2025 Chapter Officers
Peter B. McGlynn
Peter B. McGlynn is a trial lawyer and chair of the Trial Department at Bernkopf. During his four-plus decades as a trial lawyer, Peter has tried in excess of 150 cases in over 20 states. Peter has been described by several of his peers as the lawyer’s version of St. Jude – the “patron saint of desperate causes and lost causes” – for taking on challenging and allegedly “unwinnable” cases.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peter served as a legal advisor to real estate developers, construction users, restaurants, and retail establishments on the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions and moratoria and on potential bases for recovery for COVID-19 damages..
A highly sought-after speaker, Peter regularly presents on litigation, real estate development, construction, bankruptcy and surety law to numerous organizations, including the Boston Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Engineering Societies of New England, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, New England Law Institute, the Northeast Construction Expo., the Construction SuperConference™, National Academy of Forensic Engineers, the Associated General Contractors, ALI/ABA, Lorman Education Services, Halfmoon Education Inc., Thompson Reuters and the American Bankruptcy Institute..
Passionate about teaching, Peter has lectured on construction law and litigation at Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and the University of Wisconsin. Peter is also the founder of the New England Construction & Real Estate Risk Management Conference™, an annual conference focusing on effective ways to manage risk on construction and real estate development projects..
John P. Graceffa
John P. Graceffa has more than thirty-nine years of appellate practice, trial practice and civil litigation experience. He represents insurance companies, insureds and self-insureds. John has represented clients in a broad range of subject matters including construction defect claims, construction accidents, bad faith litigation, coverage issues, fraud issues and mass torts. John also has many noteworthy accomplishments, honors and awards including having argued in excess of fifty appeals in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and Appeals Court, Rhode Island Supreme Court and Connecticut Supreme Court, First Circuit Court of Appeals. John was also selected by his peers to The Best Lawyers in America© in Insurance Law and Construction Litigation guides (2018-2025) as well as the Massachusetts Super Lawyers magazine list in Insurance Coverage (2009–2019).
Dana A. Zakarian (National Representative)
Dana Zakarian is a partner at Smith Duggan Buell & Rufo, LLP where his practice includes business litigation, employment law, trade secrets, unfair and deceptive trade practices, construction, antitrust and personal injury. Dana has obtained significant victories for clients both prosecuting and defending these claims. Dana takes pride in providing his clients with the highest level of service while helping them achieve their objectives in a targeted and cost-efficient manner.
Dana has mentored many aspiring trial attorneys throughout his practice and has contributed to continuing legal education courses in the area of trial practice. He also enjoys judging Mock Trial competitions at his alma mater.
Dana has been recognized by peers and voted a Massachusetts Super Lawyer - Rising Star from 2007-2012, in addition to achieving Martindale Hubbell’s AV preeminent rating. Before joining Smith Duggan Buell & Rufo LLP in 2021, Dana practiced at Nystrom, Beckman & Paris, LLP and Goodwin. Dana earned a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 1998.