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William D. Kickham

William D. Kickham

The Law Offices of William D. Kickham and Associates
  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI, Personal Injury ...
  • Massachusetts
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Biography

Attorney William Kickham has more than 20 years of legal practice from diverse positions in law and media, providing counsel on a wide range of legal and trial issues, in both the civil and criminal arenas. Mr. Kickham presently practices law in his own firm in Westwood, Massachusetts, and until recently was the Executive Producer and host of his own TV talk show, At The Bar, previously broadcast on the Comcast network in the suburban Boston market, discussing a variety of legal and litigation issues within Massachusetts and nationally.

In his diverse legal roles, Mr. Kickham has served as the New England Regional Manager for the Insurance Information Institute, a nationwide trade association of liability insurance companies. In this capacity, Mr. Kickham acted as the Institute’s chief spokesperson to all media, industry and opposition groups having an interest in the industry’s legal and litigation issues. Within his role, Mr. Kickham worked with and appeared in all major print, radio and television media throughout New England, as well as in national publications such as USA Today, The National Law Journal, Lawyers Weekly USA, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

Prior to his association with the Institute, Mr. Kickham served as Public Affairs Counsel for the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA), in Boston. MATA is a specialty bar association, and is the state chapter of the American Association for Justice, (for many years formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA). Mr. Kickham was responsible for media relations on all legal and trial issues, insurance liability, tort reform and civil justice issues. He directed all media coverage and commentary for the association, and served as Editor-In-Chief of all news operations. He regularly appeared in major print and broadcast media, regionally and nationally.

While attending Suffolk University Law School, Mr. Kickham also served on the House Judiciary Committee within the Massachusetts House, where he was Communications Coordinator for legal and legislative matters before the Committee. Prior to entering Suffolk Law School, Mr. Kickham directed media relations and communications strategy within a statewide coalition to reform auto insurance in Massachusetts, where he communicated complex legislative issues to a wide variety of media. Mr. Kickham is a former Special Assistant District Attorney for Norfolk County in Massachusetts, and has tried numerous criminal cases, as both prosecutor and defense counsel.

Mr. Kickham holds a degree in Economics from Boston College, and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. He is a member of the Massachusetts and Federal Bars, was a 1982 award recipient from the Outstanding Young Men of America, and a scholarship recipient from Suffolk University Law School. In addition to serving as the host of his own talk show, At The Bar from1995 to 2005, Mr. Kickham has appeared as legal analyst and commentator on Court TV, and appeared as spokesperson and legal commentator in The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, WBZ-AM Radio, WCVB-TV, WBZ-TV, WHDH-TV, and New England Cable News, discussing a wide variety of legal issues and organizations. In addition, he has worked with such national news organizations as USA Today and 60 Minutes, in briefing researchers and producers on legal issues.

Mr. Kickham resides with his wife Debbi in Westwood, Massachusetts.

Education
Suffolk University Law School
J.D. (1985) | Law
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Trustee Scholarship Recipient
Suffolk University Law School Logo
Boston College
B.S. (1980) | Economics
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Professional Experience
Managing Partner
The Law Offices of William D. Kickham, ESQ and Associates
- Current
Principal, Attorney William D. Kickham, Westwood, MA. Provide legal & communications counsel in areas of corporate communications, media relations, and policy issues for advocacy, legal & business organizations. - Provide litigation and legal counsel to businesses and individuals within general practice. - Communicate legal and public policy issues with media news editors and reporters. - Manage interest group communications and government relations. - Occasional Court TV and Print/Broadcast Media Legal Analyst
Board of Directors
Westwood Community Access Television Corp.
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Served on Board of Directors of Community Cable Television corporation. Responsible for contributing to oversight of budget, programming, staffing and management.
Host and Executive Producer
Comcast Television Network
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Television Show Host, At The Bar, Comcast Cable Television Network. Serve as Executive Producer and Host of Comcast television programming, reporting on legal, business & finance issues. • Talk show featuring prominent guests within monthly 30-minute televised legal news format. • Deliver analysis & commentary of current legal & financial issues. • Originate, write & edit all news material, covering legal, financial and consumer issues.
Regional Manager
Insurance Information Institute
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Regional Manager of Communications, Insurance Information Institute. Directed Media and Public Relations for New England office of national liability insurance association. Managed corporate communications, message development and media/community relations. • Created & executed Strategic Communications/Marketing Program for six-state region, producing 75% increase in positive media coverage. • Produced & communicated Tort Reform Impact Program to media & regulators, resulting in significant business legislative reform & expansion of industry earnings by 40%. • Spearheaded industry Community Outreach Program, creating strategic business alliances. • Wrote/edited all press releases and communications on legal & liability issues; made all media appearances as organizational spokesperson
Public Affairs Counsel
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys
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Public Affairs Counsel, Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. Directed media and external relations involving legal issues, state & federal court system, and tort & insurance law for bar association. Managed news writing and communications agenda before press, legislators, and interest groups. • Created new Media Relations Department, producing 100% increase in message recognition. • Appeared as Spokesperson to all press and electronic media, producing regular visibility. • Provided media training and coaching to all Board leadership making media appearances • Wrote/edited all Op-eds, speeches and publications as Editor-In-Chief on legal issues.
Communications Coordinator
Joint Committee on the Judiciary, Massachusetts House of Representatives
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Communications Coordinator, Joint Committee on the Judiciary, Massachusetts House of Representatives, Boston. Developed media kits concerning legislation impacting liability of business organizations. • Re-designed press release format for 50% increased content accuracy & message efficacy. • Developed effective relationships with over 12 major print & electronic news organizations, producing 75% increase in positive news coverage of committee operations.
Certifications
Massachusetts District Court Criminal Defense
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Awards
Award
Outstanding Young Men of America
Award given to young men between ages of 18 -25 who have demonstated outstanding civic and/or charitable involvement in their communities.
Who's Who in America
International Who's Who
Professional Associations
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys
Member
Current
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American Association for Justice
Member
Current
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Rotary Club of Westwood Massachusetts
Member
Current
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Rotary International
Member
- Current
Activities: Member of Westwood, Massachusetts chapter of international organization dedicated to charitable and philanthropic efforts, both locally and internationally.
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Westwood Community Access Television Corp.
Director
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Activities: Served on Board of Directors developing and overseeing creation, organization and operational policy development of community access television system within town of Westwood, Massachusetts.
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Massachusetts
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1st Circuit
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U.S. District Court, First District, Massachusetts
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Nursing Home Abuse
Asbestos & Mesothelioma
Construction Law
Construction Contracts, Construction Defects, Construction Liens, Construction Litigation
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Traffic Tickets
Suspended License
White Collar Crime
Workers' Compensation
Consumer Law
Class Action, Lemon Law
Landlord Tenant
Evictions, Housing Discrimination, Landlord Rights, Rent Control, Tenants' Rights
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Additional Practice Areas
  • Car Accidents
  • Insurance Bad Faith
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Written
Legal Answers
Q. Boyfriend is in litigation with an old business partner/girlfriend. She was granted an order of protection against him.
A: I'm surprised that your question says that "His attorneys are making it sound like he has no chance". It's not clear to me if those attorneys are licensed in AZ or MA, but my professional opinion - based on the information you've provided above - is that the person has a more than fair chance of defeating an extension order here.

First, some statutory and procedural background of Massachusetts law in this regard: I'm not 100% sure what you mean in reference to "OOP" above, but in MA a "restraining order" as they are commonly referred to, is technically called an "Abuse Prevention Order". These orders are governed by M.G.L. Ch. 209A, and are also, within the courts and police departments, referred to as "209A Orders". Anyone can go to any District Court in MA and apply for such an Order - it merely involves filling out a standard form, along with an accompanying affidavit outlining the reasons the Order is sought. Almost always that same day, the applicant will be heard on the application before a judge "Ex Parte". This means without the opposing (or accused) party being present. Given the politically hot topic of domestic violence, about 95% or more of Ex Parte 209A orders are granted -- but they are almost always Temporary Orders; They are granted Ex Parte are usually for a period of approximately ten (10) days, after which the Temporary Order will expire if it is not made "permanent" (usually a period of one year) at a hearing scheduled near the end of that ten day period, which both parties are summoned to. The accused is served written notice of the Temporary, usually by a police officer, at his/her residence or work address, giving the accused the date, time and court location where a second hearing will be held with both parties present. The purpose of this second hearing, of course, is to give the accused notice and opportunity to be heard before the Temporary Order is acted on through either dismissal or extension.

To legalities: The issue of whether or not these two people were in a "dating relationship" is primary to your question, because if they were in fact NOT in such a relationship at the time of the alleged act(s), then M.G.L. Ch. 209A would not apply, because that statute applies to defined "family members" and to parties in a "dating relationship". If the relationship element is not proven, it precludes issuance of an Abuse Prevention Order. Thus, on an evidentiary level, evidence to counter that claim could be dispositive.

If that element of the claim could be proven false, it would likely prevent an Abuse Prevention Order from issuing. However, if extension of the 209A is denied, the accuser could use another statute, but that would pose a higher bar for the accuser to reach in order to obtain "relief". That legal avenue would be to seek a "Harassment Protection Order", under M.G.L. Ch. 258E. This law was passed in the wake of a victim being murdered by someone who was stalking her, but that person was not in any kind of a dating relationship with the victim. When the victim sought an Abuse Prevention Order under Ch. 209A, the Order was denied, because the accused was neither a "family member" (defined inside Ch. 209A), nor was the accused in a "dating relationship" with the victim. Therefore the Order was denied and tragically the accused killed the victim.

M.G.L. Ch. 258E (commonly referred to as "the HPO statute" in MA), was designed to address that important gap. However, the accuser would have to prove three (3) separate instances/acts of "abuse, which is a higher bar to reach than under Ch. 209A. Importantly, under both of these statutes, while the issuance of an Order is not a criminal event, alleged violation of the Order is. All that a recipient of such Order need do is merely accuse the defendant of violating the Order, and he/she will be criminally charged with violating the Order.

Thus, I would suggest that this person appear to oppose this matter.
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Websites & Blogs
Website
William D. Kickham's Personal Injury Website Profile
Website
William D. Kickham Personal Injury Website
Website
William D. Kickham's Criminal Defense Website Profile
Website
William D. Kickham Criminal Defense Website
Blog
The Kickham Comment - Boston Criminal Attorney Blog
Blog
The Kickham Comment - Boston Accident Lawyer Blog
Videos
Massachusetts Brain Injury Massachusetts Brain Injury Litigation - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Brain Injury

Massachusetts MBTA Injury Litigation Massachusetts Bus and MBTA Accidents - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts MBTA Injury Litigation

Massachusetts Car/Motor Vehicle Injury Litigation Massachusetts Car & Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Car/Motor Vehicle Injury Litigation

Massachusetts Defective Products Injury Litigation Massachusetts Defective Products & Product Liability Cases - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Defective Products Injury Litigation

Massachusetts Liquor Liability Litigation Massachusetts Liquor Liability Injury Law - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Liquor Liability Litigation

Massachusetts Medical Negligence/Medical Malpractice Litigation Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Cases - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Medical Negligence/Medical Malpractice Litigation

Massachusetts Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Litigation Massachusetts Nursing Home Neglect & Patient Abuse Law - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Litigation

Massachusetts Social Host Alcohol Liability Massachusetts Social Host Law & Alcohol Liability Cases - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Social Host Alcohol Liability

Massachusetts Workers Compensation Litigation Massachusetts Workers

Massachusetts Workers Compensation Litigation

Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Violation Hearings Massachusetts Traffic Violations - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Violation Hearings

Massachusetts Drug Offense Cases Massachusetts Drug Charges - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Drug Offense Cases

Massachusetts OUI/DUI Charges Massachusetts OUI & DUI Charges - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts OUI/DUI Charges

Massachusetts Clerk-Magistrate Hearings Massachusetts Clerk-Magistrate Hearings - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Clerk-Magistrate Hearings

Massachusetts Larceny & Theft Crimes Charges Massachusetts Larceny & Theft Crimes - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Larceny & Theft Crimes Charges

Massachusetts Kidnapping Charges Massachusetts Kidnapping Charges - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Kidnapping Charges

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Charges Massachusetts Domestic Violence Charges - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Domestic Violence Charges

Massachusetts College Student Arrests Massachusetts College Student Arrests - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts College Student Arrests

Massachusetts Bail Hearings Massachusetts Bail Hearings - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Bail Hearings

Massachusetts Assault & Battery Charges Massachusetts Assault & Battery Cases - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Assault & Battery Charges

Massachusetts Gun & Firearms Law Massachusetts Assault & Battery Cases - Attorney William D. Kickham

Massachusetts Gun & Firearms Law

Westwood Office:
119 Fisher Street, Suite One
Westwood, Massachusetts 02090 
Boston Office:
101 Federal Street, Suite 1900
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110
Phone: 781.320.0062 Fax: 781.320.0062 Mobile: 617.285.3600 
Email: Bill@kickhamlegal.com William D. Kickham - Personal Injury Attorney, Boston

Westwood Office: 119 Fisher Street, Suite One Westwood, Massachusetts 02090 Boston Office: 101 Federal Street, Suite 1900 Boston, Massachusetts, 02110 Phone: 781.320.0062 Fax: 781.320.0062 Mobile: 617.285.3600 Email: Bill@kickhamlegal.com

Contact & Map
William D. Kickham
Westwood
119 Fisher Street Suite 1
Westwood, MA 02090
Telephone: (781) 320-0062
Cell: (617) 285-3600
Fax: (617) 977-5800