Civil litigation, business and employment disputes, government enforcement and compliance.
Business and employment disputes: Neal has tried cases before the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and litigated numerous matters in Massachusetts state courts. His trial experience includes litigation involving contract claims, employee non-compete agreements, healthcare litigation, and intellectual property issues.
Government enforcement actions and compliance investigations: In his government enforcement practice, Neal has defended companies and individuals against allegations brought by federal and state attorneys general, including allegations of fraud, data security breaches, and campaign finance abuses. Over the past ten years, he has conducted numerous compliance investigations into potential violations of law, regulations, and internal corporate policies.
Government relations: As a government relations strategist, Neal has advised clients on lobbying and campaign finance laws, and helped build relationships with lawmakers and other public officials.
Civil rights and pro bono work: As a civil rights attorney, Neal has successfully prosecuted a series of landmark cases that advanced the rights of institutionalized persons in Massachusetts, earning him the Pro Bono Publico Award from the American Bar Association, a national award given to an attorney “who has enhanced the human dignity of others by providing volunteer legal services to the poor and disadvantaged.”
Recognition, awards and media appearances: In addition to the ABA Pro Bono Publico Award, Neal was honored recently as one of the country's “Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40” by the National LGBT Bar Association and an “Up and Coming Lawyer" by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. For the past six years, Neal has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine.
Neal is a regular public speaker on a variety of topics, including healthcare, workplace diversity, prison policy, and civil rights. In 2013, he presented to the Senate Democratic Caucus at the U.S. Capitol on LGBT rights. Neal has been a featured legal expert for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, USA Today, and CNN's "OutFront with Erin Burnett."
Community and public service: As a community leader and advocate, Neal serves as President of the Board of BAGLY, Inc., which supports, empowers, and advocates for the LGBT youth of Massachusetts. He also serves as Chair of the MassEqualtiy Political Action Committee, which endorses and supports pro-equality candidates for public office. Neal has previously served on the board of the Massachusetts LGBT Bar Association, as a Commissioner on the GLBT Commission for the City of Cambridge, and on various state and federal campaign committees.