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Thomas Merrigan

Partner

Thomas T. Merrigan, partner at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP, is a legal luminary with over four decades of experience. Renowned for securing landmark verdicts and recognized as one of Massachusetts’ “Most Powerful” attorneys, he specializes in personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal defense cases. Additionally, Tom is a trained mediator with certifications from top institutions, ensuring effective negotiation and facilitation.

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Introduction

Hon. Thomas T. Merrigan (Ret.) is a partner in Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP, with offices located in Boston, Falmouth and Greenfield, Massachusetts.  Tom has been practicing law in Massachusetts since 1976 and has successfully handled a broad spectrum of legal cases. In addition to his strong background as a litigator, he also brings twelve years of experience as retired First Justice in the Orange District Court, serving from 1990 to 2002, and as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the District Court from 1994 to 2002.  Judge Merrigan recently obtained the largest civil verdict in Franklin County, MA history, and the largest sexual assault verdict in the state of Massachusetts, when a jury returned a verdict in the amount of $10,000,000.00 for his client, a survivor of sexual assault.

As a recipient of the Warren Burger Award, “Trial Court Judge of the Year,” Attorney Merrigan has a rare skill-set when it comes to knowing his way around the court room.  During his time on the bench, he received numerous awards and honors for his innovations in court and community collaboration, public trust and confidence in the judiciary and work in substance abuse.

In addition to his leadership as a judge, Boston injury lawyer Thomas T. Merrigan is also recognized by the legal community as a dynamic litigator, headlining Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly as one of the States “Most Powerful” attorneys.  His practice is devoted to handling complex litigation cases personal injury, wrongful death, construction accidents, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, products liability, and worker’s compensation cases.  Attorney Merrigan also represents clients in complex business and other civil litigation, professional licensure cases, and criminal defense.

Thomas T. Merrigan is also a trained mediator with certificates from the National Justice College, the Harvard Law School Negotiation Project, Program of Instruction for Lawyers, and the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program.  He has a unique set of negotiation and facilitation skills that aid him in arbitrations, mediations, and trials.

Tom graduated from Deerfield Academy and received his B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, spending his junior year at the University of Nottingham. He attended the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he graduated in 1976.

Areas of Practice

Education

  • University of Kentucky College of Law
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Deerfield Academy

Litigation Percentage

  • 85% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
  • 10% of Practice Devoted to Corporate Counsel
  • 5%   of Practice Devoted to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Bar Admissions

  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • United States District Court, Massachusetts
  • United States District Court, Vermont
  • First Circuit Court of Appeals

HONORS & AWARDS

  • 2023 Best Lawyers in America – Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
  • 2018 – 2022 Massachusetts “Super Lawyer”
  • Recipient “Trial Court Judge of the Year” Warren Burger Award, National Center for State Courts, 2000
  • Achievement in Restorative Justice Award, 2001
  • Headlined in Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly as one of the states “Most Powerful” attorneys, December 2009
The Sweeney Merrigan Lawyers are so kind and friendly! The staff was so welcoming and accommodating to my family! They helped us so much!
Adrianna Davis

Adrianna Davis

August 20, 2025

I met the Sweeney Merrigan team at a local fair and they were very friendly and welcoming. They were handing out free backpacks and taking time to talk with people in the community. Really appreciate their generosity and support—it left me with a very positive impression of their firm.
Yuxin Tan

Yuxin Tan

August 20, 2025

Primarily working with Heather and Erin, the Sweeney Merrigan team stayed with me through a long and unique case. It was my first experience needing a legal team. Heather and Erin could always explain where we were in the process and what my options were along the way. I don’t want to get hurt again, but if I do, I know who I’m calling.
Berkley Stevens

Berkley Stevens

August 14, 2025

I give Sweeney Merrigan a five star rating they are awesome 👍 give their team a chance to get you what you deserve
Donald J. Santosuosso

Donald J. Santosuosso

August 12, 2025

Sweeney Merrigan Law—and especially our attorney, Erin—went above and beyond for our family during one of the most difficult times of our lives. Erin handled my daughter’s personal injury case with exceptional skill, care, and dedication. From the very beginning, Erin treated us like more than just clients—she listened, guided us every step of the way, and truly understood what our family was going through. Her professionalism and relentless commitment to achieving justice were evident in everything she did. Thanks to Erin and the entire Sweeney Merrigan team, we felt supported and protected throughout the entire process. She fought tirelessly for my daughter and secured a result that will have a lasting positive impact on her future. We are forever grateful for Erin’s compassion, expertise, and unwavering advocacy. I would highly recommend Erin and Sweeney Merrigan Law to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney who truly cares about their clients and delivers outstanding results.
Daniel Harris

Daniel Harris

August 5, 2025

I had an excellent experience with Sweeney Merrigan Lawyers. Ryan Hawkins was my personal attorney. He showed exceptional profesionalism and expertise when working with me. He was quick to answer the phone/email if i had any questions. He was very thorough with communication and guidance. I can’t thank him and his team enough. I would reccomend them to anyone.
Doug Poole

Doug Poole

June 24, 2025

I can’t say enough about Sweeney Merrigan law firm, from getting tossed aside by that other nation wide law firm Morgan and Morgan because my case wasn’t beneficial to their business is what they told me, Erin at Sweeney Merrigan achieved getting me the maximum amount of what I was insured for after a couple of texts and a couple of phone calls so easy,I know what firm is actually FOR THE PEOPLE I recommend highly Sweeney Merrigan they fight for their clients it’s obvious to me!
Rick Cameron

Rick Cameron

June 19, 2025

Awesome team over at Sweeney Merrigan!
Edward Astanin

Edward Astanin

May 15, 2025

Sweeney Merrigan is an amazing choice if you are looking for legal representation in the area. They are not scared of fighting on your behalf against any insurance companies, no matter how big they are. They do not back down, and fight for your rights to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Thank you guys, I recommend them 5/5.
Jennifer Thompson

Jennifer Thompson

April 15, 2025

Sweeney Merrigan and staff are AWESOME!!
Dave “Xyooj” Xiong

Dave “Xyooj” Xiong

April 14, 2025

I originally highered a top notch personal injury law Attorney for my personal injury case. After 8 months of holding my case Morgan and Morgan dropped me? I called Sweeney Merrigans office and I was taken in as a client immediately. Maggie was unbelievable and the constant contact reassuring me about every step. It didn’t take very long to settle the case (less then a year) and the turn around for payment. Please don’t hesitate to call Sweeney Merrigan for all questions and personal injury cases. You will be happy you did.
Sandy Stewart

Sandy Stewart

April 2, 2025

I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the attorneys and team here at Sweeney Merrigan in Nashua. They understand the complexities and hardships that a personal injury brings on an individual, and it shows in all they do for their clients. If you really want a personal injury attorney that has the best in mind for you, then you have come to the right place.
Jazmine Green

Jazmine Green

March 17, 2025

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