Paul W. Carey

Paul is a partner in the firm's Creditors' Rights, Bankruptcy and Reorganization Group where he concentrates his practice on creditors' rights, bankruptcy and business reorganization matters.

Paul has extensive experience with bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings and litigation, representing creditors, debtors, creditors' committees, trustees, and receivers.  He represents borrowers, lenders, and other creditors in out-of-court loan restructurings, receiverships, assignments for the benefit of creditors, and the purchase and sale of distressed businesses.

Paul has received an AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics.  Paul has been named a Massachusetts "Super Lawyer" by Boston magazine and Law & Politics every year since 2005 and was named one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts in 2018 and 2019.  Paul was included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Paul has been recognized on several occasions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts’ Pro Bono Honor Roll.

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
  • Suffolk University Law School JD, cum laude (1994)
  • Fairfield University BA (1990)
  • Represented construction company in 8-day trial in the Bankruptcy Court to enforce mechanic’s lien against sports complex
  • Represented the debtor, a publicly traded restaurant chain, in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy resulting in a confirmed plan
  • Represented numerous landlords in many of the nation’s most prominent retail bankruptcies including Bed Bath & Beyond, Brooks Brothers, Pier 1, Linens ‘N Things, Sharper Image, Ritz Camera, Aeropostale, Gymboree and Toys “R” Us
  • Represented the senior lender in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of a regional construction company
  • Represented the senior secured lender in the bankruptcy of the nation’s largest guarantor of private student loans

Awards

  • Pro Bono Publico Award, Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court, Central Division, 2014

Publications/Presentations

  • "New England Bankruptcy Law Conference," Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (2014-2023) (co-chair)
  • "New England Bankruptcy Law Conference," Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (2013) (panelist)
  • "Current Issues in Commercial Leasing," American Bankruptcy Institute Northeast Conference (2008) (panelist)
  • "Bankruptcy Court Determines When a Loan Is Not a Loan," Banker & Tradesman, February 10, 2003 (co-author)
  • "Massachusetts Homestead Act Requires Remodeling," Banker & Tradesman, December 9, 2002
  • "The New Article 9 of the UCC," Boston Bar Association (2001) (panelist)
  • "Homestead Act Protection Leaves Debtors, Creditors in Limbo," Banker & Tradesman, March 23, 1998
  • "Seminole and Eleventh Amendment Immunity," American Bankruptcy Institute Northeast Conference (1997) (panelist)

Professional / Community Affiliations

  • American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Worcester County Bar Association
  • Boston Bar Association
  • Cornerstone Bank, Board of Directors
  • Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts, Board of Directors (2007-2013)
  • Town of Upton Planning Board
  • Town of Upton Community Preservation Committee