News

Boston, MA, August 4, 2015 - Day Pitney is pleased to announce that partner Barbara Freedman Wand and associate Sara Colb were named "Top Women of Law" by the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. They are two of the fifty women who will be recognized for great accomplishments in the legal field, which includes pro bono, social justice, advocacy and business. The awards highlight women who are pioneers, educators, trailblazers and role models. The Top Women of Law Awards Dinner will take place on Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Marriot Copley Place Hotel.

"Barbara and Sara are outstanding lawyers who are also outstanding examples of the commitment of all Day Pitney lawyers to their profession and community. Barbara and Sara excel by providing exceptional client service, developing innovative solutions to help clients achieve their goals," said Peter Shapland, head of Day Pitney's Boston office. "In addition, the impact of their work has been gratefully recognized by all those organizations and individuals to whom they provide pro bono legal services."

Wand's practice focuses on sophisticated multi-generational estate planning, estate and trust administration, including service as a trustee, and on the development and implementation of philanthropic programs for individuals, families, family foundations and businesses. She also provides legal counsel and planned giving guidance to non-profit organizations. Wand's commitment to philanthropy extends to long and distinguished service as a volunteer. She is the current chair of the Professional Advisors Committee of The Boston Foundation, a member of the Steering Committee of the Women's Executive Council of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and is also a member of The Miriam Fund created by Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Wand is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Colb's practice is focused on commercial and complex civil litigation, including contract disputes, products and professional liability defense, shareholder litigation and securities litigation. She has substantial experience representing clients in state and federal courts, as well as before arbitration tribunals, in a wide range of complex matters. Colb maintains a deep commitment to pro bono service, representing indigent clients in both civil and criminal matters.

Recent matters include representing prisoners seeking to establish their innocence through DNA testing and other investigative leads, and assisting parents from low-income populations to obtain the necessary special education services for their children. Colb is also a dedicated advocate for diversity. She has served on Day Pitney's Diversity Committee for three years, active in its efforts to promote diversity at the firm, as well as in the legal profession, and is a member of the leadership committee of the Day Pitney Alliance, an action group dedicated to LGBT issues. Colb is also the co-chair of the Philanthropy Committee of the Federal Bar Association, Massachusetts Chapter, which organizes and sponsors volunteer and service events for members of the federal bar to give back to the community.