Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
12 Client Reviews
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Mala Rafik
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About Mala
Biography
Mala is the managing partner at Rosenfeld & Rafik, P.C., a law firm in New England representing clients denied access to health care as well as individuals seeking short- and long-term disability, life and long-term care benefits from private insurance carriers. Mala’s clients are typically individuals with debilitating chronic illnesses and disabilities for whom she has achieved several pivotal litigation victories in state and federal court. She has also has represented several nonprofit organizations whose mission is to foster or provide excellent health care for people in Massachusetts.
Mala is a past Chair of the Insurance Law Section of the American Association for Justice, a Vice-Chair of the Health and Disability Law Committee and a Vice-Chair of the Life Insurance General Committee within the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association, a Sub-Committee Co-Chair of the Employee Benefits Committee of the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Section, a co-chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Massachusetts Chapter of the Employment Law, Social Security & Disability Law Committee, a member of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers Board of Governors, a Fellow of the American Bar Association, a member of the Health Law Section Council of the Massachusetts Bar Association, and a former member of the Juvenile and Child Welfare Section Council and General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section Council of the Massachusetts Bar Association, a former member of the Boston Bar Association Council, a former Chair and current member of the Legal Referral Services section of the Boston Bar Association, and a former Chair of the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Section of the Boston Bar Association. She is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of Health Law Advocates, a member of the Board of Directors of Prisoner’s Legal Services and a member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. Mala has been both a Massachusetts Rising Star and Super Lawyer in Boston Magazine since 2007, and was named a 2006 Up & Coming Lawyer, a 2012 Top Women of Law honoree and a 2015 Circle of Excellence honoree by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. From 2013 to 2017, Mala has been named one of the top 50 women lawyers in Massachusetts by Super Lawyers. From 2014 to 2017, Mala was named one of the top 50 women lawyers in New England and one of the top 100 lawyers in Massachusetts by Super Lawyers. In 2015, Mala was honored as one of the top 100 lawyers in New England by Super Lawyers.
Mala taught Disability Law at New England Law and is a graduate of Colby College and Northeastern University School of Law.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Employee Benefits
40%
28 years
Insurance
40%
Health Insurance
20%
28 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 28 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Mala online.
Mala Rafik's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jason | April 5, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best there is!
Mala has handled my long term disability claim since 2002. She is always reachable, gives great advice and can be hard nosed as needed but is always trying to find ways to resolve and avoid conflict. In my case she has rectified 4 issues over the 15 year period she has handled my claim with my insura...
Posted by John | October 9, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent counselor
I worked with Mala on a disability claim. I wanted to evaluate the risk areas and work to mitigate them. Mala effectively worked with me to identify and reduce risk areas. She was also great at adapting her approach to my style, as I wanted to be fairly hands on. Finally the billing process was f...
Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Mala was great!
Mala was excellent with her clear direction on what to do in my situation. She even said I could reference her name while contacting an organization that might be able to assist with my case. She's the only one that gave this type of distinct instruction, although I contacted many attorneys on this...
Posted by Judith | August 21, 2014
Mala Rafik is an exceptional attorney!
I believe that Mala is truly one of the most exceptional and talented attorneys in this country. She is an amazing woman who has made her personal and professional life's mission fighting for the rights of those in need. I am truly honored to have Mala as my attorney, and friend.
Posted by Yocheved | November 11, 2013
I can only echo what other reviews have said: Mala is an outstanding lawyer and person.
All of the other reviews posted here rightly sing Mala's praises, and I will do the same. It is actually hard to find the right words - the adequate words to describe this wonderful human being. Mala is such a savvy, and brilliant attorney, and she makes it all look so simple. And with a large cas...
Mala Rafik's Lawyer Endorsements
"Not only is Mala an excellent attorney, she is a kind and helpful person. If you're her client, you know that she cares about your case and will work hard to get it resolved in the best way possible."
"I have known Mala for several years, and am familiar with her work and her results in both ERISA and first party insurance claims. She is a brilliant and tireless advocate for the disabled. I give her my highest endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a stand out long term disability lawyer. She is the expert in LTD cases and I defer to her at all times for her knowledge in the area."
"I am proud to endorse Mala on Avvo. She is a very skilled lawyer who really cares about her clients. That is one reason that I have referred individuals who need help with disability claims to her for many years."
Bruce Lipsey
Workers compensation lawyer
Scott Goldberg
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
2022 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2022
Top 100: 2022 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2022
Top 50: 2022 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Top Lawyers of 2021, Boston Magazine
2021
2021 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Top 100: 2021 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Top 50: 2021 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Top 50: 2020 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Top 100: 2020 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
2020 BCIL Marie Feltin Award Honoree, Boston Center for Independent Living
2020
2020 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2019
Top 100: 2019 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2019
Top 50: 2019 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2019
2019 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 50: 2018 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2018
Dr. Jim O’Connell Award, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Inc.
2018
2018 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 100: 2017 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 50: 2017 Women New England Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 50: 2017 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
2017 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 50: 2017 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 100: 2017 New England Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 50: 2016 Women New England Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100: 2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 50: 2016 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
Circle of Excellence Honoree, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
2015
Top 50: 2015 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100: 2015 New England Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 50: 2015 Women New England Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100: 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 50: 2014 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 50: 2014 Women New England Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100: 2014 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2014
2014 Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2013
2013 Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
2013 Top 50 Women Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2012
2012 Super Lawyers, Massachusetts Super Lawyers
2012
2012: New England Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2012
2012 Top Women of Law, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
2011
2011 Super Lawyers, Massachusetts Super Lawyers
2011
2011 Massachusetts Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Client Reviewed, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
2010 Massachusetts Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2009
2009 Massachusetts Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2008
2008 Massachusetts Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2007
2007 Massachusetts Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2006
Up & Coming Lawyers, Massachusetts Lawyer's Weekly
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Managing Partner, Rosenfeld & Rafik, P.C.
2011 - 2013
Adjunct Professor, New England School of Law
1997 - 1998
Intake Attorney, American Civil Liberties Association of Massachusetts
1997 - 1998
Program Director, Women's Rights Network
Associations
2017 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationHealth Law Section Council
2016 - Present
American Bar AssociationFellow
2016 - Present
Massachusetts Academy of Trial AttorneysBoard of Governors
2015 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationCo-Chair Mass Chapter of the Employment Law Committee
2015 - Present
Massachusetts Legal Assistance CorporationBoard of Directors
2015 - Present
American Bar AssociationVice-Chair, Life Insurance Section
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationDiversity Vice-Chair, Trial and Insurance Practice Section
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationSub-Committee Chair, Employee Benefits Committee
2012 - Present
Health Law AdvocatesChair, Board of Directors
2011 - Present
Boston Bar AssociationMentor
2008 - Present
American Bar Association, Health and Disability Law SectionVice-Chair
2004 - Present
Prisoner's Legal ServicesBoard Member
Boston Bar Association
Member
Massachusetts Bar Association
Member
American Association for Justice
Member
American Bar Association
Member
2013 - 2016
Boston Bar AssociationChair, LRS Review Committee
2012 - 2013
American Association for JusticeImmediate Past Chair, Insurance Law Section
2011 - 2012
American Bar AssociationImmediate Past Chair, Health and Disability Law Section
2008 - 2013
Boston Bar AssociationSteering Committee Member, Civil Rights Civil Liberties Section
2008 - 2011
Boston Bar AssociationCouncil Member
2006 - 2008
Boston Bar AssociationCo-Chair, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Section
2005 - 2012
Massachusetts Advocates for ChildrenBoard Member
2000 - 2010
American Civil Liberties Union of MassachusettsBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Host v. First Unum Life Insurance Company
Hatfield v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc.,
Hatfield v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc.,
Young v. Aetna Life Ins. Co
McDonough v. Aetna Life Ins. Co
Al-Abbas v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co.
Doe v. Unum Life Ins. Co. of Am
Cannon v. Aetna Life Ins. Co
Colby v. Union Security Insurance Company
Sanderson v. Continental Casualty Company
Glista v. Unum Life Insurance Co. of America
Ritter v. Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company
Sanderson v. Continental Casualty Company
Doe v. Raytheon Company
Skipper v. Claims Services International
Cowern v. Prudential Insurance Company of America
2015
Education
1997
Northeastern University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
Colby College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1990
The Madeira School
Speaking Engagements
2017
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee Annual Conference
Privacy, Pets, And Possibilities – Making Integrated Care Work – For Attorneys and Advocates
2017
Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association
Short-Term-Disability Benefits, Long-Term-Disability Benefits and Coordination with Other Benefits and Settlements Under the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974
2017
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers Annual Convention
Short- and Long-Term Disability Benefits and The Interplay with Social Security Disability Claims
2017
American Bar Association Webinar
The Revised Disability Claims Regulations: Where Are the Minefields?
2017
American Association for Justice Annual Convention
Recent ERISA Decisions and How to Use Them in Your Practice
2017
American Association for Justice Annual Convention
Office Management and Cost Saving Strategies for Running a Disability Law Firm
2017
43rd Annual TIPS Mid-Winter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
Make Insurance Great Again: Claims Trends and Evolving Issues Involving Contestable Claims
2017
2017 Midwinter Meeting of the Employee Benefits Committee
New Disability Regulations
2016
The National Association for Proton Therapy, National Proton Conference
Access to Care: The Patient Legal Advocate’s Perspective
2016
Massachusetts Bar Association Annual Health Law Symposium
Mental Health Parity
2016
Health Law Advocates Annual Training
The ERISA Internal Appeals Process
2016
Boston Bar Association
Solo & Small Firm Strategies for Success
2016
American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law’s Employee Benefits Committee Midwinter Meeting
External Review Pros and Cons: Perspectives of the Plan and Claimant
2016
ABA Joint Committee on Employee Benefits
Introduction to ERISA: An Overview
2016
42nd Annual TIPS Mid-Winter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
Death of a Salesman? The Regulatory and Litigation Risk Facing Life Insurance Companies
2015
Workers Compensation Alphabet Soup
Handling Long-Term Disability Claims
2015
American Bar Association, Joint Committee on Employee Benefits
Introduction to ERISA: An Overview
2015
American Bar Association, EBC Midwinter Meeting
Benefit and Fiduciary Claims, The Impact of Procedural Issues on Drafting Litigation and Plan Documents
2015
American Association for Justice Annual Convention
Making Sure Your Insurance Coverage Case has Legs
2015
41st Annual TIPS Mid-Winter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
The Value of Peer Review Medical Reports For Evaluating Subjective Symptoms Claims
2014
Long-Term Disability Benefits Advanced Seminar
Litigation of Long Term Disability Claims
2014
Long-Term Disability Benefits Advanced Seminar
Benefits Administration
2014
Health Law Advocates Annual Training
The ERISA Internal Appeals Process
2014
American Association for Justice Annual Convention
Proving Fibromyalgia Claims
2014
40th Annual TIPS Mid-Winter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
How to Handle a Health Care Case Under the Affordable Care Act
2014
2014 Winter Convention
Strategies for Winning at the Claims Level
2013
Long-Term Disability Benefits Advanced Seminar
Litigation of Long Term Disability Claims
2013
Long Term Disability Benefits Advanced Seminar
Applications for Disability Benefits
2013
2013
Health Law Section, Massachusetts Bar Association
Risk of Relapse as a Disability and the Mental Health Parity Implications
2013
American Association for Justice, Annual Convention
Malpractice Tips for Lawyers Considering Long Term Disability Claims
2013
15th National Conference on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims
Subjective Disorders: Objective Proof for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Chronic Lyme Disease and Mental Illness
2012
Northeastern University School of Law
Finding a Way: Public Interest Lawyering in a Solo or Small Firm Practice
2012
2012
Health Law Conference
Careers in Health Law, Health Systems In Reform
2012
ERISA Advisory Council, United States Department of Labor
Testimony, Hearing on Managing Disability Risks in an Environment of Individual Responsibility
2012
American Association for Justice Annual Convention
The Psychology of Mediating Insurance Disputes and Bad Faith Cases
2012
38th Annual TIPS Mid-Winter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
Is Every Case “The Rainmaker?” Practical Approaches to Conflict Discovery in ERISA Cases: A View from Both Sides of the Aisle
2012
14th National Advanced Forum on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims
Innovative Pre-Trial Strategies for Disability Insurance Claims: Settlement, Mediation, Attorney’s Fees and More
2011
Teleseminar
Cigna Corp. v. Amara—The Supreme Court Greenlights an Opportunity To Obtain Make Whole Relief Previously Barred Under ERISA
2011
National Institute on ERISA Basics
Benefits Claims: Litigation
2011
National Institute on ERISA Basics
A Baker's Dozen: Claims Review Steps from Start to Finish
2011
American Association for Justice, Annual Convention
Managing Your Firm to Handle Both SSDI and ERISA Claims
2011
37th Annual TIPS Midwinter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
Legal versus Factual Disabilities and the Risk of Relapse as Disabling Conditions
2011
2011 Life Health Disability And Erisa Claims Seminar
The Psychology of Mediation
2011
2011 Annual AAJ Convention
Managing Your Firm to Handle Both SSDI and ERISA Claims
2010
Nationwide Teleconference/Audio Web Cast
Supreme Court Update on ERISA Issues
2010
National Institute on ERISA Basics
ERISA Subrogation Claims
2010
National Institute on ERISA Basics
Benefits Claims: Litigation
2010
Boston Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
Current Challenges In Disability Discrimination Cases And The Interrelationship Between Disability Benefits And Discrimination Claims
2010
American Bar Association, Joint Committee on Employee Benefits
Supreme Court Update on ERISA Issues
2010
AAJ 2010 Annual Convention
Practical Tips for Handling Health Insurance Claims
2010
36th Annual TIPS Midwinter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
Top Ten Changes for Life, Health and Disability Insurance Litigation
2010
12th National Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference
ERISA Discovery
2009
Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference
Disability Insurance Litigation
2009
Disability Claims in a Down Economy
Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims
2009
35th Annual TIPS Midwinter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits
ERISA Disability Litigation
2008
Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference
Disability Insurance Litigation
2008
ERISA Litigation
ERISA Disability Litigation
2007
Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference
Disability Insurance Litigation
2007
Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Conference
Alternative Dispute Resolution
2007
AAJ Annual Conference
ERISA Updates - The Year in Review
2005
Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference
Disability Insurance Litigation
2005
Elder and Disability Law Conference
Health Care Access
2004
Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference
Disability Insurance Litigation
2004
Health Care and Disability Litigation Group
Strategies for Winning at the Claims Level and for Developing the Possible Record
2003
Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference
Disability Insurance Litigation
Publications
2013
Elder Law Answers
Checklist for Negotiating With an Insurer for Medical Coverage
2010
ABA TortSource
New Day Dawning in American Health Care
2010
AAJ Insurance Law Section Newsletter
The ERISA Internal Appeals Process
2009
The Practical Litigator
Objective Evidence In Disability Claims
Languages
English