Press Release: Katherine Garrahan, Bowditch & Dewey, Named President of MetroWest Legal Services Board

September 1, 2020

Ms. Garrahan to Champion MWLS’ Mission to Provide Equal Justice for All, Regardless of Income

Framingham and Worcester, MA—September 1, 2020—Attorney Katherine Garrahan, Partner, Bowditch & Dewey, has been named President of the Board of MetroWest Legal Services (MWLS)—a nonprofit organization providing pro bono advocacy for the poor, elderly and disabled in communities within Middlesex, Worcester and Norfolk counties. She succeeds Outgoing President Jack Merrill, Partner, Kushner Sanders Ravinal, who will remain on the board.

“It is an honor to assume this position as the fallout from COVID-19 exerts new pressures on Massachusetts’ most vulnerable citizens,” said Ms. Garrahan, who focuses on real estate and permitting at Bowditch. “It is such an honor to serve with Jack and the dedicated team of board members actively engaged in furthering the mission of MWLS. Through MWLS, we will continue to encourage the legal community to double down in its efforts to meet our neighbors’ basic needs for shelter, safety, and justice.”

Ms. Garrahan, who was formerly board Vice President, has been part of the MWLS volunteer leadership team since she began her legal career. She and her Bowditch colleagues regularly champion MWLS clients in key areas such as housing and family law.

Executive Director Elizabeth Soulé stated “Jack’s thoughtful leadership has helped MWLS overcome many challenges and grow to meet client needs over the last 12 years. We thank him for his great partnership. Kathy’s proven commitment to MWLS and experience leading high-performing nonprofit boards are key to meeting client needs at this difficult and critical time.”

A former social worker with a lifelong commitment to public service, Ms. Garrahan is also on the Board of Directors, MetroWest Medical Center; Immediate Past Chair, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce; and Director, Clerk and Leadership in Diversity Awards Steering Committee Member, Alliance for MetroWest Unity, Inc.

She holds a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law, a joint master’s degree in social work and public health from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the College of the Holy Cross.

About Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

Bowditch is a highly regarded law firm handling sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory issues for businesses, families and institutions throughout Massachusetts, the region and beyond.

With more than 60 lawyers seamlessly connected in three strategic Massachusetts offices – Boston, Framingham and Worcester – Bowditch is a preeminent law firm, deep in the areas of business and finance, real estate and environmental, litigation, employment and labor, and estate and tax planning, delivering outstanding client satisfaction and big-firm quality legal services.

About MetroWest Legal Services

MetroWest Legal Services provides free civil legal aid to low-income people and victims of crime who would be denied justice without our help. Its priority practice areas include: Family Law, Housing, Homeless Advocacy, Government Benefits (including Social Security), Education, Elder Law & Immigration. Learn more about this work, and find volunteer and donation opportunities on the MWLS website.