About Sean

Sean Carnathan practices business law in Burlington, Massachusetts. He has been a prominent figure in the legal community since founding his firm in 2004. The firm specializes in business law, appeals and appellate matters, and insurance claims, serving clients across Massachusetts and neighboring states. He earned his J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law in 1990, following a B.A. in English Literature from Bowdoin College in 1982.

Sean furthered his education with an LL.M. in Intellectual Property from Harvard Law School in 1997. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his diverse legal practice, particularly in areas intersecting with business and intellectual property. Sean's career began as a law clerk in 1993, which provided him with inexperience in legal research and court procedures. He transitioned to an associate role shortly after, and by 1998, he had become a junior partner. His rise through the ranks supports his his clients and the legal profession.

He has been a partner since 2003, and his leadership has guided the firm through various complex cases. Most of his work involves navigating the details of business law, including contract disputes and corporate governance. He also handles appeals and appellate cases, where his extensive knowledge of the law proves beneficial. Insurance claims are another significant aspect of his practice, where he advocates for clients facing disputes with insurance providers. Cases typically involve negotiations, litigation, and, when necessary, appeals to higher courts. Sean is an active member of several legal associations, including the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association.

He serves as a Senior Fellow with the Litigation Counsel of America and holds a position as a Hearing Officer with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. His involvement in these organizations reflects his dedication to upholding the standards of the legal profession and contributing to the legal community. In addition to his professional commitments, Sean is known for his mentorship of young lawyers and his participation in various legal education initiatives. His experience and insights are invaluable to those entering the field. He continues to advocate for his clients with diligence and integrity, making a significant impact in the areas of business law and beyond.

Education

Harvard Law School

LL.M. (1997) | Intellectual Property

1996

University of Maine School of Law

J.D. (1993) | Law

1990

Bowdoin College

B.A. (1986) | English Literature

1982

Languages

English (Spoken)

Experience

Founder, Partner

O Connor, Carnathan and Mack, LLC
2004

Partner

Rubin, Hay & Gould
2003

Associate, Junior Partner

WilmerHale (then Hale and Dorr LLP)
1998

Ames Fellow

Harvard Law School
1997

Associate

Lambert Coffin
1994

Law Clerk

Maine Supreme Judicial Court
1993

Accepted Jurisdictions

New Hampshire
Maine
Massachusetts

Court Admissions

New Hampshire Supreme Court State Supreme Court
Maine Supreme Judicial Court State Supreme Court
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court State Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

business law appeals insurance claims

Legal Services Scope

Negotiations Litigation Appeals

Professional Associations

Massachusetts Bar Association

has membership Current

Boston Bar Association

has membership Current

Litigation Counsel of America

Senior Fellow Current

Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers

Hearing Officer 2015 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 1 Van de Graaff Dr. Suite 104 Burlington MA 01803