LGBTQ Rights

Attorney Jellison named as one of the 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40

Attorney Jellison was recently named as one of the 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. This recognition is given to attorneys “under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their field and have demonstrated a profound commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.” Attorney Jellison was the author of the arguments that established sexual orientation as a protected class under the Massachusetts constitution and banned discriminatory peremptory strikes on the basis of sexual orientation. Beyond the courtroom, Attorney Jellison is Co-Chair of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, is its liaison to the Superior Court, and was the co-chair of its Committee for Transgender Inclusion from 2014-2020. She is also a member of the SJC Standing Committee on Lawyer Wellbeing's Subcommittee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Small and Medium Size Firms.

We could not be prouder to have her co-lead our firm.

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Landmark Ruling Banning Discrimination Against LGBTQ and Black Jurors

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On August 16, 2021, Attorney Nathanson along with Attorney Jellison convinced the Supreme Judicial Court to issue a landmark ruling banning discrimination against LGBTQ and Black jurors in jury selection. Attorney Nathanson and Attorney Jellison convinced the SJC to go beyond its Goodridge gay marriage decision and rule that LGBTQ persons are part of a constitutionally protected class. Further, the SJC reversed our clients’ convictions because the trial judge failed to protect Black jurors from discrimination. The judge repeatedly ruled that there were enough Black jurors on the jury, so the prosecutor was not discriminating in striking other Black jurors. But in heavily minority communities like Boston, this is an open invitation to discrimination by allowing just enough Black jurors onto the jury and excluding all others, even if they are qualified. In a strong concurrence, SJC Justice Lowy argued that prosecutors should always have to explain their juror strikes if a defendant objects. A powerful and persuasive amicus brief was filed by GLAD, Black and Pink MA, and the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Racial Justice.