Gregory S. Paonessa

Partner
Greg advises clients in the Automotive industry as part of ArentFox Schiff’s nationally ranked and recognized Automotive group.
Gregory Paonessa Portrait

Greg represents clients from individuals and startups to large corporations in complex business disputes in state and federal courts. He also engages in various alternative dispute resolution processes when that method can resolve a matter more efficiently.

Greg specializes in counseling clients in the automotive sector in various types of disputes, including but not limited to government investigations, buy-sell transactions gone bad, manufacturer terminations, and general commercial litigation issues and disputes. In addition, Greg has extensive experience resolving disputes concerning real estate, construction, employment, and debt-finance transactions.

Greg begins each client engagement by assessing the advisability of litigation, providing clients with a holistic assessment and strategy to achieve their immediate and long-term goals and best interests. He recognizes that at times, that may mean not pursuing a matter even when the client truly was wronged because the cost-benefit analysis makes it clear that doing nothing is the best course of action.

Some matters that come to him, known as “bet the company” litigations, are significant enough that the client’s entire business could be at risk if the dispute goes against the client. In these cases, Greg strives to shoulder this burden for them, encouraging them to concentrate on improving their business while he handles the legalities.

Client Work

Greg’s representative matters include:

  • Represented automotive dealer-client in litigation concerning purchase of another dealer’s assets and real property after the seller attempted to backout of the transaction, securing the assets and real property for his client prior to trial.
  • Represented dealer-client in multiple manufacturer terminations.
  • Represented multiple dealer-clients in defense of employment wage and hour class action disputes arising out of Sullivan v. Sleepy’s LLC, 482 Mass. 227 (2019).
  • Represented secured lender in dispute with borrower to obtain first receivership over a cannabis operator in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to allow for sale of assets to recover debts owed.

Previous Work

Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, Greg was a partner at a mid-sized boutique firm in Boston where he handled business litigation and dispute resolution matters.

Greg's background in both legal practice and construction, as part of a family business in excavation construction and drilling and blasting, provides him with unique insights, making him especially effective when representing clients of all sizes. Drawing from his prior professional experience, Greg understands the significant impact of litigation on a business, and he uses that insight to guide his clients in their decision-making.

Publications & Recognitions

Publications

Greg’s publications include :

  • "Vacationing While on FMLA Leave is Not Grounds for Termination” In-House Advisor, author (2019)
  • “Be Sure to Clearly Define the Grounds for Disqualifying An Independent Appraisal Because the Court May Not Do It For You” In-House Advisor, author (2019)
  • “A Tale of Two Cities: Retrospective and Prospective Views of the Big Dig and Megaproject Delivery,” ACEC/MA Insights, co-author (2016)
  • “Resentful Homeowner Lacks Reliance and Proper Timing,” Design & Construction Management Professional Reporter, author (Sept. 2016)
  • “Project Management Firm Has No Implied Duty to Ensure the Safety of Subcontractor’s Employees,” Design & Construction Management Professional Reporter, author (Sept. 2015)
  • “The Mechanic’s Lien–Are You Protected?” New England Law Review, author (2014); Reprinted Legal Handbook for Architects, Engineers and Contractors, Albert H. Dib (2015)

Recognitions

 

Greg has been recognized with the following honors and awards:

  • CALI Award of Excellence – Insurance Law, 2013
  • Executive Comment & Note Editor, New England Law Review

Professional Activities

Greg is a member of the Boston Bar Association, the New Hampshire Bar Association and the National Association of Dealer Counsel.

Life Beyond the Law

Outside of work, Greg enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids and their dog either at the beach, the lake or in the mountains.

Perspectives