Attorney Profiles

Karen R. Ristuben serves "Of Counsel" to the firm, primarily providing support in medical malpractice cases. At Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, medical malpractice cases go through a rigorous work-up, which includes analysis of the patient's records, research of the applicable medical literature and consultation with experts to determine whether and in what way a medical provider may have deviated from professional standards. Understanding the medical issues is of critical importance. Ristuben's widespread contacts in the medical community enable her to call upon the expertise of numerous practicing physicians and medical academics.

Ristuben joined Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow as a legal assistant and paralegal coordinator soon after the firm was founded in 1985. She attended Suffolk University Law School at night, attaining the singular distinction of being the first female night student to be named as editor-in-chief of the law review. After her graduation in 1987, Ristuben continued at the firm as an attorney, handling a variety of personal injury cases but ultimately finding her niche in cases involving medical issues.

Ristuben has chaired the Massachusetts Bar Association's Health Law Section and co-chaired the board of directors of the Center for Health Care Negotiation. The Center operates a medical liability mediation project developed by the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society, with Ristuben's help. In addition, Ristuben has been trained as a mediator concentrating in health care dispute resolution.