Notable Cases
Doe v. Diocese of Springfield, Hampden Superior Court Civil Action No. 02-385.
- Represented 46 survivors of clergy abuse against the Diocese of Springfield, settling these cases for $7.75 million, thus achieving the highest per person group settlement of the Diocese and leading to the only indictment of a sitting Bishop in the United States. The firm’s work was featured in a Public Broadcasting film and received frequent attention in the national and international media. Stobierski currently represents 30 additional survivors of the clergy abuse with claims against the Diocese of Springfield and many other survivors of sexual abuse.
Brenda Pratt v. Martineau, 69 Mass. App. Cr. 670 (2007)
- Eighteen-year-old Ryan Perry was watching the movie Pulp Fiction when his best friend retrieved a handgun improperly stored by his roommate. As the friend handled the weapon, it accidentally discharged, killing Perry. The case established law on appeal that a gun owner is liable for the foreseeable harm caused by his gun. After 6 years of litigation and after winning the appeal, the home owner's insurance company offered their full liability policy to settle the case.
Russell v. Osterman Gas, Franklin County Superior Court Civil Action No. 05-00017-A.
- The highest ever jury verdict of $3 million in the history of Hampshire and Franklin County, after three weeks of trial in a gas explosion case. Post trial-motions settled case for $5.25 million.
Greenfield Country Estates v. Deep, 423 Mass.81 (1996).
- Represented elderly and low-income manufactured home owners in an action to own their park after a notorious park owner wrongfully denied them ownership. The case established new law that a judge had the equitable authority to transfer property ownership to the tenants. The firm’s efforts preserved the affordability of 66 units of moderate-income housing in Greenfield.
Franklin v. War Tax Resisters.
- Represented a couple who purchased a home at a tax auction from individuals who refused to pay their taxes in opposition to the United States military policies. The war tax resisters tried to prevent purchasers from occupying the home. Stobierski became enmeshed in a highly publicized debate involving the rule of law and civil disobedience. The case received national attention and has been written about in numerous books.