Aside from representing clients and helping them to resolve their legal problems in the quickest and easiest fashion I can, one thing I enjoy doing is explaining law and legal issues to media and large audiences. For some reason, I’ve never had a fear of speaking before large groups of people, and I found out two things very early in my legal career: 1) Most people don’t understand how law comes to be formed, where it comes from, or how the legal system works, and 2) Most people are fascinated with the working of the legal system – more particularly, that is, the court system. Add the criminal legal system into the mix, and people become even more interested. That almost certainly explains the popularity of John Grisham’s legal thrillers, and the seemingly endless popularity of legal entertainment in the media. Television has always been a leading barometer: Whether it was “Perry Mason” a half century ago, “Judd For The Defense” 30 years ago, “LA Law” twenty years ago, “The Practice” ten years ago, or “Boston Legal” and “Damages” today, the viewing public never ceases to be amazed and intrigued by the workings of the American legal system.
I always had a natural talent in articulating complex ideas and topics, so that whoever was listening could understand and connect to those topics. In both high school and college, almost whenever people would listen to me “argue” or advocate a given position, they would almost invariably react with “You know, he’s got a certain way about him; I see his point.” So it was a given, I guess, that some form of advocacy was going to be in my professional future. When I’m not in court or representing clients, I really enjoy commenting on legal and legislative issues in the media: Radio and television are favorites of mine, but I also provide commentary to print news outlets. My first job after I graduated law school, was as media spokesperson and Editor-In-Chief of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA), www.massacademy.com, which is the state chapter of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA, which is now called the American Association for Justice, www.justice.org.) One of my principal jobs there was to be the organization’s voice and face to the media on the subjects of tort law, tort reform and the liability insurance system, and in that capacity I commented almost daily to the general print and broadcast media, as well as to specialty legal news media such as Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, the National Law Journal and Lawyers Weekly USA. I performed the same spokesperson functions later for the liability insurance industry, when I covered New England for the Insurance Information Institute, www.iii.org.
These talents led me to develop the idea to create my own legal talk show on cable television, and I took that idea to the cable TV system that then covered south suburban Boston, Cablevision Systems. They liked the idea, and “At The Bar” was first broadcast in May 1995. For the next nine years, through various cable license transfers to AT&T BroadBand, then to Comcast Cable, At The Bar was broadcast weekly to several towns in south suburban Boston. I was the Executive Producer and Host of this weekly legal talk show, which showcased various cases being covered in the local and national media, and each show featured a guest attorney who was a specialist in a given area. Among my guests were the Attorney General of Massachusetts, District Attorneys, state legislators, and legal reporters. More than anything else, At The Bar was fun. I was never paid a dime – my work was entirely civic volunteerism, but I enjoyed it immensely. When Comcast cable took over the broadcast license for this geographic area in 2004, it terminated local access broadcast programming, and At The Bar, along with other programming, ended. For approximately eight years, I served as a Director of the Westwood Community Access Television Corp. (WestCAT), a non-profit organization that was charged with the responsibility of overseeing the creation and development of a new, independent production company broadcasting quality local access television in Westwood, Massachusetts. This local broadcast organization is now known as Westwood Media Center, and is a thriving source of local television programming, local government affairs access, and local news.
I’ve also taught legal courses at three local colleges: Fisher College in Boston, Newbury College in Brookline, and Massachusetts Bay Community College, in Wellesley. Teaching is a part of my public education skills, and it’s something I enjoy immensely. The courses I’ve taught include Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Introduction to Law and the American Legal System, Business Law, Real Estate Law and Family Law. To bring new knowledge to students who want to learn is a very fulfilling experience. I’d enjoy teaching at a law school someday.
I’m also a blogger, and have two separate blogs that I post regulalrly to: www.bostoncriminalattorneyblog.com, where I regularly write on the subject of criminal law in Massachusetts, and www.bostonaccidentlawyerblog.com, where I write on a variety of injury law and liability issues in Massachusetts. When I’m not writing or commenting about the law, I enjoy working out at the gym and reading history. Staying physically fit is important to me, and I also study a form of Russian military self-defense, called “Combat Sambo.” It helps to balance mind and body, and I study (and practice) this martial art with my beautiful wife, Debbi K. Kickham. Another thing clients or readers may not know about me, is that, with my wife Debbi, I’m also a Travel Editor and Writer. Debbi’s background before we met was as a travel writer and reporter, and through our courtship and marriage, we found ourselves traveling very frequently, to the point where we would both regularly write and edit our stories. Our stories have appeared in several different newspapers, magazines and websites, and if you Google either of our names, you will find various travel stories we’ve written. We’ve been everywhere from Boston to Bora-Bora, all over Europe and the Caribbean. Hawaii and luxury cruises are our specialty areas.
By the way, of all the gifts or all the things I’ve been given, my wife Debbi is by far the most important and valuable of these. I try to live my life and outlook based on (of all things) a magnet we have on our refrigerator. It reads: “Rich Is Not How Much Money You Have. Rich is Who You Have Beside You.”
Practice areas
Domestic Violence OUI/DWI Assault & Battery Shoplifting, Larceny & Theft Crimes Motor Vehicle/Traffic Violations Rape & Sex Offenses Drug Offenses College Student Arrests Harassment Hearings Clerk Magistrate Hearings
30 years, 750 cases
Auto accidents Slip & Fall Accidents Premises Liability/Injuries Premises Liability/Negligent Security/Assaults & Rape Defective Products Medical Malpractice Workers Compensation
30 years, 550 cases
* Provide Advice & counsel on media strategies surrounding high-impact/key civil litigation or criminal cases covered by media * Provide legal commentary & analysis to media outlets covering topical or high-profile cases that are reported nationally and locally
35 years, 300 cases
Languages spoken
English
Law Office of William D. Kickham and Asssociates
119 Fisher Street
Suite One
Westwood, MA, 02090-3618
Mobile Contact Information
Westwood, MA
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MA | Active | 1988 | 09/16/2019 |
Legal answers | 1 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
10 Best | American Institute of Legal Counsel | 2018 |
Who's Who in America | International Who's Who | 2017 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2017 |
Recipient | Outstanding Young Men of America | 1982 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Law Office of William D. Kickham And Associates | 1994 - Present |
Executive Producer and Host | Comcast Cable Televsion | 1995 - 2004 |
Regional Manager | Insurance Information Institute | 1989 - 1994 |
Public Affairs Counsel | Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys | 1985 - 1989 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Bar Association | Member | 2017 - 2018 |
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys | Member | 1989 - 2017 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Suffolk University Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1985 |
Boston College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1980 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
WBZ-AM Radio Boston | Criminal Law | 2017 |
LawNewz.com | Americans with Disabilities Act | 2017 |
LawNewz.com | Criminal Law | 2017 |
The Boston Globe | Animal Cruelty & Abuse | 2013 |
The Boston Herald | White Collar Crime - Political Corruption | 2012 |
The Metro News Boston | Emebezzlement | 2011 |
---|---|---|
WBZ-AM Radio Boston | Murder | 2010 |
The Boston Herald | Rape | 2010 |
Fox TV 25 Boston | Criminal Law | 2009 |
New England Cable Television | Kidnapping | 2008 |
Court TV | Murder Case - Criminal Law | 2008 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Estate of Mildred Reid v. Dean, et. al. | Settled, $250,000 |
Estate of Harry Dugas v. Beverly Enterpises, Inc. | Case Settled Prior To Trial for $300,000 |
Liotta v. East-West Foundation, et. al, | Appeal Still Pending |
Jung v. Zurich Insurance | Not Yet Concluded |
Commonwealth v. Centrell | Not Guilty |
Posted by Srini
Tue Apr 09 2019
Posted by Karen
Mon Feb 04 2019
Inna Rifman, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Dec 8, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Attorney Kickham is just the right type of an advocate you would want on your side. He is extremely knowledgeable and highly respected in the legal community. Because of of these qualities he is able to secure the best outcomes for his clients.
Patrick Noonan, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have consulted and collaborated with Attorney Kickham on many cases and found him to be a very intelligent, effective, and tireless advocate.
Brendan Carney, Workers compensation Attorney on Dec 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Bill is a passionate advocate for his clients and is well respected by his peers in the legal community.
Thomas Chirokas, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 21, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Bill is an excellent lawyer. He has a great depth of knowledge and is very detail oriented. He cares greatly about his clients and always seeks to get the best result for each client.
Alan Pierce, Workers compensation Attorney on Nov 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Bill is an excellent lawyer- well versed in all areas, held in high esteem by his peers and practices with both a high degree of professionalism as well as civility.
Allison MacLellan, Employment and labor Attorney on Nov 8, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Attorney Kickham is a pleasure to work with and is knowledgeable and fastidious.
Mark Archer, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 7, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Attorney KICKHAM and I have worked on a few criminal and civil matters together. His ability to spot issues and execute defenses strategy is excellent. Attorney KICKHAM works hard to achieve results that clients expect. I'm proud to say; I endorse Attorney William KICKHAM for: Criminal Defense work.
Dino Colucci, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 6, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Bill is exceedingly competent, unfailingly professional and devastatingly effective for his clients. I endorse this lawyer.
Frank Prokos, Litigation Attorney on Nov 5, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Bill and I have worked on numerous personal injury matters over the years. He is very conscientious when working on a case, and strives to obtain the best possible result for a client. The clients that we share have repeatedly told me that they are satisfied with the high level of service and experience that he brings to their case.
Aaron Lazar, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 5, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Attorney Kickham on a case and I can say that he is is a fantastic, hardworking attorney who regularly obtains great results for his clients. I highly recommend him.
Andrew Cowan, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 4, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have had the opportunity to co-counsel criminal cases with Attorney Kickham as well as to consult on cases of his that we did not directly co-counsel. Attorney Kickham is a fiercely dedicated advocate for his clients and pays close attention to every detail. I heartily endorse this attorney.
Paula Motaco-Plouffe, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 13, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I known Attorney Kickham for approximately three years and have had the opportunity to see his work. He is caring and compassionate and truly diligent in his work ethic. I recommend him highly. He is a true professional.
Frank Riccio, Medical malpractice Attorney on Jul 13, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Bill and I have worked on several personal injury cases, together. Some have been fairly straightforward and simple; some more involved and complex. Bill has always been the consummate professional. He is a highly principled lawyer, who always strives to do the right thing for his clients. I am happy to endorse Bill.
James Sperber, Real estate Attorney on May 11, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I worked with Bill on a complicated municipal matter involving our company. Bill was extremely well organized, thorough, and diligent in his work. We acheived the desired results by a large margin in a Town Meeting issue. I would highly recommend Attorney Kickham.
Robert Ambrogi, Arbitration Attorney on Apr 29, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known and respected Bill for more than two decades. We first worked together in the late 1980s when I was editor-in-chief of the statewide legal newspaper Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. At the time, Bill was public affairs counsel and editor in chief of news for the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA), the statewide trial lawyers' organization. For the reporters and editors at MLW, Bill was a well-regarded source of news and commentary about issues affecting the trial bar. He also worked closely with us to prepare a monthly "MATA Page" that we published in MLW as a service to the legal community. Although I have not worked directly with Bill since, I have continued to follow his career. My impression based on our work together is that he is an astute and intelligent lawyer who would be an effective advocate for his clients.
Michael Razza, Elder law Attorney on Mar 18, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have found Bill to be attentive to his cases and to his clients and generally very reliable with high ethical standards. I endorse this lawyer's work.
Anthony Visconti, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 6, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Attorney Kickham on cases where he has brought me in as ancillary counsel in matters outside his normal areas of expertise. I have found that his ethics, his attention to detail, and his concern for his clients' needs are second to none. I strongly recommend this attorney.
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