case involves a wrongful death action brought by the estate of the decedent, who was a tenant at a property owned and managed by the firm's client. The tenant died in the hospital ten days after suffering smoke inhalation and burn injuries following a stove fire in his apartment. The estate alleged that the client failed to provide adequate smoke detection, alarms and fire suppression equipment. Roy and Mike filed a motion for summary judgment, which the court granted based on insufficient evidence of negligence on the client's part and the inability of the plaintiff's estate to meet its burden of proof at trial.

Roy W. Bjorlin and Michael P. Garrity

Bjorlin Obtains Summary Judgment for Board Member of Start-Up

Roy W. Bjorlin (Of Counsel-Boston, MA) prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in Suffolk County Superior Court in an employment action brought against Wilson Elser’s client, a board member of a Boston-based start-up company. The plaintiff, a former executive with the start-up, alleged violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act by the company, its CEO and the client, and sought to hold the client individually liable for the alleged violations. Following oral argument, the court granted Roy’s motion for summary judgment, concurring with his argument that there was insufficient evidence to prove the client acted as an agent of the company or assumed and accepted significant responsibilities regarding finances or payroll. In its 13-page decision, the court further determined that the client’s role did not satisfy the requirements to hold a non-officer of a company individually liable for a Wage Act violation, as outlined in a 2017 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision.

Roy W. Bjorlin